It is important to consult your veterinarian for an individualized deworming recommendation suited to your dog and lifestyle. Your veterinarian will choose a deworming protocol including a narrow or broad spectrum dewormer based on your dog’s risk and exposure.
“There really can’t be a ‘one program fits all’ approach that properly addresses the risks for all pets (and people) in all regions”. -Dr. Scott Weese, DVM
What types of worms can my dog get and where do they come from?
Dogs are at risk of acquiring intestinal worms throughout their life including roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Exposure may vary depending on the parasites in your area and if the risk is seasonal or year-round.
Dogs can be exposed to worms through:
- Consuming ineffective worm eggs from soil in the environment
- Puppies nursing from an infected mother
- Consuming wildlife that is carrying developing worms
What is my dog’s risk and exposure?
Your household is considered a high risk environment if one or more of the following statements are true:
- Do children, immunocompromised or pregnant individuals live in the home?
- Does your dog frequently visit dog parks or kennels?
- Does your dog hunt or eat animals such as wildlife, rodents, rabbits, or have contact with livestock?
- Are there multiple dogs and/or cats int he house?
- Does your dog ever roam freely?
- Is your dog fed raw meat or organs?
- Is your dog a service animal?
When should I deworm my puppy?
Puppies should be dewormed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age by their breeder. When first bringing home your puppy, they should receive three deworming treatments spaced 2 weeks apart and then monthly up to 6 months of age.
When should I deworm my adult dog?
The Canadian Parasite Expert Panel recommends deworming 1-2x per year in low-risk households and 3-4x per year in high risk households. Deworming programs should be planned in consultation with your veterinarian based on your lifestyle and the risk to your pet and family. Parasite control programs have several positive effects on pet health, and are an important part of disease prevention.
Fecal Test
Fecal examinations should be performed at least twice in the first year of the dog’s life. All dogs over six months of age should have an annual fecal exam. It is recommended to perform fecal tests a minimum of 1-2x per year for low-risk and at least 2x per year for high risk households.
Submitting a fecal sample to your veterinarian can help assess your pet’s parasite exposure and guide treatment choice, frequency, and detect drug resistance.
What can I do to reduce my risk?
- Wash hands with soap and water after outdoor activities, handling pets, pet feces disposal before meals
- Wear gloves while gardening
- Promptly dispose of pet feces
- Limit pet defecation areas
- Reduce pet interaction with stray and wild animals
- Cover sandboxes when not in use
- Visit your veterinarian for annual health examinations and perform regular fecal tests
- Use recommended parasite control programs suited to your dog based on their age, location, health status and lifestyle factors
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