When and how should I deworm my dog?
If and when you need to deworm a dog depends on how old it is and how your dog lives. It is however important that your dog is regularly dewormed.
What are the most common intestinal parasites in dogs?
The most common intestinal parasites in dogs are roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, coccidia, Giardia and lungworms.
Symptoms that the dog may have worms
- Diarrhoea
- Weight loss
- Glossy coat
- Vomiting
- Cough
Adult worms can be seen in the faeces, or the dog vomits up worms, but usually, worms must be diagnosed by detecting eggs in the faeces.
Various dewormers for dogs
There are both prescription and over-the-counter dewormers for dogs available from your vet and pet shops. Some tablets and pastes should only be given once, others more than once. If you have difficulty getting medicine into your dog orally, a spot-on prescription preparation dripped onto the skin can be an alternative. Consult a veterinarian for help finding the best practice for your dog.
Stool test/strain test
You can consult a veterinarian if you are unsure whether your dog needs to be dewormed. Your vet can obtain a faecal sample. The sample is sent to a laboratory that analyses it to discover if your dog has worms and what kind of worm it is.
Deworming of puppies
The breeder usually deworms the puppies routinely before you get your puppy home. Check with your Breeder whether your puppy has received worming treatment before you take your pet home. It is always advisable to bring your new puppy to a Vet for a health check as soon as possible after coming in to your possession. Your Vet can perform a health check and prescribe the necessary worming treatments if needed
Deworming in connection with travel
Are you taking your dog on a trip outside of Ireland? Check which rules apply to the country you are going to. Deworming against, e.g. the fox’s dwarf tapeworm, is a common requirement to be allowed to bring the dog into certain countries.
How can my pet contract worms
Puppies can be infected by worms already in the fetal stage and through the milk during the first weeks of life. That is why puppies are regularly dewormed for the first time in life.
Adult dogs are most often infected through something they eat, such as infected small rodents or by ingesting worm eggs from their surroundings.
Frequently asked questions about deworming
How do you know if the dog needs deworming?
Adult dogs should only be dewormed if it has been established that your dog has worms or if you strongly suspect it.
How often does the dog need to be dewormed?
Adult dogs should only be dewormed if it has been established that your dog has worms or if you strongly suspect it.
Which dewormer is best for dogs?
Feel free to ask for advice from the pharmacy or your veterinarian regarding the best preparation. Try to only deworm against the type of worm the dog has to reduce the risk of resistance to the parasites.
How can you tell if a dog has worms in its stomach?
Adult worms can be seen in the faeces, or the dog vomits up worms, but usually, worms must be diagnosed by detecting eggs in the faeces.