Roundworms are a common problem in puppies under six months old. Puppies may be infected by their mothers while nursing or before birth if not dewormed in late pregnancy. According to Pawprints & Purrs Animal Rescue, all new puppies should be treated for roundworms by the time they are 2- to 3-weeks old, and regularly examined to make sure no new infections have occurred.
Things You'll Need
- Stool sample
- Deworming medication
Instructions
Take the puppy and a fresh stool sample to the vet for inspection. If roundworms are present, or if the vet feels deworming is appropriate, you should receive a prescription or medication to kill the worms.
Administer deworming medication immediately upon returning home. Some puppies may receive their first dose in the veterinarian's office. Give medication according to your vet's instructions or the directions on the package.
Wait 2 to 4 weeks, or the period of time directed by your vet. Administer deworming medication once more. Do not skip or delay treatments--it could result in continued infection or reinfection at a later date if eggs survive in your puppy's body. Deworming medication is a set of treatments performed at 2 to 4 week intervals, not a daily medication.
Take your puppy back to the vet, along with a new stool sample. This is usually done a set period of time (such as a week or two) after administering the second treatment. The waiting period gives the medication a chance to kill all adult roundworms. The exact number of treatments you'll need to administer before seeing the vet again depends on the type of medication and your vet's instructions. Have the vet examine your puppy again and test the sample for eggs or adult worms.
Administer another course of medication if roundworms are still present.