Nothing can be as exciting as getting a new puppy, but keeping them healthy is a different story. Deworming is an essential part of  puppy care , and intestinal worms are a frequent problem in puppies that can become serious health problems if not checked. A routine puppy deworming schedule helps prevent worm infestations, ensuring a healthy and happy life for your little furry friend.

This guide provides a comprehensive scope of the reasons for deworming, scheduling of the process step by step, symptoms caused by worms, and some valuable tips on keeping your puppy free from parasites.

Also read , Tips for Optimal Health and Wellness 

It's the removal of worms, which are living in the puppy's gut, through the use of medication. They might have entered the puppy's body in various ways: by infected food and water, soil, or even from the mother puppy before birth or during breastfeeding. Deworming is the giving of anthelmintic drugs in cycles to remove, and prevent infestation by worms, and ensure your puppy is healthy in general.

Deworming is an integral constituent of any complete pet care scheme because intestinal parasites induce malnutrition, growth problems, and even serious medical complications. As puppies are more prone to infection, following a schedule of regular deworming prevents the infantile system from further vulnerability and keeps them strong and active.

Puppies are susceptible to intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. The worms can be obtained through milk from the mother, contaminated soil, or infected feces. These worms can lead to malnutrition, poor growth, digestive problems, and more severe complications if not treated immediately.

Regular deworming helps:

• Prevent gastrointestinal discomfort and malnutrition: Intestinal worms feed on vital nutrients, hence malnourishment, bloating, diarrhea, and poor health. Deworming assures that your puppy's digestive system is free of parasites, therefore proper digestion, and nutrient assimilation.

• Strengthen the immune system: A worm-free puppy has a stronger immune system, which fights infections and keeps the body healthy. Infestations by worms can make a puppy more susceptible to illnesses due to weakened immunity.

• Reduce the chance of transmission to other pets and humans: Some of the worms can be transferred from dogs to other pets and even humans. Roundworms and hookworms are infamous for such a transfer, causing health problems. Regular deworming will prevent cross-contamination and keep the environment safe for everyone at home.

• Promote overall well-being and growth: Deworming contributes to healthy weight gain, proper development, and a more active and playful puppy. A parasite-free digestive system allows your puppy to thrive and grow without interference from worms.

• Ensure optimal nutrient absorption for healthy development: Puppies require a lot of nutrients and worms will intervene with their absorptions of critical vitamins and minerals. Deworming your puppy ensures they take all the nutrition needed for adequate bone, muscles, and body organ growth.

A non-dewormed puppy with heavy infestations can exhibit some very dreadful life-threatening disease states like anaemia, complete intestinal block and a decrease in immune abilities. Deworming at certain regular time scales helps ensure optimal pup health as well.

Most Important Part of Rearing a Healthy Puppy Deworming Intestinal parasites in pups affect growth and digestion, alongside general well-being. By use of a well-controlled deworming plan, worms will thus be expelled before they grow fully and reproduce as adults, ensuring that no devastating infestation becomes established.

2 Weeks of Age

• Puppies should be dewormed when they are about two weeks old because they can acquire worms from their mother. This occurred during gestation or even when nursing.

• The most common dewormers include pyrantel pamoate and fenbendazole . They target the most common intestinal worms.

• It effectively kills roundworms and hookworms, which are the most common parasites found in newborn puppies. Such worms are dangerous and lead to severe diseases if not treated.

• At this stage, worm infestations cause digestive distress, weight loss, bloating, and anemia, so timely deworming is essential for proper growth and development.

• The puppies are most vulnerable at this stage, and maintaining a clean and sanitary environment can prevent re-infestation.

4 Weeks of Age

• A deworming repeat is required after a few weeks to eliminate all the remaining and newly acquired parasites from the primary treatment.

• When the puppy is still nursing, ensure that the mother is also dewormed to avoid re-infection as puppies can get parasites through the milk.

• Check your puppy for signs of worms, such as a swollen abdomen, poor appetite, diarrhea, or vomiting, which may suggest a heavy worm burden.

• Some breeders and veterinarians suggest initiating fecal tests at this stage so that the presence of specific parasites can be known and treated appropriately.

• Keeping the living space of the puppy clean, including the beddings and feeding areas, reduces the risk of reinfestation.

• At this stage, puppies are highly vulnerable. Keeping their living space clean helps prevent re-infestation.

6-8 Weeks of Age

• The deworming schedule of puppies should be twice a week up until they are 8 weeks old so that any newly acquired or surviving worms are destroyed before they mature.

• Introduce the broad-spectrum dewormer which should target all of the several parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and even whipworms.

• Worm infestations can weaken the immune system, interfere with nutrient absorption, and lead to stunted growth, making deworming at this stage essential for overall health.

• This is a critical stage since if worms are not addressed, it may result in parasitic resistance and chronic infestation that requires stronger forms of treatment later on.

• At this point, puppies start to become more venturesome with their surroundings, thus getting higher potential exposure from contaminants in soil, water, or feces, so keeping the area clean becomes important.

12 Weeks of Age

• At three months, deworming treatment needs to be continued to disrupt the life cycle of the parasites further.

• Routine fecal testing begins at this point to monitor levels of parasites present and ensure deworming treatment is effective enough to eliminate worms.

• Some specific parasites, for example, Giardia and Coccidia, require treatment beyond the normal deworming agents since they are microscopic entities that cause grave digestive problems.

• Puppies that spend time outdoors, in dog parks, or around other animals should be monitored closely for signs of worms.

• If a puppy continues to experience diarrhea or vomiting after deworming, a veterinarian should be consulted to rule out other gastrointestinal issues.

16 Weeks of Age

• Administer the deworming again on fecal test results to ensure that your puppy remains free of parasites.

• You should seek a consultation with a veterinarian for adjustments in the treatment plan if there's a history of recurrent infestations in the puppy.

• More treatments may be required for puppies with high exposure risks, such as those having outdoor access, visiting dog parks, or living in a multi-pet household.

• Continue to look out for signs that may include weight loss, lethargy, scooting, or excessive licking of the anus, which indicate the presence of worms.

• Good hygiene practices will also prevent reinfestation through regular cleaning of food bowls, washing bedding, and proper elimination of feces.

6 Months & 12 Months of Age

• Continue deworming every 3 to 6 months throughout the puppy's first year according to the exposure of the puppy to possible parasites.

• Heartworm, roundworm, tapeworm, and whipworm can be prevented due to the predomination of other worms at certain ages of a dog's life.

• Medications for heartworm prevention should begin because heartworms are delivered through mosquito bites and cause major heart and lung disease if they are not inhibited.

• Ensure your puppy has a regular preventive care program. This may include routine vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and check-ups at the vet for general health.

• Parasite prevention can be consistent if the fecal exams are periodic, hygiene is good, and contaminated areas are reduced.

• Some breeds are more susceptible to parasitic infections, so breed-specific risks and prevention methods are advisable to be discussed with the vet.

Understanding the different types of worms in puppies is key to effective prevention and treatment. Every type of worm has some specific characteristics and health risks that it poses, as follows:

1. Roundworms: These are the most common parasites found in puppies. These worms look just like spaghetti. Roundworms cause bloating, poor growth, and vomiting. Puppies get roundworms from the mother or contaminated soil.

2. Hookworms: Thin, small-sized worms attach and feed on blood in the inner lining of the intestines, often causing severe diarrhea and anemia. Puppies are infected mainly through contaminated soils, ingestion or even mother milk.

3. Tapeworms: These can be transmitted by fleas, and these are in rice grain forms. They lead to itching, digestive disorders, and further weight loss. Tapeworm infestations cannot be prevented without proper flea control.

4. Whipworms: These worms live within the large intestine, and infections can cause chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration. Whipworms are not as easy to find because their eggs do not always appear in a fecal test.

5. Heartworms: Since heartworms are transmitted from mosquito bites and target the heart and lungs, heartworm diseases can be life-threatening if they are not medicated. Keep your puppy free of heartworm diseases by installing monthly heartworm preventatives.

Also read: Symptoms of Worms in Cats: Detection, Treatment, and Prevention Guide

Identifying the presence of a worm infestation in puppies is very important as it helps to intervene on time. If left untreated, worms may cause other serious health conditions that affect the growth and development of a puppy. Some of the common signs that may indicate your puppy has worms are:

• Bloated Abdomen: An inflated or enlarged belly is one of the primary symptoms of infestation by worms, especially among younger puppies.

• Diarrhea or Vomiting: Frequent loose stools containing worms and associated with vomiting might be an indicator of intestinal parasites.

• Weight Loss Despite Good Appetite: If your puppy is eating great but still losing weight, then worms are most likely stealing those nutrients from the body.

• Visible Worms in Stool or around the anus: Some types of worms such as tapeworms and roundworms may be observable in your puppy's stool or even around his rear end.

• Dull Coat and General Lousy Condition: A Healthy puppy shall have a shiny and smooth coat. If your puppies have dull, rough, or unhealthy fur, there is a chance that worms are impairing their nutritional intake.

For more information, read Is Your Dog in Danger? Quick Tips for Spotting and Handling Poisoning: A Must-Read for Pet Parents

If you notice any of these symptoms, taking your puppy to the veterinarian for a fecal examination and proper deworming treatment is very important. If you live in Bangalore you can visit Supertails+ Clinic .  This is Bengaluru’s first pet clinic with Fear-Free Certified Vets, we provide expert guidance on vaccinations and health checks. 

The most vital preventive measure so that your puppy grows up healthy strong and safe from worms is prevention. The following are the essential preventions to take.

• Follow a regular deworming schedule. This is deworming that is done in regular intervals that the veterinarian prescribed for your puppy. Consistency will eliminate all existing parasites while preventing reinfection.

• Keep the living spaces and bedding clean: Clean the bedding, toys, and living areas of your puppy regularly to prevent exposure to worms. Proper waste disposal and sanitation reduce the chances of transmission of worms.

• Provide your puppy with fresh, clean water and the best quality of dog food available in order to strengthen its immunity. Worm infestation is a very common condition and often originates from contaminated food and water.

• Keep Your Puppy Away from Contaminated Areas: Do not let your puppy go around dirty yards, dog shelters, and public parks where other animals defecate.

• Regular vet check-ups and fecal tests: Worms can be detected early if your puppy regularly visits the vet for fecal tests. Based on your puppy's lifestyle, your vet will recommend the best deworming and preventive measures.

The best preventive measure in this regard is that your puppy should follow a scheduled deworming program. Intestinal parasites can cause severe health issues in your puppy, but proper hygiene and care from the vet with timely deworming can keep your puppy out of worm infestations. Proper stimulation, a neat environment, and an appropriate and balanced diet mean your puppy gets all the betterment for healthy immune function toward a happy active life. Check with your vet for the recommended deworming and preventive maintenance of your lovely companion. Well-cared healthy puppies are happy puppies because the proper care by a veterinarian at an early stage means your lovable four-footer will be flourishing for years together.

Visit Supertails today for more expert pet care tips and high-quality pet products!

1. What are the side effects of deworming a puppy?

Milder side effects are diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and temporary loss of appetite, up to 24 hours. Symptoms are due to the body removing worms and readjusting to the medication. Rarely, an allergic reaction might be evident, such as excessive drooling or swelling. If symptoms continue for more than a day or worsen, a veterinarian should be consulted.

2. Can humans contract worms from puppies?

Yes, roundworms and hookworms can be passed to humans, especially to young children, or immunocompromised ones. They are transmitted through contact with contaminated soil, feces, and even infected pets. Roundworms may cause organ damage, and hookworms may cause some infections on the skin. Deworming can be obtained when one is washed regularly and hygiene is practiced.

3. If I miss a dose of deworming, what happens?

Missing a dose can be a chance of getting re-infestation and possible health hazards in your puppy. In case you miss it, take it as soon as you can and follow up on the medication schedule. Ongoing missed dosages can have you restarting this treatment course while consulting with the veterinarian. In addition, this will be to ensure timely deworming with protection against all parasites.

4. Should indoor puppies get dewormed?

Yes, indoor puppies can get worms by touching contaminated surfaces, fleas, or infected food. The eggs of worms come in with shoes or other pets or by direct contact with people. Puppies can also get worms from their mother during gestation or through nursing. Regardless of your puppy's home environment, deworming is necessary at regular intervals.