Best Dewormers For Your Dog

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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.

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.

World Dog Finder team