Tell me one thing, pet parents, how does it feel when you discover something in your puppy’s gut which is unexpected? See, we all know that bringing a puppy to the house can be exciting, those cuddles, playful nips, and lots of love are complementary. But sometimes, let's just say accidentally, your puppy can suffer from puppy worms. One common concern for new pet parents, especially Gen Z and millennial dog lovers, is the dreaded topic of worms in puppies . It's a bit gross, but treating it on time can provide you with mental peace.

It is very important for a pet parent to understand the importance of a Puppy worm treatment. That is why we introduce you to the best pet clinic in the city,  Supertails+  , we have the best of the kind facility and are equipped with the best veterinarians in the city. So, worry not if your puppy is suffering from dog worms, we have your back.

But at the same time understanding why puppies get worms, and how to tackle the issue, is crucial for your furry friend's health and happiness. If you are a new pet parent, then this blog is for you.

Mingling on the fact that what are the types of worms in puppies? Puppies are especially vulnerable to parasitic worms due to their developing immune systems. So, here is the breakdown of the common worms and how they get it:

• Roundworms: The most common worms that your puppy will suffer from. Puppies often get these worms from their mother, either it can be from their womb or through their milk. There are also chances that your puppy can ingest roundworm eggs from contaminated soil or feces.

• Hookworms: These critters can usually be transmitted either from their mother’s milk or by ingesting larvae in the environment. These worms latch onto the puppy's intestinal wall and feed on blood and can even penetrate through the skin.

• Whipworms: These worms primarily reside in dogs' large intestines and cecum. They are typically contracted when a dog ingests contaminated soil, water, or food that contains whipworm eggs. Once ingested, the eggs hatch, and the larvae mature into adult worms within the intestinal tract.

• Tapeworms: These worms are transmitted through fleas. It can be transferred when a puppy ingests an infected flea while grooming, or comes in contact with them. If you notice your dog is unable to swallow food or is having problem in digestion, then it can be the reasons that your dog is suffering from tapeworms.

 Also read:  Dog Deworming: How to Prevent and Treat Worms in Dogs  

Now as you have learned about the different types of worms in puppies, it is now the time to learn what can cause worms in puppies. See, there can be various ways in which puppies can be infected with worms. These are:

• Maternal Transmission: There are various ways in which a puppy can get worms from their mother. Worms like roundworms and hookworms can be passed from a pregnant dog to her puppies in the womb. Also, there are chances that worms can get transferred through the mother's milk.

• Environmental Exposure: Puppies are curious, they tend to have a behaviour that includes sniffing and licking. So, there are chances that they can ingest worm eggs or larvae present in the surroundings. Also, they eat things that they shouldn’t, which increases the chance of ingesting worms.

• Ingestion of Infected Fleas: Fleas act as a host for different kinds of worms, especially tapeworms. When you take a puppy for a grooming session, there are chances that your puppy can swallow an infected flea, which can lead to infestation with worms.

• Weakened Immune System: A puppy has a weak immune system, in their growing stage, there are chances that their immune system can’t fight off the parasitic infections. This vulnerability increases the chances of developing heavy worm infestations.

Your puppy will show signs and symptoms if your puppy has worms, that’s why a pet parent needs to learn to recognize the obvious signs and symptoms if your puppies have worms.

• Visible Worms: If you notice small, white, rice-like parasites in your puppy’s stool or around their anus then it is a clear sign that your puppy has worms in poop. If you notice something similar, you should contact your vet or go for a deworming session.

• Pot-Bellied Appearance: If you notice that your puppy’s belly is swollen and has an appearance like a “pot-bellied, then it can indicate a heavy worm infestation. This can be common in young puppies.

• Digestive Disturbance: If your puppy has worms in their stomach, it can irritate the intestinal tract, which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. This will lead to a change in stool consistency and frequency. So, always have a close look at their digestive performance and stool consistency.

• Changes in Coat and Growth: Worms steal all the essential nutrients, which makes the coat look dull and lose its shine. If your puppy has stunted growth and a lackluster coat, then there might be a chance that your puppy is having worms.

• Behavioural Changes: Puppies with worms are always energyless, as energy supplying essential nutrients is used by worms. This makes the puppy lethargic, weak, and less playful than usual. They might also exhibit "scooting," which involves dragging their rear across the ground to relieve itching caused by irritation.

 Know More:  Symptoms of Worms in Cats: A Complete Guide    

Let’s understand the worms with the help of a table.

If your puppy has worms, consult your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will perform a fecal examination and will prescribe puppy worm treatment.

Puppy Worming Tablets: T hese are the most common forms of treatment. Your vet will prescribe a suitable puppy worming tablet based on your puppy's age, weight, and the type of worm.

Liquid Dewormers: If your pet feels uncomfortable in swallowing tablets or doesn’t like tablets, then you can use liquid dewormers. These are easy to administer.

Flea and Worm Treatment for Puppies: You should always opt for flea and worm treatment because if your dog has fleas, then there is a chance that your pet can get infected with worms.

Best Worming Treatment for Puppies: The best worm medicine for puppies is always the one prescribed by your veterinarian. That’s why it is best to contact  Supertails+  , your clinic indeed. Get the best treatment today. Book our appointment now. Also, do not try to diagnose it at home.

 A Purrfect Guide:   Conquering Ring Worms in Dogs: A Comprehensive Pet Guide  

It's not uncommon to see puppy worms after dewormer. This usually means the medication is working, and the worms are being expelled. However, if your puppy still has worms after deworming multiple times, or if they continue to show symptoms, contact your vet. This could indicate resistance to the medication or a more serious underlying issue.

Prevention is better than cure, preventing worms is much easier than treating them. Here are some key preventive measures that you should follow if you have a pet:

• Regular Deworming: Get a deworming schedule from your vet and follow the recommended deworming schedule on a regular basis.

• Flea Control: If you identify fleas in your puppy’s body, it is best to get flea control treatment as soon as you can, as it can be a carrier of worms to your pet’s body. Use a reliable flea preventative to minimize the risk of tapeworms.

• Hygiene: Puppy tends to eat their feces, so it is recommended to promptly clean up your puppy's feces to prevent the spread of worm eggs.

• Environmental Control: The cleaner your environment is, the fewer chances there are to get your puppy worms. So, always try to keep your yard clean and free of feces.

• Regular Vet Checkups: Schedule regular checkups to monitor your puppy's health and detect any potential issues early

How often do you worm a puppy?

Puppies require more frequent deworming than adult dogs due to their vulnerable immune systems and higher risk of contracting parasites from their mothers. A typical deworming schedule involves starting at 2 weeks of age, with treatments every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old. After that, monthly deworming is often recommended until the puppy reaches 6 months of age. Following this initial period, a veterinarian can help establish a personalized deworming schedule, which may involve treatments every 1-3 months based on lifestyle and risk factors. Regular fecal examinations are also crucial to monitor for any signs of parasitic infection and ensure the effectiveness of the deworming protocol.

When do puppies need worming?

Puppies require worming treatments from a very young age, typically starting around two to three weeks old. This early intervention is crucial because puppies can contract worms from their mothers either in the womb or through nursing. A consistent deworming schedule is essential for their developing immune systems. To ensure proper protection, puppies should be dewormed every two weeks until they are three months old, then monthly until they reach six months. After six months, a regular deworming schedule, as recommended by your veterinarian, should be maintained. This proactive approach helps prevent serious health issues and ensures your puppy grows into a healthy, happy dog. Regular veterinary checkups are also important to monitor your puppy’s health and adjust the deworming schedule as needed.

What to do when a puppy vomits worms?

If your puppy vomits worms, it's a clear sign of a significant parasitic infestation requiring immediate veterinary attention. First, carefully collect a sample of the vomit, including the expelled worms, in a sealed container for your vet to analyze. This helps identify the specific type of worm, ensuring targeted treatment. Contact your veterinarian promptly to schedule an appointment. Avoid home remedies or over-the-counter medications, as they may not be effective or could harm your puppy. Your vet will conduct a thorough examination and prescribe the appropriate deworming medication. Following their instructions, including completing the full course of medication and implementing preventative measures like regular deworming and flea control, is crucial for your puppy's recovery.