Can Dogs Still Get Worms After Worming? What to Know

It can be worrying to discover that your dog has worms, even if you have been worming them regularly. While routine worming is essential for their health, there are several reasons why dogs might still get worms despite your careful efforts.

Understanding how wormers work and the various ways dogs can be exposed to worms sheds light on this common problem. This knowledge can help you manage and prevent worm infestations more effectively.

1. Wormers Kill Existing Worms but Don't Prevent Future Infestations

Unlike flea treatments that protect dogs from new fleas after application, dog wormers are primarily designed to kill adult worms already inside your pet. They usually do not protect against new infections or prevent worm eggs and larvae your dog encounters from developing into adults.

This means your dog can pick up new worms within days of worming. However, the worming schedule is designed to give repeated doses that tackle new worms before they cause serious infestations.

2. Wormer Product Quality and Range

Not all wormers are equally effective. Some common over-the-counter products found in general stores can be less reliable at eliminating worms compared to vet-recommended treatments.

Discuss with your vet to get advice on reputable wormers that tackle the worms common in your area, ensuring effective control of parasites.

3. Correct Dosage is Crucial

Dosage depends on your dog's weight and size. Too little will not fully clear the worms, while too much can cause digestive upset such as vomiting or diarrhoea.

Your vet can help determine the right wormer dose and formulation, preventing wastage and avoiding side effects that can reduce effectiveness.

4. Worm Type Must Match Wormer

There are many types of worms: roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms are some examples. Wormers vary in which types they treat.

If your dog has hookworms but is only receiving a wormer effective against roundworms and tapeworms, ongoing infestations are possible.

Request your vet to examine a stool sample to identify the specific worms affecting your dog and select the right treatment.

5. Wormer Side Effects May Reduce Effectiveness

Some dogs may vomit or develop diarrhoea after worming. This can mean the medication isn't fully absorbed, reducing its efficacy.

If this happens frequently, notify your vet who may suggest an alternative wormer product that suits your dog's sensitivity better.

6. Exposure to Other Dogs Infected with Worms

Dogs passing time in parks, walking paths, or doggie day care can be exposed to worms from other infested dogs through contact with worm eggs or larvae in faeces or contaminated soil.

Regular worming of your dog and mindful avoidance of heavily contaminated areas help reduce this risk.

7. Scavenging and Hunting Wild Animals

Wildlife such as rodents, foxes, and squirrels commonly carry worm infections. If your dog scavenges on carcasses, roadkill, or eats fox faeces, they have a high chance of worm infestation.

Using a muzzle when outdoors and discussing more frequent worming with your vet can help manage this risk.

8. Worm Infestations from Contaminated Ground

Some worms like hookworms can penetrate through your dog's paws from contaminated soil. Areas where other dogs defecate and faeces aren't cleaned promptly are high risk.

Consider changing your regular walking route if reinfestations are persistent or ask your vet about more frequent worming.

How Often Should You Worm Your Dog?

Your vet can advise on an appropriate worming schedule depending on your dog's lifestyle and risk factors. Puppies, hunting dogs, or dogs in certain environments may benefit from more frequent worming than adult dogs with lower exposure risks.

Regular fecal tests and good hygiene practices, like swift removal of dog waste and avoiding stagnant water, form key parts of responsible dog ownership and parasite control.

Conclusion

Even with regular worming, dogs can still get worms due to reinfestations or incorrect product use. Choosing the right wormer, correct dosage, and maintaining hygienic environments reduces risk. Always consult your vet for tailored advice and stool testing to ensure effective worm control.

By staying vigilant and understanding how worms and wormers work, you can protect your beloved dog from these uncomfortable parasites and ensure their health and happiness for years to come.