How to Deworm Your Little Puppy?

Adopted a cute little furball recently? That's pawsome! We bet you've been in love from the day you first held them in your arms. However, love isn't enough. It is vital you take good care of your puppy and maintain them well. From deworming to vaccinations, and grooming- consult your Pollock Pines veterinarian and get everything done on time. Before getting the vaccinations, ask your breeder about the shots that have already been given to your little furry (if any!). 

When your puppy turns eight weeks old, it is time for its first deworming session. Now, what is deworming, what are the types of worms, and how is deworming done- we know all these questions popped in your mind real quick. Let us discuss the three aspects one by one.

Firstly, what is deworming, and how is it done? It is the process of removing worms and parasites from your puppy. These worms might enter your little one's body through various ways- larvae feces, swallowing parasitic eggs, etc. These, if not treated, might enter the puppy's intestines causing major health risks and skin allergies. The best way to get rid of these parasites in your pup is by administering them dewormer medicines (in liquid form if pup weighs less than 5kgs, otherwise tablets). While you surely can administer the vaccine yourself, it is best to get it done by your Pollock Pines veterinarian for the initial few years. 

While the process is simple, it is essential to have knowledge of the types of worms that have/ can infest your puppy. The four most common worms are- tapeworm, roundworm, whipworms, and hookworms. Amongst the four, the tapeworm is inevitable! Tiny and similar to lice (that infests us, humans!), tapeworms will infest the puppy no matter how safe and clean you keep them. Therefore, it is essential that you deworm your pup every quarter or annually, depending upon the advice of the vet and the onset of the worms. Apart from tapeworm, roundworms are nutrition-sucking worms that infest the intestine of dogs. Round in shape, these might enter your puppy's intestinal tract through feces, insect eggs, etc. 

Further, whipworms enter dogs due to consumption of infested soil. Although these are less harmful, it is best to train your dog against licking soil. The deadliest of the lot, hookworms suck on the blood of puppies and are nothing less than fatal for your pup’s life. 

Whatever you do, it is advisable to consult your Pollock Pines veterinarian for the best options and treatments for your furry love.