how often to deworm dogs

How Often To Deworm Dogs? [Review In 2024]

How often do you give dogs deworming? Are you deworming your dogs less often? Or are you following the tradition more than usual? We will explore all such related queries in this article.

Deworming dog is a very commonly discussed subject. Across vets, Pet experts, and Pet parents, it is one of the most hotly debated topics.

Everyone, according to their experiences and understanding, has different opinions on deworming their dogs.

However, whatever it is, sticking to a regular worming regime is the best way to keep your canine buddy safe and healthy.

How often should you Deworm your dog?

If you are trying to prevent your dog from intestinal parasitical or any kind of worm infection, regular deworming is necessary. 

It is important and safe to deworm your dog every 3 months, which is four times a year. The approach is more appropriate since most of the deworming drugs stay active and effective for about 3 months. It is after that that the drug becomes less responsive, and new worms start forming. 

However, for some dogs depending on their lifestyle, repeating deworming drugs more frequently becomes essential. 

Deworming in Dogs- 12 Signs to look for.

The early/ initial stage of worm infection doesn’t show any visible symptoms. It is when the eggs and small worms start maturing that you may start noticing some signs and symptoms. These signs are indications that you must start deworming your dog. 

how often to deworm dogs

Here are some signs that indicate you to start deworming dogs:

  1. Itchy bottom
  2. Worms in poop
  3. Abdominal bloating and pain
  4. Disturbed sleep
  5. Loss of appetite or Increased appetite
  6. Wheezing or cough
  7. Irritability or weakness
  8. Fatigue
  9. Diarrhoea
  10. Shortness of breath
  11. Anaemia 
  12. Weight loss or Weight gain

However, after noticing the parasitic infection, avoid rushing for deworming drugs. Instead, consult a veterinarian first and go for an infection diagnosis.

Doing so will allow the doctor to better examine which type of parasitical (worm) infection it is and what stage has the infection reached.

All of these considerations will decide which deworming drug and how many repetitions will help the dog fight with the condition.

How much does it cost to deworm a dog?

How much does it cost to deworm a puppy? Deworming a dog is basically a treatment that involves the elimination of worms from the dog’s internal system. The treatment is necessary since the worms surviving inside feed on the dog’s food and blood.

They further attack the dog’s physical health and growth and sometimes even lead to death. That is why it is very crucial to deworm a dog regularly, especially when the canine is suffering from an infection. 

The cost of deworming a dog may vary from $10 to $1000. If the infection is in its initial stage and evident without a diagnosis, the cost will include just the price of deworming drug.

Most deworming drugs usually range from $4 to $20. However, if the infection is at a mid or crucial stage, the repetition of drugs may become essential. This will then increase the cost of treatment.

Cost of Deworming a dog = Deworming Drug + Diagnosis + Vet consultation + Additional Medicine

Deworming schedule for dogs

Dog’s AgeFrequency of Deworming
Birth to 3 monthsEvery 2 weeks
3 months to 6 monthsEvery month
6 months old onwardsEvery 3 months

How can I deworm my dog naturally? how to deworm a puppy naturally

Worms in dogs can be treated both naturally and with medications. Though it is safer to consult Veterinarian first to know the best way. 

The natural methods of deworming dogs are truly endless and definitely helpful as well.

These methods may not help in crucial infection but can prevent any worm infection from developing in the first place.

Ways of deworming dogs and puppies naturally:

Pumpkin Seeds: Cucurbitacin, an amino acid in Pumpkin, paralyzes the worms and easily eliminates them from the intestine.

Carrots: Coarsely chopped carrots scrap the sides of the intestine, making the worm lose its hold. 

Turmeric: Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties help in deworming dogs naturally. 

Papaya Seeds: Its anti-amoebic properties are known for killing all types of intestinal worms. 

When do you deworm puppies?

Puppies can catch worm infections even when they are in their mother’s womb.

Or, soon after the puppy drinks his first mother’s milk, he/she can catch intestinal worms.

That is why it is very crucial to deworm puppies after they are born.

Deworming puppies, when they are 2 to 3 weeks old, is advisable. Further, deworm them every 2 weeks until they are 3 months old. 

Can you deworm a pregnant dog?

Yes, it is safe and extremely essential to deworm a pregnant dog. Pregnant dogs can transfer worm infection to their unborn and infant. That is why following a deworming process is necessary. 

The correct form is, Deworm a female dog before mating, after 40 to 45 days of pregnancy, and after 10 to 15 days of giving birth. Deworm a new dog mother every 3 weeks for as long as she is nursing her puppies.

Though To ensure the utmost safety of the mother dog and her unborn, do consult Vet before deworming. 

How long does it take to deworm a puppy?

For puppies, it takes just a few days, maybe 4 to 8, for deworming.

However, if the infection has grown critical, it may take 2 to 4 weeks for the entire deworming and recovering process.

Wrapping up…

Regular parasite preventative and deworming are essential for dogs. A canine with no (or less) worm infection will live healthier and happier than one with frequent infections.

Especially if you live in an area where worm infections are common for dogs, follow regular deworming without missing any single dose.

Besides that, take special care of whatever your dog drinks and eats. Do not allow the canine to drink from stagnant water or poke its mouth on animal stools or garden/ park soil.