How Many Times Should You Deworm Your Puppy?

Puppies are the epitome of cuteness – they are the perfect bundle of joy. Not only do they offer unconditional love, but they bring with them plenty of responsibilities too. From walking and feeding to grooming and even deworming, there’s a lot to be done when you welcome a new puppy into your home. One of the most important considerations that new pet parents need to make is how often deworming needs to be done for their pup.

Deworming A Puppy: The Basics

The first step in knowing how many times you should deworm your puppy is understanding what it entails. Deworming is the process of administering medication to eliminate intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. These parasites can cause serious health problems if left untreated, including poor growth, bloody stools, vomiting, and anemia.

Frequency Of Deworming

When it comes to puppies, it is recommended to deworm them every two weeks until they reach 12 weeks of age. After that, you should deworm them at least once a month until they reach 6 months old. Beyond that, you should deworm your puppy three to four times a year as a preventive measure.

This may vary depending on your veterinarian’s recommendation and the type of dog you have. For example, herding breeds like Shetland Sheepdogs or Australian Shepherds may need more frequent deworming than other breeds. It’s best to consult with your vet to discuss the best plan of action for your puppy.

Common Deworming Products

There are several products available on the market specifically designed for deworming puppies. The most common include pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole, and milbemycin oxime. Pyrantel pamoate is the most widely used and effective dewormer for puppies. It is typically administered in liquid form and is safe to use in puppies as young as 2 weeks old. Fenbendazole is also an effective dewormer, but it may be more difficult to find and it is not generally recommended for puppies under 4 weeks old. Milbemycin oxime is usually prescribed if your puppy has tested positive for heartworm, which is uncommon in puppies.

Deworming Your Puppy: Conclusion

It’s important to stay on top of deworming your puppy in order to keep them healthy and free from intestinal parasites. While the frequency of deworming may vary depending on the type of dog you have and the advice of your veterinarian, it should generally be done every two weeks until your puppy is 12 weeks old, then once a month until 6 months old, and three to four times a year after that. Common deworming products include pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole, and milbemycin oxime. With proper deworming, your puppy will remain happy and healthy!