Deworming is a very important preventive measure to take care of our dog’s health. With it we will avoid infestations by external parasites such as fleas or ticks, as well as by internal parasites.
Any type of parasite infestation not only causes discomfort to the animal, but can also be very dangerous for its health. External parasites can act as transmitters of multiple microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, etc.), which can cause serious diseases in our furry friends. Internal parasites can also cause serious diseases, which are usually reflected in the form of vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite , etc.
Some canine parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans. Therefore, if you have a furry friend, it is essential that you know how deworming a dog should take place . Keep reading!
Why should we deworm our adult dog?
What happens if I don’t deworm my dog? By deworming both internally and externally , your dog will be free from any disease that parasites can cause. This way, your pet will have a great coat and the appearance of worms in the feces will be avoided. This way, your pet will not suffer from diarrhea or other diseases that are associated with parasite infestation .
Finally, you may be interested in our comparison of the best antiparasitics . Discover the duration and effectiveness of the different brands of collars and pipettes for deworming dogs and choose the most appropriate one for your pet.
How often should adult dogs be dewormed?
Internal deworming of dogs is recommended at least every 3 months, once for each season of the year.
In the case of external deworming of dogs , it will depend on the duration of the product and the brand you choose and the animal’s lifestyle. It can be every month or every four months, even every eight!
It is sometimes difficult to specify how often dogs should be dewormed because, as mentioned, deworming adult dogs depends greatly on their lifestyle and the environment in which they live. A dog that lives at home and rarely goes outside does not need the same protection as a dog that lives outside or goes to the countryside daily.
In natural environments there is a greater number of parasites and, therefore, there is a greater probability of contagion. In these cases of risk, a monthly deworming may be advisable , depending on the product. Always consult your veterinarian about the best option for your pet.
How to deworm an adult dog?
There are two ways to deworm a dog . On the one hand, there is internal deworming and on the other, external deworming of your dog .
Internal deworming for adult dogs
Internal parasites can reach our dog through different routes of infection. In addition to direct infection through breast milk, as we have seen in the article on deworming puppies , it can happen by smelling the ground or by eating some infected food.
Although the most common are intestinal worms, they can also be lungworms or heartworms. The most common infection is through contact with the feces of already infested dogs . The eggs they expel in the feces can remain alive for up to 5 years and easily infect a healthy dog.
Internal deworming is usually done with syrups or tablets, the duration of which varies depending on the brand. Generally, dogs should be dewormed internally every 3 months .
When does the deworming pill take effect?
The deworming pill takes effect within a few hours of being given, which means that if your pet has parasites, they will begin to expel them on the same day you take it.
External deworming for adult dogs
External deworming of adult dogs offers effective protection against fleas and ticks. Some more advanced products are also designed for the mosquito that transmits leishmaniasis (sandfly).
There are different methods for deworming dogs so you can choose the one that is most convenient for you or the one that best suits your furry friend’s needs.
Deworming with pipettes, collars and tablets
These external deworming methods offer a solid defense against a wide range of parasites , including fleas and ticks, and are essential to maintaining your pet’s health and well-being. In addition, it is very important that your dog is up to date with its vaccinations. In the following post we leave you the guide and vaccination schedule for puppies .
| PIPETTES |
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| This is a very efficient product because the substance applied to the dog’s fur is customized taking into account its size and weight. Therefore, antiparasitic pipettes for dogs have the ability to deal with deworming in a completely appropriate way. Normally, they are applied along the dog’s spine, since the product must be applied in those areas that the dog cannot lick so that it does not lose its effectiveness. They usually last about a month, some up to two, but this information should always be consulted at your veterinary clinic. |
| Well-known brands: Vectra, Frontline, Advantix, Effitix . |
| NECKLACES |
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| Without a doubt, one of the most convenient elements for deworming a dog are the anti-parasite collars . The reason is that, taking into account that the active ingredient that keeps the dog protected is released little by little, these elements last approximately between four and eight months , depending on the brand. On the other hand, these items are very safe because they can be touched without being toxic and they do not emit odors. |
| Well-known brands: Medicalpet , Scalibor, Seresto, Prevendog . |
The combination of pipette + antiparasitic collar offers greater protection to your dog.
| CHEWABLE TABLETS |
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| Chewable tablets are another form of external deworming for dogs, offering an antiparasitic solution that acts from within the animal’s body. They act quickly , beginning to eliminate fleas and ticks within a few hours of administration. They are formulated to be palatable and easy to administer , as they can be offered directly as a treat or mixed with food. In addition, their effect can last for several weeks, keeping the pet protected for a long period. |
| Well-known brands: Frontpro, AdTab . |
Repellents Extra protection!
These products are ideal complements that can help reinforce protection against parasites. They are excellent to use in conjunction with collars, pipettes and tablets , providing an extra layer of protection, especially in areas of high exposure to parasites.
| SHAMPOOS |
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| Antiparasitic shampoos have repellent properties and some insecticides to help prevent or eliminate parasites, depending on your needs. They give the animal’s coat a fresh and pleasant scent that will allow your pet to show excellent hygiene. For their effectiveness to be as desired, they must be used every two weeks. |
| Well-known brands: Yes!pH, Taberdog, Menforsan. |
