When to deworm a puppy?
An important aspect of your dog's health is deworming your puppy. But when exactly should you deworm a puppy? In this blog I will give you a clear answer to this question and tell you why and how to do this.
What is deworming?
Deworming means administering medication to your puppy to prevent or treat possible worm infections. Worms can be harmful to your dog's health, and some types can even be dangerous to humans. It is therefore important to deworm your puppy on time.
When do you start deworming?
Most breeders and veterinarians recommend that you start worming your puppy at 2 weeks of age. This is because worms are often passed on at birth or through the mother's milk. Roundworms are particularly common in young dogs. Therefore, it is important to treat your puppy from such a young age to prevent the worms from developing and causing damage.
Deworming Schedule
A commonly used guideline for deworming puppies is as follows:
- 2 weeks – The first deworming.
- 4 weeks – The second deworming.
- 6 weeks – The third deworming.
- 8 weeks – The fourth deworming.
- 12 weeks – The fifth deworming.
- 16 weeks – The sixth deworming.
After 16 weeks, you can start a regular deworming schedule, depending on your veterinarian’s advice. Typically, a puppy is dewormed every 3 months from this age, even once it reaches adulthood. It is also important to have your dog checked for worms regularly, especially if your puppy spends a lot of time outdoors, interacts with other dogs, or eats things that are outside.
Why is deworming so important?
Worms can cause a variety of health problems in puppies. For example, they can lead to:
- Poor growth
- Stomach ache and diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Poor coat condition
- Anemia (blood deficiency)
Additionally, some worms, such as heartworm , can have serious consequences for your puppy’s well-being if left untreated. In the case of roundworms and hookworms, the eggs can even survive in the environment, meaning your puppy could also come into contact with contaminated grass, bedding, or other animals.
How do you deworm your puppy?
Deworming can be done in different ways, depending on the type of dewormer you use. There are tablets , pastes and spot-on products (which you apply to the puppy's skin). Most dewormers are available from your vet or pet shop, but it is important that you choose the right products that are specifically suited to the age and weight of your puppy.
It is advisable to always give the deworming treatment according to the instructions of the vet or the packaging. If you have any doubts about the effectiveness of the product, always discuss this with your vet.
When should you deworm extra?
In addition to the regular deworming schedule, there may be situations in which you need to deworm your puppy extra. This may be the case when your puppy:
- Has poor eating habits (e.g. eating strange objects outside)
- Comes into frequent contact with other dogs , especially if these dogs may be infected
- Shows signs that indicate worms, such as vomiting, weight loss, or a swollen abdomen
- Lives in a risk area for certain worms, such as areas where heartworm occurs
In such cases it may be necessary to deworm more often than the usual cycle.
Conclusion
Deworming your puppy is essential for his health and well-being. Start early, usually from 2 weeks, and follow the recommended deworming schedule. Make sure you choose the right products and consult your vet if in doubt. That way, you can give your puppy a healthy start in life without worrying about worm infestations.
