Parasites are something that most dog owners have to deal with at some point in their lives. These parasites, which can range from mild to severe in the effect they have on the dog, are easily eradicated through the use of medications formulated to eliminate them. Many parasites, or worms, are zoonotic, meaning they can be transferred between species, and measures should be taken to safely and promptly eliminate the threat of exposure to you or other animals in your household, as well as any discomfort your dog may be experiencing.
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Types
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There are two basic types of dewormers for dogs: wormers that eradicate only one type of parasite, and wormers that eliminate several at once. Wormers that contain more than one chemical to take care of two or more parasites have vastly more consumer-reported side effects than those that handle only one type of parasite. Both types of wormers come in two forms for consumer use, tablet and liquid.
Parasite-Specific Wormers
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Single chemical dewormers, called parasite-specific wormers, are medications aimed at eliminating one particular parasite. For example, praziquantel will eliminate tapeworms, but not other types. These medications are widely available over the counter. There are also single-parasite dewormers available by prescription only that require at least one trip to a veterinarian. The efficacy of over-the-counter versus prescription dewormers is debatable.
When used properly, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and excessive salivation have been reported as very mild and rare side effects. Severe adverse effects were not reported in clinical trials of these dewormers, but may occur with improper usage.
Combination Wormers
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Combination wormers most commonly contain a two or more drugs such as praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate or febantel. Clinical trials by manufacturers of brand-name medications, such as Droncit, have reported few, if any side effects. Rare and mild symptoms are similar to those of parasite-specific wormers.
Adverse reactions are more apt to occur when the medications are used improperly. Consumer-reported reactions have expressed concern over seizures, coma, lethargy, loss of appetite, ataxia and, in some cases, death.
Warnings
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Certain wormers should not be used in pregnant or nursing animals. Care should be taken when administering dewormers to sick, immune-system compromised, or otherwise ill animals. Certain chemicals are also known to have an ill effect on certain breeds.
It is important to consult a veterinarian when dealing with any type of intestinal parasite, but even more so if you suspect your dog is pregnant, nursing or ill. Doing so can minimize the chances of any life-threatening adverse reactions.
If you are using an over-the-counter worming medication, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Not doing so can lead to an overdose, re-infestation or failure of the medication. Most over-the-counter medications come with a telephone number that consumers can call if they experience any problems.
Misconceptions
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Dewormers are aimed at eliminating and preventing intestinal parasites, and as such, are considered a type of poison or insecticide. When used properly under the supervision of a veterinarian or other animal health care professional, dewormer tablets pose no serious health risk to dogs.
Many people fail to recognize that within these medications are powerful chemicals. Just as you would not take too much medication for yourself when you are sick, you should not administer these chemicals in an improper manner to your dog.
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