Dog Deworming: What Is It, Types, Symptoms & Prevention Tips 

Introduction

Have you ever felt like your dog is losing weight, sliding on the floor, or exhibiting symptoms of an upset stomach? It could be worms! Intestinal worms are a common condition in dogs and can harm their health if left unnoticed¹. Following a correct dog deworming routine protects your pet from serious issues while keeping them healthy and active. This article covers everything you need to know about dog deworming, including types of worms, symptoms, schedules, treatment, and prevention tips. 

What is Deworming in Dogs?

Deworming in dogs is the process of giving antihelmintic drugs that kill or remove parasitic worms and eggs from a dog’s body². These worms normally live in the intestines, but there are also some types which live in other organs like the heart, lungs, or blood vessels and cause harm^3,4.

Regular deworming helps: 

• Avoid worm-related infections (and reinfections)  
• Improve digestion and nutrient absorption³ 
• Encourage healthy growth in puppies 
• Reduce the risk of worm transmission to humans and other pets⁵ 
• Maintain your dog’s overall health and well-being³ 

Common Types of Worms and Parasites in Dogs

A variety of parasitic worms can infect dogs. The following are the most common types: 

1. Roundworms

These are the most common types of parasites found in dogs. They are long, spaghetti-like/ tubular parasites that live in the intestines. The roundworm-related infections are more common during winter. Compared to dogs, puppies are seen as more prone to such infections³.

2. Whipworms

These are the worms with a thin, whip-like shape. These attach to the lining of a dog’s big intestine and feed on small amounts of blood and tissue. These usually do not cause any serious harm to the dogs; however, sometimes, they can also cause severe health issues³. 

3. Tapeworms

These are the long, flat worms that look like strips of tape. Adult forms live in the small intestine of the dogs and usually do not cause any serious issues. Infection is often noticed when small, rice-like segments of the worm are found around the dog’s tail, in its faeces, or on its bedding³.

4. Hookworms

These worms are hook-like structures infecting the dog’s intestine. After entering the dog’s body, the larvae move to the small intestine, attach to its wall, and grow into adult worms. Hookworm infections are common during summer and autumn. Puppies are at an increased risk of developing such infections, which can become serious if left untreated³.

5. Heartworms

These intestinal parasites are seen in the heart, lungs, and even blood vessels of the dogs. They get transmitted when mosquitoes pick up heartworm larvae from an infected dog and pass them to another dog when they bite. The larvae then travel to the heart and grow into adult worms. If left untreated, they can cause severe complications like lung disease or heart failure in dogs⁴. 

6. Coccidia

These are tiny, single-celled parasites. The common type of this parasite that infects the dogs is Cystoisospora. The infection can cause damage to the intestinal lining, causing several issues like loss of appetite, weakness, dehydration, etc. This infection is highly contagious, and the most prone ones are puppies, due to their weak immunity³.

7. Giardia

These are single-celled parasites. If these reach the body, they can interfere with nutrient absorption, as they can damage the intestinal lining. They show the same symptoms as a coccidia infection³.

Causes of Worms in Dogs

The dogs can get worms in different ways, such as: 

• By consuming, licking, or sniffing worm eggs or larvae found in polluted soil, grass, or areas contaminated with infected dog faeces 
• By coming in contact with infected faeces during outdoor activities 
• By swallowing infected fleas while grooming or biting at the skin (tapeworm transmission)  
• By eating infected prey animals such as rodents or other small animals carrying larvae 
• By encountering infected soil which contains larvae that enter through the skin when sleeping or wandering (particularly hookworms) 
• When the mother has an infection and transmits the worms to the puppies (in utero transmission) 
• When the mother has an infection and transmits it to the puppies while feeding/nursing³ (hookworms) 
• When bitten by mosquitoes which carry larvae from an infected dog (especially heartworm)⁴
• When it comes in contact with contaminated household environments through shoes, bedding, or surfaces carrying eggs or larvae 

Symptoms of Worms in Dogs

The following symptoms can help you tell if your dog has worms: 

• Worm eggs in the stool³
• Sudden weight loss 
• Stomach pain/ abdominal discomfort 
• Weakness/ tiredness 
• Loss of appetite¹
• Vomiting or loose motion/diarrhoea (sometimes along with blood³, which can look red or dark purple) 
• Cough or lung infection (pneumonia)^3,4

In severe cases they may have symptoms such as: 

• Weak pulse 
• Breathing difficulty⁴ 
• Pale gums 
• Dark urine⁶ 

Dog Deworming Schedule (Puppies & Adult Dogs)

The dog deworming schedule is different for puppies and adults: 

Puppies’ Deworming Schedule

The deworming schedule in puppies includes the following: 

• It is recommended to start deworming at two weeks of age (first dosage). 
• Deworming shall be repeated every two weeks until the puppy turns 12 weeks old.⁷ 
• From three to six months, deworming once a month is recommended. 
• After six months, switching to an adult schedule is recommended⁷. 

Adult Dogs’ Deworming Schedule

The deworming schedule in adult dogs includes the following: 

• It is recommended to deworm an adult 1-4 times a year (deworming every 3 months may be ideal)⁷.
• Dogs with high exposure (outdoor, stray contact and hunting dogs) may need more frequent deworming as advised by a veterinarian. 
• Maintain regular preventive deworming even if the dog appears healthy (avoid treating it as optional as they can still have parasites)³. 
• Always deworm before vaccinations or as recommended by the veterinarian. 

Note: This information provided is only for educational purposes and should not replace expert veterinary advice. Deworming schedules might vary depending on a dog’s age, breed, health, environment, and parasite risk. Always contact a certified veterinarian before beginning or changing your pet’s deworming routine as the intestinal parasitic infections might sometimes need medications along with deworming. 

Also, note that coccidia and giardia are common intestinal parasites, but they are protozoa rather than worms. Routine deworming medications do not treat these infections, and they might require specific medications prescribed by a veterinarian. Therefore, under suspected conditions please consult a veterinarian. 

How to Deworm Your Dog Safely?

The following steps explain how to deworm a dog safely: 

• Step 1: Take the dog to a veterinarian for testing so they can identify the type of worms and prescribe the appropriate deworming medication. 
• Step 2: Use a deworming tablet or liquid given by the veterinarian based on the dog’s age, weight, and type of infection. 
• Step 3: Carefully follow the dosage instructions according to the dog’s body weight. Never guess the dose. Too little won’t work, whereas an overdose can cause side effects. 
• Step 4: Try giving the dewormers when fully fed. Feed the dog at least an hour before deworming. This can help with absorption and reduce stomach discomfort. 
• Step 5: In the case of liquid dewormer, measure the correct dose, carefully open the dog’s mouth, and administer the liquid with the help of a syringe or dropper. Check whether the dog has swallowed it before offering water or some food. If the dewormer is a tablet, hide the tablet in a cheese slice, cream or any food. In case if the dog finds it out, crush the tablet and combine it with wet food. 
• Step 6: Confirm that the dog has completely taken the dewormer. 
• Step 7: Note down the date and time so that the next dose won’t be missed⁸.

Note: The deworming procedure varies depending on your dog’s age, weight, health status, and type of worm infestation. Always follow the veterinarian’s directions and prescription label. Do not provide deworming medications without veterinarian supervision, as inappropriate dosing can be ineffective or cause adverse effects. 

Side Effects of Deworming a Dog

While deworming medications are generally safe, some dogs may develop mild side effects. The following are some common side effects of deworming a dog: 

• Vomiting: Some dogs may vomit shortly after taking the medication. Note the duration. If they vomit within 30 minutes, consult a veterinarian; he might suggest a re-dose. 
• Diarrhoea: This is the most common one. It might take 24-48 hours to resolve completely. 
• Worms in the stool: Dead worms may be visible in the faeces after treatment, which is completely normal and expected. 
• Reduced Appetite: This can occur in some, and may last a day or two, then resolves⁸.
• Drooling⁹: Excessive salivation may occur in dogs if they dislike the taste of the medication or experience mild stomach upset. 
• Listlessness/Lethargy⁹: Some dogs may seem tired or less active than normal for a day or two as their body responds to the treatment. 

Note: If the side effects do not resolve within the timeframe specified by your veterinarian, consult them promptly to prevent potential complications. 

Prevention Tips for Worms in Dogs

The following are some tips by which you can keep your dogs away from getting worms: 

• Maintain a regular deworming plan as recommended by the veterinarian. 
• Schedule regular veterinary examinations and tests³. 
• To avoid tapeworm infections, use flea prevention medications. 
• Keep your dog’s dwelling place clean and disinfected on a regular basis. 
• Clean up dog faeces right away to avoid reinfection.  
• Provide clean, fresh food and water every day¹⁰.

When to Consult a Veterinarian?

The following are some symptoms you should consider in your dogs to seek immediate care: 

• Presence of worms in the vomit 
• Bloated stomach /abdominal discomfort 
• Severe or bloody diarrhoea 
• Extreme weakness or tiredness (difficulty even in standing) 
• Dehydration signs (dry gums, sunken eyes, etc.)³
• No progress even after a week of deworming 
• Worm infections that keep coming back even after treatment 

Also Read: Dog Skin Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Home Care 

Conclusions

Deworming is an important aspect of proper dog care. Regular parasite control helps dogs avoid stomach disorders and other major health concerns. You can keep your dog healthy, comfortable, and protected from harmful worms throughout its life by adhering to an appropriate deworming plan, practising proper hygiene, and getting veterinary assistance as needed. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Intestinal Parasites in Dogs. 2026. doi: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/ac-aid-intestinal-parasites-in-dogs.pdf 

2. Sherlock C, Holland CV, Keegan JD. Caring for Canines: A Survey of Dog Ownership and Parasite Control Practices in Ireland. Veterinary Sciences. 2023;10(2):90. doi:10.3390/vetsci10020090 https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/10/2/90 

3. Intestinal parasites in cats and dogs. doi: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/intestinal-parasites-cats-and-dogs 

4. Keep the Worms Out of Your Pet’s Heart! The Facts about Heartworm Disease. 2022. doi: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/keep-worms-out-your-pets-heart-facts-about-heartworm-disease 

5. Suganya G, Porteen K, Sekar M, Sangaran A. Prevalence and molecular characterization of zoonotic helminths in dogs. J Parasit Dis. 2019;43(1):96-102. doi:10.1007/s12639-018-1066-z https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30956452/

6. Heartworm in Dogs. doi: https://www.heartwormsociety.org/heartworms-in-dogs 

7. Stull JW, Carr AP, Chomel BB, Berghaus RD, Hird DW. Small animal deworming protocols, client education, and veterinarian perception of zoonotic parasites in western Canada. Can Vet J. 2007;48(3):269-276. doi:10.4141/cjas68-037 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1800965/

8. The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Deworming Dogs and Cats at Home. doi: https://www.acdra.org/post/guide-deworming-dogs-cats-at-home 

9. Label: TAPEWORM DEWORMER FOR DOGS- praziquantel tablet. doi: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=94812721-1153-49f7-b574-ef4c24ebc70d 

10. Dogs. 2026. doi: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/dogs.html 

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