Currently, many dog guardians are aware of the importance of deworming. Parasites not only harm the parasitized dog, but can transmit diseases or affect other animals and even people. Hence, keeping them under control is essential. But sometimes puppies are left off the deworming schedule because caregivers aren't sure when or how to start treating.
In this article on our site we explain when to deworm a puppy. Likewise, we will tell you about the internal and external antiparasitic drugs for puppies and we will tell you about double monthly deworming as one of the most effective.
Why is it important to deworm?
Puppies need internal and external deworming from the first weeks of life. Internal deworming is the one that acts against parasites that are housed inside the dog's body. The best known are those that are popularly called roundworms or intestinal worms. But there are other worms that are located in the heart, in the respiratory system or even in the eyes. See our article on GUSOCs, eye and heartworms, for more information.
On the other hand, external deworming is directed against the parasites present on the dog's body. The best known and most widespread are fleas and ticks, but, especially in puppies, mites that cause demodectic or sarcoptic mange can also appear. In addition, it must be taken into account that the presence of sandflies and mosquitoes is becoming more frequent, which bite the dog and can transmit other parasites, such as Leishmania or heartworm, among others.
It is true that many internally and externally parasitized dogs do not develop serious clinical symptoms, especially if they are already adults and have a he althy immune system. But, in puppies, intense infestations can even be fatal These are more vulnerable animals, since their immune system is still immature, which, when attacked by parasites, such as intestinal worms, they can suffer from diarrhoea, vomiting, malnutrition, growth problems, bad hair appearance, anemia or even an intestinal obstruction if there are a large number of worms that form a ball in the digestive system. In the most serious cases it is not possible to reverse the situation and the puppy dies.
In addition to all these damages, as we have mentioned, there are parasites (ectoparasites) that transmit other parasites. For example, fleas can transmit the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum to the dog. Sandflies transmit leishmania and mosquitoes transmit heartworm. For their part, ticks are transmitters of diseases as serious as babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis or Lyme disease. And remember that both internal and external parasites can affect other animals, including humans. Children and people with weakened immune systems are the group most at risk. One example is the worm Toxocara canis, which causes a disease in people called Larva Migrans Syndrome.
Deworming not only protects our dog, but also breaks the life cycle of the parasite, thus preventing its proliferation and the possibility of it affecting the rest of the family members. We must not forget that we are witnessing an expansion of parasitic diseases. All these data leave no doubt about the importance of deworming throughout the life of the dog.
When to deworm a puppy?
Puppies, like any other adult dog, are exposed to contracting parasites found in the environment. In the environment it is possible to locate parasite eggs in the soil, in the droppings of other animals or in different utensils. External parasites such as fleas also carry out a good part of their life cycle outside the dog. In beds, sofas or floors we can find eggs, larvae and pupae that, when they grow, will reinfest the animal. Other parasites are transmitted through the bite of insects, such as the mosquito that transmits the heartworm. In addition, the bitch can transmit parasites to her puppies through the uterus or through breast milk.
Based on these data, the need for early deworming is understood. Thus, internal deworming in puppies begins at 2-3 weeks of life. As for external deworming, in general, it can start when the puppy begins to leave the house, around 8 weeks. But a single administration is not enough to keep it protected. Deworming must be repeated according to the manufacturer's instructions throughout the life of the animal to guarantee both its protection and that of the whole family.
How often to deworm a puppy?
In general, dogs (puppies and adults) should be dewormed every month of the year against external parasites, since fleas and ticks are present all year round. In relation to internal parasites, mainly gastrointestinal worms, puppies should be dewormed frequently during the first months of life. Thus, from 2-3 weeks of life and up to 2 weeks after weaning, the recommendation is to deworm every 2 weeksFrom this moment and up to 6 months, deworming is recommended to be monthly. In adult dogs with access to the outside, which is usually in most cases, monthly deworming is also recommended. In this way, the life cycle of internal parasites is broken, thus preventing their effects on the dog, their contagion to people and their spread in the environment. For more details, don't miss this other article: “How often to deworm a dog?”.
On the other hand, although it is customary to deworm puppies and adult dogs with external and internal antiparasitics, it should be noted that we also have the so-called double monthly deworming”, which consists of the administration of a single tablet that manages to protect the animal from internal and external parasites. In the next section we will see better what it is about.
Dewormers for puppies
It's not just about deworming the puppy, but you have to do it right. For this, it is essential to use safe products for this age. Otherwise, we run the risk of causing adverse effects. That's why you always go to the vet This professional will weigh the dog and choose the most suitable antiparasitic for each case.
There are different options to choose from. Insecticides, acaricides and repellents are sold for external deworming. Internally, anthelmintics are used. In addition, depending on the administration mode we find:
- Topical antiparasitics: they generally act on the surface of the skin. Within this group of antiparasitic for puppies we find pipettes, sprays or collars, which are usually used for external deworming.
- Oral antiparasitics: in this case the products are absorbed. They are presented in tablets and, although years ago they acted mainly against internal parasites, we currently have oral antiparasitics that also act against external parasites or against both, as in the case of the oral endectocide products that we describe below. In addition to offering double protection, the tablets are very easy to administer because, nowadays, they are very palatable and, therefore, the dog can take them as a treat. In addition, oral antiparasitics are optimal for dogs that bathe frequently because the effectiveness of the product is not altered.
- Endectocides: this type of antiparasitic can act against both internal and external parasites. They exist in topical and oral administration, such as, for example, double deworming in a single palatable tablet and monthly administration. These endects offer the convenience of treating both external and internal parasites in a single administration. Likewise, it is easier to remember that the next administration is the next month and not after certain months. Another benefit of this option is that some parasites complete their life cycle in about a month. Therefore, the monthly administration manages to keep them under control. They protect against intestinal roundworms, ticks, fleas and mites, and also prevent diseases transmitted by ectoparasites such as heartworm disease and others.
For more information on double monthly deworming, don't hesitate to ask your vet.
