Worming Your Puppy: What to Expect & How to Do It Right

Internal parasites such as worms can make any dog ill, causing serious health issues like anaemia, malnutrition, diarrhoea, and even heart or lung problems. Puppies are especially vulnerable since their immune systems are not fully developed. This makes regular worming a vital part of your puppy’s early health care regimen – protecting their wellbeing from the start.

Anti-worming medications, known as anthelmintics, are designed to eliminate these harmful parasites and keep your puppy healthy. However, because puppies have delicate digestive systems, worming can cause some mild temporary side effects. Understanding the process and what to anticipate will help you care for your puppy confidently.

1. How Do Puppies Catch Intestinal Worms?

Puppies can become infected with worms in many ways, including through flea bites, contact with infected faeces, or direct interaction with other dogs. If the dam (mother dog) carries worms, she may pass them to her puppies before birth or through her milk during nursing. Often, you might not detect worms because symptoms can be subtle, but common types such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms may still be present inside your pup’s intestines.

2. Why Is Worming Your Puppy Important?

Worming does not prevent future infections; rather, it kills existing worms in the puppy’s intestines. Since puppies remain at risk of catching worms again, ongoing, regular worming is necessary. Proper management not only safeguards your puppy’s growth and nutritional health but also reduces the chance of the parasites spreading within your household or to other pets.

3. Choosing the Right Wormer for Your Puppy

There are many worming products available including powders, pills, liquids, spot-on treatments, and vet-administered injections. It’s important to select a professional-grade wormer, preferably recommended or supplied by your vet, rather than supermarket or pet shop products, which may be ineffective or unsafe for puppies.

Your vet will determine the best wormer based on your puppy’s age, size, and health condition. Very young puppies or those still nursing may require special formulations and should never be treated with over-the-counter wormers without veterinary advice.

4. How to Worm Your Puppy Correctly

1. Consult your vet: Before administering any wormer, discuss with your vet to ensure correct product choice and dosage.
   
2. Follow instructions precisely: Use the exact dosage recommended for your puppy’s weight.
   
3. Administer safely: Whether it’s a pill, liquid, or spot-on treatment, follow product guidance for safe application.
   
4. Maintain a schedule: Puppies are usually wormed first at 2-3 weeks old, every 2 weeks until 12 weeks, then monthly until six months, after which routine worming every 3 months may be advised.
   
5. Clean environment: Keep your puppy’s living space clean to reduce re-infection risk.
   
6. Monitor your puppy: Watch for any adverse reactions or signs of worm infestation and consult your vet if needed.
   

5. What to Expect After Worming

After treatment, worms may be visible in your puppy’s stool, especially larger species like roundworms or tapeworms. This is normal and indicates that the wormer is working. The elimination process occurs naturally as the dead or paralysed worms detach and pass through the intestines.

Some puppies may experience mild side effects such as slight diarrhoea, vomiting, reduced appetite, or lethargy for a day or two. These symptoms are generally short-lived and not cause for alarm. However, if your puppy shows signs of severe illness or if symptoms persist, contact your vet promptly.

6. Regular Worming as Part of Responsible Ownership

Keeping to a regular worming schedule is a hallmark of responsible dog ownership and contributes significantly to your puppy’s long-term health. It also helps prevent the spread of potentially zoonotic parasites that can affect human family members.

Always seek veterinary advice tailored to your puppy’s lifestyle and risk factors, and purchase worming medication from trusted sources. Alongside good hygiene and routine vet checks, this ensures your puppy enjoys a happy, healthy life from the very beginning.

For those looking to find a puppy, remember to choose reputable breeders who prioritise health and welfare from birth, including appropriate parasite prevention.

Worming your puppy correctly and timely sets a foundation for strong health and prevents serious illness. By understanding the process and following best practice, you contribute to your furry friend’s happiness and wellbeing for years to come.