Why Should You Treat Your Dog for Worms?
We all know dogs will eat pretty much anything, and when they're out and about, this can put them at risk of picking up worms. Some worm infections won't show symptoms, as they are small, so regularly worming your dog can help protect them and treat for worms they may have picked up. When it comes to worming your dog, prevention is definitely better than cure!
An untreated worm infection in dogs can escalate and if there is a large enough infection, symptoms can show. Worm infections can cause your dog to become sick, lethargic, cause weight loss, and in extreme cases can cause anaemia, cause damage to your dog’s gut lining and can be very serious. Some worms even pose a danger to human health, as the eggs can be dangerous to children.
Types of Worms in Dogs
Worms aren't just unpleasant to look at, worms can also cause significant health problems for your dog, which is why keeping on top of worming treatment is essential. An untreated worm infection in dogs can cause your dog to become sick, lethargic, and lose weight. In extreme cases, worms can cause anaemia, cause damage to your dog’s gut lining, and can be very serious. Additionally, some worms even pose a danger to human health.
Roundworms in Dogs
Roundworms look like spaghetti and may be seen in your dogs' poo, or if they are sick. It's important that you protect your dog against this type of worm, as the eggs and larvae pose can be dangerous for humans. In rare cases, this can develop into Toxocariasis, which can lead to vision loss. Children are most likely to pick up roundworms from an infected dog, as they are more likely to handle contaminated soil.
Dogs can be infected with roundworms by eating soil or grass that is contaminated with worm eggs, or if they hunt. Puppies can be born with a roundworm infection if their mother is infected, so it’s important to treat puppies as soon as they are old enough.
Hookworms and whipworms are in also nematodes (roundworms) but are a little different. These are less common but are normally covered in a roundworm treatment.
Tapeworms in Dogs
You are most likely to spot tapeworms in your dog by noticing what looks like grains of rice in your dog's poo. Some species of tapeworm are zoonotic, so humans can also be infected.
Dogs can pick up some tapeworm species by hunting and by eating contaminated soil. However, one type of tapeworm can be passed on from infected fleas. Therefore, it’s important to also treat your dog for fleas when treating.
Lungworm in Dogs
Lungworm can also affect unwormed dogs and a lungworm infection is something more serious altogether. Lungworm is typically contracted through eating slugs and snails, the infection travels around the body and can cause life threatening issues such as breathing difficulties, seizures and even death. Be aware, lungworm treatments are prescription-only medicines for dogs.
Best Worm Treatments for Dogs
We can't always prepare for those rogue moments; after all bringing in unsavoury things from the garden or rolling fox poo is all part of the fun, right? No fear, our range caters for those regular dewormer applications as well as those ‘just in case’ occasions. With vet-trusted brands in our deworming range and a variety of applications, you'll find a dewormer to suit both you and your pooch.
Some of our most popular worm treatments for dogs include Beaphar, Drontal, Panacur, Frontline & more! Browse our wide variety to find the right one for your adult dog.
You can also browse our selection of puppy wormers for those with puppies from ages 2 weeks and above.
Dog worming tablets
Dog worming tablets are a popular choice when it comes to protecting your dog from worms. Tablet dewormers can act as a preventative and give protection for 3 months, as long as your dog is not at high risk for worms. A popular brand that protects against roundworms and tapeworms is Drontal Worming Tablets for dogs, which come as a tasty, flavoured bone-shaped tablet, making it easy to give to your dog.
Prazitel Plus is also a popular brand, with a pork-flavoured, chewable tablet that treats various intestinal worms, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. If your dog is that little bit larger, they offer Prazitelᵀᴹ Plus+ XL Worming Tablets for Extra Large Dogs, available to buy without a prescription.
Spot on dewormers for dogs
Spot on worming treatments for dogs often give protection from a range of parasites, not just worms. These treatments are prescription only, so you will need to get a prescription from your vet before purchasing.
Worming powders for dogs
If you struggle to give your dog tablets, worming powders can give protection for your dog. These powders can easily be mixed into your pooch's food, making them easy to administer.
If you need any help on choosing the best worming treatment for your dog, contact our team who will be happy to help!
Is There a Combined Flea and Worm Treatment for Dogs?
Yes, several combined flea and worm treatments are available with a prescription for dogs at Pet Drugs Online. These treatments are designed to provide comprehensive protection against fleas and common intestinal worms.
Some popular brands that offer combined flea and worm treatments for dogs in the UK include:
- Advocate: Advocate for dogs and cats is a topical treatment that protects against fleas, heartworm, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
- Bravecto Plus: Bravecto Plus is a topical treatment that protects against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and certain types of intestinal worms, including roundworms and hookworms.
- Broadline: Broadline is a spot-on treatment that protects against fleas, ticks, certain mites, and common intestinal worms, such as roundworms and tapeworms.
- NexGard Spectra: NexGard Spectra is an oral chewable tablet that offers protection against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and various types of intestinal worms, including roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
- Stronghold: Stronghold is a topical spot-on treatment that protects against fleas and various types of intestinal worms, including roundworms and hookworms. It contains the active ingredient selamectin, which is effective against these parasites.
Some of these products may require a veterinary prescription. Please speak with your vet to discuss your options before purchasing with us.
How Long Does Worming Treatment Take to Work in Dogs?
The time it takes for worming treatment to work in dogs can vary depending on the specific product used and the type of worms being targeted. In general, most deworming medications are designed to start working relatively quickly.
For common intestinal worms such as roundworms and hookworms, many dog dewormers will start killing the worms within a few hours to a few days after administration. The dead worms are then typically passed out of the dog's system through their stool. Droncit Worming Tablet is designed to rapidly kill and eliminate common intestinal worms such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms, working within a few hours
It's important to note that not all deworming medications work in the same way or have the same effectiveness timeline. Some medicines may require multiple doses given over a period of time to eliminate the worms entirely. We advise that you follow the given instructions or speak with a vet.
What Do Worms In Dog Poop Look Like?
Adult roundworms may appear as long, spaghetti-like worms in the dog's stool or vomit. They can be white or light brown in colour. Hookworms on the other hand are much smaller than roundworms and may not be visible to the naked eye in the stool. However, severe hookworm infestations can sometimes cause bloody or dark, tarry stool.
Tapeworms often appear as small, flat, segmented worms that resemble grains of rice or cucumber seeds. They may be white or yellowish and sometimes seen crawling near the dog's anus or in their faeces.
Unlike other common worms, whipworms are challenging to spot in the stool without the use of specialised diagnostic tests.
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