Best Dewormers For Your Dog

Best Dewormers For Your Dog

Author WDF Staff

21.01.2021.

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Learning your dog is infected with parasites is not the news anyone was hoping to hear about their new pup. Luckily, there are plenty of dog dewormers available, and they are pretty easy to use. There are some things you should know before deciding on which dewormer you’ll use.

Most common parasites

There are four most common parasites found in dogs. They are tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. Some are more dangerous than others, but generally, they are relatively easy to clear from your dog. However, you should treat your dog for parasites as soon as possible because untreated parasites can lead to different health problems.

Here is what you need to know about these parasites.

Tapeworm

Tapeworm is an intestinal parasite, and the most common one found in dogs is Dipylidium Caninum. Tapeworms can infect other species as well, and humans are one of those species. Tapeworms can grow to extreme lengths; tapeworms found in humans can grow up to 8 ft. Those in dogs usually grow to a maximum of 20 inches. The longest tapeworms found in whales can get as long as 100 ft.

Hookworms

Hookworms are pretty small parasites, with a maximum length of 0,1 inches. Their small size doesn’t make them harmless. They literally hook themselves in the lining of the dog’s intestines and feed on the blood from tiny vessels. These nasty parasites can cause severe anemia.

dogue de bordeaux puppy

Roundworms

Roundworm is the most common parasite found in dogs, and most dogs have them at one point in their life. There are two common types found in dogs called Toxascaris leonine and Toxocara canis. Roundworms can get 4 - 6 inches long and cause several health issues.

Whipworms

Whipworms are another common parasite that lives in the dog’s intestines. This is a ¼ inch long parasite that lives in the dog’s large intestine. They attach themselves to the mucosal lining, and if their numbers rise, they can cause severe problems. This parasite feeds on partially digested food and can cause malnutrition.

Symptoms of parasites in dogs

Learning that your dog is infected by a parasite is terrible, but it is even worse not knowing your dog is infected and letting the parasite do what it wants in your dog’s body. All dog owners must learn how to spot parasitic infection symptoms, so they can act quickly and spare their dogs from further harm. These are the most common symptoms:

  • Diarrhea
  • Pot-bellied appearance
  • Increased appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Gas
  • Bloody stool
  • Weakness
  • Vomiting
  • Anemia (in puppies)
  • Poor development (in puppies)

Choosing a dewormer

Before you decide on a dewormer, it is vital that your vet absolutely confirms which parasite-infected your dog. Before that happens, you can end up giving your dog the wrong dewormer, which will have no effect.

It is essential to talk to your vet and ask for advice on which product to use. They will most likely give you the best recommendation and what form to use. Dog dewormers come in different forms, such as liquids, powders, granules, and tablets, and the vet can tell you which will be the best option for your dog. Here are some of our top picks for over-the-counter dog dewormers.

Safe-Guard Canine De-Wormer

Our top overall pick is the Safe-Guard Canine De-Wormer. It is a great product that is effective against all four most common parasites. It is easy to use, and Safe-Guard is a trusted manufacturer. This product has a high level of satisfaction amongst users, and most say it cleared their dogs from parasites. Safe-Guard is a powdered dewormer, and most dogs don’t seem to have a problem with the taste. Plus, the active ingredient in this dog dewormer is fenbendazole, which is considered very safe.

Pros
  • easy to use
  • dogs love the taste
  • safe
Cons
  • some dogs might not love the taste
  • not too effective against tapeworms

Safe-Guard Canine Dewormer for Small Dogs

If you have a small dog with parasite issues, then a broad-specter dewormer might be the best option for your small dog. The Safe-Guard Canine Dewormer for Small Dogs has the same active ingredient as our top pick and is very easy to use. It is pretty safe, and only a few reported slight vomiting problems (less than 1% of dogs reported issues), which is nothing to worry about. This dewormer is effective against most common dog parasites.

Pros
  • easy to use
  • safe
Cons
  • might cause vomiting
  • some dogs don’t like the taste

SENTRY HC WormX DS

The SENTRY HC WormX DS is a liquid medication, and some owners prefer it over other forms. Liquid dewormers might not have the broad specter powders have, but this dewormer proved extremely effective against roundworms and hookworms. However, like most medicine, it tastes bad. The owner’s advice is to add liquid to the dog’s food, and the dog will be happy to take it.

Pros
  • effective
  • easy to use
  • cheap
Cons
  • only two parasites
  • not for Huskies

Tapeworm Dewormer Bayer

Tapeworms seem to be the most resilient of these four parasites, so it deserves a special place on this list. Luckily, the pharmaceutical giant Bayer developed an over-the-counter med specially for tapeworms. It is in the form of a tablet, and you can give it to your dog as a treat or crumble it in their food. It will effectively remove the most common tapeworms, and the recommended dosage is conveniently written on the package.

Pros
  • tasty
  • quick and effective
Cons
  • some owners said it didn’t work

Bayer Chewable Quad Dewormer

Bayer is a trusted manufacturer, and they have produced a broad-specter dewormer as well. It has a mixed blend of active ingredients that are effective against all four common parasites. It received excellent reviews, and owners said they quickly noticed effects after giving it to their dogs. It has a beefy taste most dogs love.

Pros
  • tasty
  • broad-specter
  • effective in a single dose
Cons
  • may cause vomit or diarrhea

World Dog Finder team

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