Deworming Schedule for Dogs

Deworming Schedule for Dogs

Regular deworming is essential for dogs to ensure their longevity and protect them from parasitic worms. The deworming start at the age of 2-3 weeks and be consistently maintained throughout their lifetime according to schedule.

Deworming Schedule for Dogs

The recommended deworming schedule for dogs regimen begins at 2 to 3 weeks of age, ensuring early protection against common parasites. From this point onward, deworming should be conducted at regular intervals of every 2 weeks until the puppy reaches 3 months of age. This frequent schedule helps eliminate any existing worms and prevents re-infestation during the critical growth period.

After the puppy reaches 3 months of age, the deworming frequency transitions to once every month until the dog is 6 months old. This stage ensures continued protection as the immune system develops and exposure to various environments increases.

Beyond 6 months of age, a maintenance deworming schedule should be followed for the rest of the dog’s life. To ensure long-term health, deworming should be conducted once every three months. Additionally, for pregnant and nursing dogs, deworming should be done before breeding, 10 days before whelping, and after giving birth to prevent the transmission of parasites to puppies.

Deworming Schedule for Dogs
Deworming Schedule for Dogs

Drug of Choice for Deworming in Dogs

Pyrantel Pamoate

Pyrantel Pamoate is an effective dewormer primarily used for the treatment of roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala).

This drug is commonly administered to puppies as young as 2 weeks of age and is repeated every 2-3 weeks until 3 months old. The recommended dosage is 5 mg per pound (10 mg/kg) of body weight, given orally.

Fenbendazole

Fenbendazole is a broad-spectrum dewormer effective against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms (Trichuris vulpis), and some tapeworms (Taenia spp.).

It is typically administered for 3-5 consecutive days to ensure complete elimination of parasites. It is safe for puppies as young as 6 weeks old, with a recommended dosage of 50 mg per kg of body weight daily.

Praziquantel

Praziquantel is specifically used for treating tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp.).

It disrupts the parasite’s protective outer layer, leading to its destruction. This drug is safe for puppies from 4 weeks of age and is usually given in a single dose of 5 mg per kg of body weight.

Praziquantel is often combined with other dewormers (with fenbendazole and pyrantel) for comprehensive parasite control.

Ivermectin

Ivermectin is widely used for heartworm prevention and is also effective against some roundworms and external parasites.

However, it should be used with caution in certain breeds, such as Collies and other herding dogs, due to potential toxicity.

The usual dosage for heartworm prevention is 2 to 6 mcg per kg of body weight once a month. It is generally safe for dogs older than 6 weeks.

Milbemycin Oxime

Milbemycin Oxime is a broad-spectrum dewormer effective against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and heartworms.

It is commonly included in monthly parasite prevention products. This drug is suitable for dogs as young as 4 weeks old, with a dosage of 0.5 mg per kg of body weight administered once a month.

Moxidectin

Moxidectin is another heartworm preventative that also treats hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.

It is available in topical and oral formulations and is often combined with other active ingredients for enhanced efficacy.

Oral doses generally at 3 mcg per kg of body weight and topical doses applied based on the dog’s weight.

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