What To Expect When You Worm A Puppy For The First Time
Young puppies grow rapidly during their first year, both physically and emotionally. Worm infections can rob them of vital nutrients, impacting their weight and overall health. Worming your puppy for the first time is important to ensure they grow healthy, but it needs to be done with care and awareness.
Puppies can contract worms even before leaving their mother, either from her or from other dogs in the same household. The variety of environments the puppy explores after going outside increases the risk of worm infestation.
Worming is a routine, generally safe process when using the correct product and dosage, but young pups may be more sensitive and could show some side effects. This guide covers what to expect and how to do it responsibly in the UK in 2025.
Choosing the Right Wormer for Your Puppy
Choosing a worming medication that is designed and approved for young puppies is crucial. The product and dose must be tailored to your puppy’s age and weight. Generic wormers for adult dogs won’t necessarily be safe for young pups.
Veterinary advice is essential before administering any wormer. Your vet will recommend a suitable broad-spectrum product that targets common worms such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Popular UK choices often include veterinary-prescribed options like Drontal.
To ensure safe administration, your vet may provide the wormer for you or demonstrate how to give it properly at home.
When and How Often to Worm Your Puppy
Best practice now recommends starting worming treatments as early as two weeks of age. Worm your puppy every two weeks from 2 to 12 weeks old to keep them protected at this vulnerable stage, even if they have not yet gone outside.
After 12 weeks, monthly worming until six months old is advised, then regular worming at least every three months throughout adulthood to maintain protection against parasites.
Administering Wormer: Steps to Follow
- Weigh your puppy accurately: Dosage depends heavily on weight, so get an exact measurement or have your vet do it.
- Follow vet instructions: Use the prescribed product exactly as directed, whether it's a tablet, liquid, or spot-on formula.
- Observe your puppy: Ensure they take the wormer completely and watch closely for any vomiting shortly after giving the dose. Vomiting within 30 minutes may require veterinary advice about repeating the dose.
Common Side Effects to Watch For
It’s normal for a puppy to be a little quieter or off their food for a day after worming. Some pups may drool more or develop mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea within 24 hours as the wormer works.
If vomiting occurs very soon after administration, some wormer may have been lost, so contact your vet rather than repeating the dose yourself.
Severe reactions are rare but if you notice extreme lethargy, fitting, seizures, or difficulty waking your puppy after worming, seek veterinary emergency assistance immediately.
Tips for Responsible Worming and Puppy Care
- Maintain cleanliness in your puppy’s living area and garden to minimise parasite exposure.
- Follow your vet’s lifelong worming schedule to keep your dog healthy and reduce risks to humans.
- Look for reliable breeders or adoption centres that support good parasite management.
- Never give medications without veterinary consultation, especially Calpol or human medications, as these can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Question: Can you give dogs Calpol?
Quick Answer: No, you should never give Calpol or other human medications to dogs without veterinary guidance as it can be dangerous.
Many dog owners ask if Calpol is safe for puppy worming or pain relief. Calpol, containing paracetamol, is toxic to dogs and should not be used to treat them. Always consult your vet regarding safe medications for your puppy.
Summary and Next Steps
Worming your puppy for the first time in the UK in 2025 means using a veterinary-recommended, age-appropriate wormer at the correct dose and schedule starting at two weeks of age. Expect some mild side effects but monitor closely and report any serious concerns to your vet.
Responsible worming is a key part of your puppy’s health care routine that protects their growth and wellbeing. Always work closely with your vet and maintain hygiene measures to reduce worm risks. By following these steps, you provide the best start for your puppy’s healthy life.
