Deworming is the process of ridding an animal's body of parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and heartworms. Drugs that kill these parasites are called anthelmintics and work by stunning or killing the parasites. Over-the-counter deworming medications are readily available and affordable, though treatment of some parasites such as heartworms requires veterinary care. Some worms may be spread to humans through contact with an infected dog's feces, so keeping your pet on a regular deworming schedule is important.
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Function
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Deworming medication may be administered orally via liquid, tablets or paste; added directly to the food, or by injection. Certain anthelmintics such as Pyrantel are called vermifuges. These medications stun the parasites instead of killing them. For example, roundworms and hookworms attach themselves to the intestine where they feed. A vermifuge administered will paralyze the parasites, causing them to lose their grip on the intestine and pass out of the body with the feces, where they soon die.
Considerations
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Before deworming your dog, you should collect a fecal sample to take to your veterinarian for testing. The sample should be collected the same day you take it to the vet and it needs to be fresh, so collect it right after your dog has left it. Use a plastic bag turned inside out for easy collection, making sure not to contaminate the stool with dirt or grass. A teaspoon-sized amount is sufficient for testing.
Benefits
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Since worms can cause a host of health problems and may even be transmitted to humans, a regular deworming schedule is important. Many dogs will exhibit no outward signs of having worms, so it is important to have your veterinarian test your dog's stool yearly. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your beloved pet isn't carrying a parasite that might potentially kill them or pass on parasites to you or your children.
Recommendations
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The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends deworming puppies at two weeks of age, with repeat treatment every two weeks until regular broad spectrum parasite control begins. Fecal examinations are recommended two to four times per year in adult dogs, treated with appropriate anthelmintics. Year-round broad-spectrum parasite control for heartworms and intestinal parasites is also recommended. In addition, good personal hygiene should be practiced when handing animal waste to prevent transmitting infections to humans.
Side Effects
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Deworming may cause unpleasant side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting depending on the severity of the infection. If there are a large number of parasites, they can cause an obstruction or impaction as they pass through the intestines. This is a rare occurrence but one you should be aware of, especially in very small dogs. If you are using over-the-counter deworming medications, be careful to fully read and follow dosage instructions, and never deworm a sick dog or puppy.
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