Content
- Why is it important to deworm a dog
- When to deworm a puppy
- How often to deworm a puppy?
- Antiparasitic for puppies
Currently, many dog tutors are aware of the importance of deworming. Parasites not only harm the dog, but can transmit diseases or affect other animals and even people. So keeping them under control is critical. But sometimes puppies are left out of the deworming schedule because caregivers are not sure how or when to start treating.
In this PeritoAnimal article, we explain when to deworm a puppy. Likewise, we indicate which are the antiparasitic for puppies internal and external and we will talk about the monthly double deworming as one of the most effective.
Why is it important to deworm a dog
Puppies need internal and external deworming from the first weeks of life. Internal deworming is the one that acts against parasites that lodge in the dog's body. The best known are the popularly named roundworms or intestinal worms. But there are other worms that are located in the heart, respiratory system or even the eyes. See our article on types of dog worms for more information.
On the other hand, external deworming is directed against the parasites present on the dog's body. The best known and most widespread are fleas and ticks, but, especially in puppies, mites that cause demodectic or sarcoptic mange can also appear. In addition, it should be taken into account that the presence of sandflies and mosquitoes is increasingly frequent, which bite the dog and can transmit other parasites, such as Leishmania or heartworm, among others.
It is true that many dogs parasitized internally and externally do not develop serious clinical conditions, especially if they are already adults and have a healthy immune system. But, in puppies, intense parasites can even be deadly. They are more vulnerable animals because their immune system is still immature, which, when attacked by parasites, such as intestinal worms, can suffer diarrhea, vomiting, malnutrition, growth problems, bad looking hair, anemia or even an obstruction intestinal if there are a lot of worms that form a ball in the digestive system. In the most serious cases it is not possible to reverse the situation and the puppy dies.
In addition to all this damage, as we have already mentioned, there are parasites (ectoparasites) that transmit other parasites. For example, fleas can transmit tapeworm to the dog. Dipylidium caninum. Sandflies transmit leishmania and mosquitoes, heartworm. In turn, ticks transmit diseases as serious as babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis or Lyme disease. And remember that both internal and external parasites can affect other animals, including humans. Children and people with weakened immune systems are the most at risk group. An example is the worm toxocara kennels, which causes a disease in people called Larva Syndrome. migrants.
With deworming, we not only protect our dog, but we also break the parasite's life cycle, thus preventing its proliferation and the possibility of affecting other family members. We must not forget that we are witnessing an expansion of parasitic diseases. All these data leave no doubt as to the importance of using good dewormers throughout the dog's life.
When to deworm a puppy
Puppies, like any other adult dog, are exposed to parasites found in the environment. Thus, it is possible to locate parasite eggs in the earth, in the feces of other animals or in different utensils. External parasites, such as fleas, also carry out much of their life cycle outside the dog. On beds, sofas or floors we can find eggs, larvae and pupae that, when growing, will reinfest the animal. Other parasites are transmitted through the bite of insects, such as the mosquito that transmits the heartworm. Furthermore, the bitch can transmit parasites to her puppies via the uterus or through breast milk.
Based on these data, it is possible to understand the need for early deworming. Thus, internal deworming in puppies starts 2-3 weeks old. External deworming, in general, can start when the puppy starts to leave the house, around 8 weeks. But a single administration is not enough to keep you protected. The deworming must be repeated according to the manufacturer's indications throughout the animal's life to ensure both its protection and that of the whole family.
How often to deworm a puppy?
In general, the antiparasitic for dogs should be applied, whether they are puppies or adults, every month of the year against external parasites, as fleas and ticks are present throughout the year. Regarding internal parasites, especially gastrointestinal worms, puppies must be dewormed frequently during the first months of life.
So, from 2-3 weeks of life and up to 2 weeks after weaning, the recommendation is to deworm the every 2 weeks. From this moment on and up to 6 months, it is recommended that deworming be done monthly. In adult dogs with access to the outdoors, which usually occurs in most cases, monthly deworming is also recommended. In this way, the life cycle of the internal parasites is interrupted, thus preventing their effects on the dog, their contagion to people and their propagation in the environment. For more details, don't miss this other article how often to deworm my dog?.
On the other hand, although it is usual to deworm puppies and adults with external and internal antiparasitic agents, it should be noted that we also have the so-called “double monthly deworming”, which consists of administering a single pill that protects the animal from internal and external parasites. In the next section, we'll see better what it's all about. Furthermore, it is essential that you talk to a veterinarian to understand the entire deworming schedule, as there may be different requirements for each region.
Antiparasitic for puppies
It's not just about deworming the puppy, it's about doing it right. After all, what is the best antiparasitic for dogs? It is essential to use safe products for this age. Otherwise, we run the risk of causing adverse effects. And so that you should always go to the vet. This professional will weigh the dog and choose the most suitable antiparasitic for each case.
There are different options to choose from. For external deworming, insecticides, acaricides and repellents are marketed. Anthelmintics are used in the intern. Furthermore, according to the administration mode, we find:
- Topical antiparasitic: usually act on the surface of the skin. Within this group of antiparasitic for dogs we find pipettes, sprays or collars, which are usually used for external deworming.
- Oral antiparasitic: in this case of antiparasitic for dogs, the products are absorbed. They are presented in tablets and, although years ago they acted mainly against internal parasites, we currently have oral antiparasitic drugs that also act against external parasites or against both, as in the case of the oral endectocide products that we will describe below. In addition to offering double protection, the pills are very easy to administer because, nowadays, they are very palatable and therefore the dog can take them as a prize. Also, oral antiparasitics are great for dogs that bathe frequently because the effectiveness of the product is unchanged.
- Endectocidas: this type of antiparasitic for dogs can act against both internal and external parasites. There are both topical and oral administration, for example, the double deworming in a single palatable tablet and monthly administration. These endects offer the convenience of treating both external and internal parasites in just one administration. Likewise, it is easier to remember that the next administration is next month and not after certain months. Another benefit of this option is that some parasites develop their life cycle in approximately one month. Therefore, monthly administration manages to keep them under control. They protect against intestinal roundworms, ticks, fleas and mites, and also prevent ectoparasite-borne diseases such as heartworm disease and others.
Now that you know some of the antiparasitics for dogs better, we emphasize that you should talk to a veterinarian to clear all doubts and ensure the health and well-being of your furry best friend!
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Antiparasitic for puppies, we recommend that you visit our Deworming and Vermifuges section.