Can You Give Goat Wormer to Dogs?

While there are some companies that make both canine and goat dewormers, there are differences between the amount of the main ingredient, dosage form and type of parasite effected. Because goats and canines attract parasites of different species, it is best to use species-specific dewormers to prevent illness or death.

  1. Difference in Parasites

    • Different species of animals attract different species of parasites. While goats are more prone to livestock and bovine parasites such as lungworms, liver flukes and nematodes, dogs attract heartworms, round worm, hookworm, whip worms and tape worms. As a result, even medications that are commonly used for both species such as ivermectin and fenbendazole should only be administered to the species the product is manufactured for.

    Difference in Host

    • Where as dogs have a single stomach, goats are bovine animals that have a more complex digestive system made to break down starches instead of protein. As a result, the different digestive systems may process medication differently because of the rate of absorption. Also, because of the weight difference, there is more of a chance for over- or under-dosing a dog when using non-species specific dewormers.

    Dog Worming Options

    • Pet supply stores carry over-the-counter canine dewormers that kill single worm species as well as broad range insecticides that kill both internal and external parasites. Online pet pharmacies can also ship prescription dewormers when provided a copy of the dogs prescription or letter from the dog's veterinarian. Clean outdoor kennels and routine worming prevents fatal infestations that can compromise puppies quickly.

    Warnings and Considerations

    • There are a few parasites that both dogs and goats share; however, the general rule of thumb is that only a veterinarian should prescribe or approve medications that can be used for both species. Additionally, because deworming must be repeated so often to be effective, it may be less costly to purchase canine dewormer rather than using a product where the dosage may be less accurate and therefore less effective.