7 Fast-Acting And Best Dewormers For Dogs - I Love Veterinary (2024)

What is Dewormer for Dogs?

You can use the best dewormers for dogs to prevent such invisible diseases. Intestinal parasites, sometimes known as worms, are minute organisms that reside inside your dog and cause disease invisibly. Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms are all common intestinal parasites in dogs.

If your dog gets worms, you must get rid of them as soon as possible to prevent them from recurring. Without further delay, let’s dive in on how to get rid of dog worms fast.

What Are the Best Dewormers for Dogs?

The best dewormer for dogs is Bayer Quad Chewable Dewormer. It is an effective over the counter dewormer for dogs. It eliminates four types of worms. It is also suitable for both puppies and adults.

How Do You Give a Dog Dewormer?

Deworming treatments eliminate the parasites your dog already has and intestinal parasite prevention. You give them monthly, keeping your dog from getting worms in the future. Some worm meds for dogs eliminate fleas, dog ticks, and canine heartworms. Consider the following points as you plan to deworm your dog;

• Recommendations on the best prescription dewormer for dogs. Depending on the type and strength, the best dog wormer medication or accessible over-the-counter at pet retailers. You can kill common pet internal parasites by giving your dog the pills or using a paste.
• Determine the correct dewormer dosage. To make a paste, adjust the dose on the tube to the weight necessary for your dog. You give the best worm medicine for dogs according to the dog’s weight; you may provide a portion of one or up to three tablets.
• Place one hand over your dog’s muzzle, your thumb and index finger on its top jaw, and apply pressure, tilting its head back to urge it to open its mouth. Fold its top lip over its top teeth when it opens its mouth to prevent it from biting down.
• Using the paste dispenser or placing the otc dog wormer toward the rear of your dog’s tongue, put the dewormer in its mouth at the back of its tongue. Allow the dog to close the mouth and shut it until it swallows immediately. It might assist if it rubs its neck or blows the nose.

Common Dog Deworming Mistakes

Pet owners understand how important it is to keep them parasite-free. Internal deworming, on the other hand, isn’t usually done appropriately. This is hazardous to your pet and can also harm the rest of your family.

Here, we’ll show you how to spot the most common mistakes people make while trying otc dewormer for dogs and how to avoid them.

Forgetting to Re-Administer Deworming Medication

Oral anti-parasitics are frequently used to treat worm infestations. However, sometimes people overlook that monthly dewormer for dogs. You must give the dose 15 days following the first; otherwise, the deworming would be unsuccessful.

Since oral anti-parasitics only last a few hours within your dog’s body, give a second dose bi-weekly to ensure that you effectively get rid of internal parasites. Fortunately, there are new internal anti-parasitics for dogs that you apply to the skin and remain active for one month. You do not need to re-administer right afterward.

Using Dewormers Before Determining the Dog’s Weight

When trying to give prescription dewormers for dogs, we frequently forget to weigh it, or we don’t weigh it at all. In most cases, pet owners rely on what they think it weighs or what it weighed the last time. This is the most common cause of underdosing or, even worse, overdosing on your dog.

Remember that deworming doses change depending on the dog’s weight, so it’s always a good idea to weigh it beforehand. If you cannot weigh your dog, it is preferable to use a dog dewormer with weight range categorization formulations, which guarantees that you administer the correct amount.

So are dewormers safe for dogs? Yes, but it needs to be given in the appropriate manner!

Assuming That All Dewormers are Effective Against Every Parasite Species

Dog deworming medicine comes in a wide variety of forms, just as parasites do. Some people get rid of roundworms, while others get rid of hookworms. The most effective treatment for these two parasite species is to use broad-spectrum anti-parasitics, especially those that kill adult worms and larvae.

These dewormers for dogs operate by preventing parasites from settling on your dog.

Believing That You Should Deworm Every Three to Six Months or Once a Year is Incorrect

Nowadays, pets socialize with other animals in parks or squares and have a closer relationship. Because of these changes in behavior, you require monthly dog dewormer to protect your dog and other family members from parasite infections.

Failing to Ensure The Oral Dewormer is Thoroughly Ingested and Digested

When trying to deworm your dog, it’s pretty common to give the dog worm medicine orally. The dog returns it spits it out or throws it up after a while. This occurs because many orally administered wormers have a bitter taste or have a flavor of things that your dog may not enjoy.

Dog wormers that do not need digesting, such as those you apply to the skin and function within your pet, are the best way to avoid this rejection.

When you Have Multiple Pets, Only Deworm One of Them

It’s highly typical for people who have multiple pets to deworm only one of them or deworm each pet but not all at once. This error equates to doing partial and ineffective deworming. Just attempting to deworm your pet puts their health at risk. This is because the ones you don’t deworm will remain a source of infection.

Self Medicating Your Pet is a Great Way to Save Money

This is probably the most prevalent mistake. You know your dog needs deworming, but you buy deworming for dogs without first having an evaluation by a veterinarian.

It’s vital to remember that the specialist will assess your pet’s physical health, weight, and lifestyle choices and whether or not it lives with youngsters. They can then determine which dewormer is ideal for your dog.

Always consult your primary care veterinarian to prevent your dog from parasites and stay current on your dog’s health plan.

What are Dog Worms?

Worms are tiny parasites that you find in most dogs. Roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, and heartworms are the five forms of worms that harm domestic dogs.

What are the Different Types of Dog Worms?

Dog intestinal worms come in various shapes and sizes; however, they are generally in four categories:

• Roundworms
• Hookworms
• Whipworms
• Tapeworms

All of these worms are harmful to dogs’ health, but roundworms are the most hazardous of them all. Furthermore, these intestinal worms have their species.

Roundworms

Toxacara canis and Toxascaris leonina are the two roundworm species. They’re both long, white, and have a spaghetti-like appearance.

The roundworm larvae invade the dog’s intestinal tract at first. They later spread to other body tissues and organs. When a roundworm larva matures as Toxocara canis, it goes to the lungs and then up to the airway. It then returns to the intestine to complete its life cycle.

Toxascaris leonina, on the other hand, has a shorter life cycle and does not move. Veterinarian uses a stool sample to diagnose roundworms. If left untreated, they can cause stunted growth or, in the worst-case scenario, death.

Hookworms

Hookworms are incredibly small, measuring around 1/8 inch (0.31 centimeter) in length. They are blood-sucking parasites that take large amounts of blood from their host’s intestine. In dogs, they can cause anemia, which can be fatal if not treated.

Hookworms, like Toxocara canis, wander around in their hosts’ bodies, enter the lungs, and then return to the colon to develop. You can discover hookworms only microscopically with the ‘Fecal Flotation’ stool test.

Whipworms

Whipworms are huge parasitic worms that live in the intestine. They reside in the first section of the large intestine. Hookworms do not use as many nutrients as other worms.

They don’t cause any symptoms in mild situations. However, if they reach the intestine tissues, they might be lethal, causing inflammation, weight loss, diarrhea, and anemia.

You can detect whipworms in a feces sample by veterinarians. Whipworm eggs, on the other hand, are difficult to come by. As a result, you have to repeat fecal examinations.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are worms that live in the intestines. They’re long, flat, and segmented.

Tapeworms feed by sucking blood from the small intestine’s walls and extracting nutrients. Unless the host dog is exceedingly active, they do not cause significant injury. Tapeworms pass on their segments in the infected dog’s stool when expelled.

They are most noticeable in a dog’s excrement and resemble small rice grains. Take your dog’s feces sample to a vet for diagnosis if you discover some of them in its poop or notice it scooting its bottom along the ground.

The Best Dewormers for Dogs At A Glance

Reviewing the Best Dewormers for Dogs on the Market

Bayer Quad Chewable Dewormer: Best Dewormers for Dogs

Brand: Elanco Animal Health

Dimensions: 6.5 x 0.75 x 3.75 inches (16.5 x 1.9 x 9.52 centimeters)

Weight: ‎1.28 ounces (36.2 grams)

About This Item

• The name Bayer Quad Chewable comes from the fact that it eliminates four different parasites: tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. It’s successful in getting rid of those bugs.
• Because the tablets resemble small snacks and have a beef flavor, persuading your dog to take his prescription should be simple. They have different sizes, so you won’t have to worry about your puppy trying to swallow the same medication as a big dog.
• This is a pricey treatment, but that’s normal with such a powerful drug. It’s also simple to dose because it’s usually a one-time treatment, so you won’t have to keep repeating it to receive the full effect.
• This canine dewormer fulfills all of your deworming needs.

Pros

• It’s quite efficient.
• Tablets have the appearance and flavor of snacks.
• The pill size is adequate for each dog’s size, and you administer it once.
• This is one of the best dewormers for dogs without a vet prescription being required.

Cons

• A little pricey compared to similar products.

Durvet Triple Wormer: Best For Large Dogs

Amazon’s Choice in Dog Wormers by Durvet

Brand: ‎Durvet

Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 5.5 inches ( 2.54 x 2.54 x 13.97 centimeters)

Weight:‎1.13 ounces (32.03 grams)

About This Item

• This product is a non-prescription 12 pack that controls seven tapeworm strains as well as hook and roundworms.
• The wormer is in the form of chewable tablets, and the packaging may vary.
• Are you tired of wasting money on dog dewormers that only address small dog worm problems? It’s inconvenient to keep buying packages after packages. Durvet Triple Medium and Huge Dog Wormer is the way to go if your dog is large and has parasite problems.
• This wormer is straightforward and provides the best possible protection against parasites. Follow the instructions on the product’s rear panel and the package insert, and your dog will soon be worm free.
• This drug, like most wormers, only kills mature parasites. As a result, you should repeat the operation in two weeks for improved outcomes.
• Designed specifically for medium and large dogs. Pyrantel pamoate and Praziquantel are among the components in this broad-spectrum composition. Tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and other worms, as well as their various strains

Pros

• This wormer doesn’t require a prescription.
• Chewable pills with a pleasant taste.
• Works quickly and is simple to use (you can give with or without food)
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Not for dogs under 25 pounds (11.35 kilograms) or puppies under the age of 12 weeks.
• Not for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Safe-Guard (fenbendazole): Best Dewormer For Puppies

Brand: ‎SAFE-GUARD

Dimensions: 11.75 x 5 x 11.75 inches (29.84 x 12.7 x 29.84 centimeters)

Weight: ‎18.14 grams (0.63 ounces)

About This Item

• Dogs easily take Safe-Guard Canine Dewormer. They normally consume it without complaint when it’s incorporated into their food.
• It is safe for pups and pregnant dogs and has no reports of drug interactions.
• Safe-Guard Canine Dewormer has only one chemical, fenbendazole, that is used to treat and control six different forms of worms: Roundworms (Toxocara canis Toxascaris leonina), Hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum Uncinaria stenocephala), Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis), and Tapeworms (Trichuris vulpis).
• Whipworms in dogs have a three-day life cycle, so you must give Safe-Guard Canine Dewormer three days in a row to kill them effectively.
• Safe-Guard uses only one ingredient, fenbendazole, to treat six different forms of intestinal worms seen in outdoor dogs. This reduces the number of chemicals that your dog is exposed to.
• Important Safety Information: It’s good to visit your veterinarian frequently to talk about your pup’s overall health and dog vaccination schedule. Talk to your veterinarian for help with parasitism diagnosis, treatment, and control. Approximately 1% of dogs had vomiting due to using this product. It is an excellent addition to monthly heartworm prevention medicines, which may not protect all four major forms of intestinal worms.
• Safe-Guard Canine is suitable for puppies aged six weeks and up and adult dogs, including pregnant females. Do not deworm a sick dog or puppy. For a diagnosis of the ailment, consult your veterinarian.
• It’s safe to use on pups, handicapped dogs, and pregnant females. This makes it one of the best puppy dewormers on the market.

Pros

• You can incorporate it into dog food.
• It contains only one active ingredient

Cons

• It may not protect all four major forms of intestinal worms.

SENTRY HC WormX Plus 7: Best For Small Dogs

Amazon’s Choice in Dog Wormers by SENTRY PET CARE

Brand: SENTRY PET CARE

Dimensions: ‎1 x 5.38 x 8.75 inches (2.54 x 13.66 x 22.22 centimeters)

Weight: ‎0.02 Pounds (9.08 grams)

About This Item

• It kills seven kinds of worms.
• The package has a two months supply.
• It’s a chewable tablet.
• You only have to administer SENTRY HC to your dog once a month to get rid of tapeworms, hookworms, ringworms, and other parasites. Because each package contains two tablets, you’ll have another round in the chamber if you don’t get all the parasites the first time.
• Since the tablets are chewable and dogs appear to accept the flavor, you shouldn’t have a problem giving them their monthly dose.
• SENTRY is suitable for both pups and adult dogs. Remember that if your dog has a sensitive stomach, you might clean up a mess the next time it relieves itself. Even if it causes diarrhea, it will kill worms, so it shouldn’t be a long-term problem.
• SENTRY HC is the quickest, easiest, and safest approach to getting rid of a wide variety of worms in your dog’s digestive tract.

Pros

• Kill seven different types of worms.
• Two months’ worth of supplies.
• Chewable tablet.
• It is simple to administer
• Both pups and adult dogs will benefit from this product.
• It’s one of the best over the counter dog dewormers, according to vets.

Cons

• It has the potential to cause diarrhea.

Durvet Liquid Dewormer: Best Liquid Wormer

Amazon’s Choice in Dog Wormers by Durvet

Brand: ‎Durvet

Dimensions: ‎3.25 x 2 x 2 inches (8.25 x 5.08 x 5.08 centimeters)

Weight: ‎0.13 pounds (59.02 grams)

About This Item

• Durvet Liquid is the best liquid dewormer for dogs if you only need to deworm a young dog.
• It’s soft but efficient, and puppies as young as two weeks old can utilize it. There’s also plenty in each bottle to get through the three initial doses you require for most young puppies.
• It will not only kill any existing worms in your dog’s body, but it will also prevent reinfestation, allowing you to let your dog run about outside without fear of bringing home unwanted guests.
• It comes in a liquid form, giving you various dosing options. If you have not weaned your dog, you can inject it directly into his mouth, mix it into his food, or even put it in a bottle. However, many dogs aren’t fond of the flavor.
• However, be mindful that it frequently does not destroy worms in your dog; instead, it drives them out. So, for a few days after medication, you’ll probably see worm-infested excrement in your yard, but that’s better than knowing those worms are crawling in your dog’s intestines.
• Durvet Liquid is suitable for dogs of all ages, although it is most effective when given to puppies.

Pros

• Ideal puppy wormer.
• Defends against re-infestation.
• The liquid form allows for a variety of dosage alternatives.
• Ample quantity per bottle.

Cons

• Rather than killing worms, this method forces them to leave.
• It does not have an appealing taste.

SENTRY HC WormX DS (pyrantel pamoate): Best For Dogs And Puppies

Brand: SENTRY PET CARE

Dimensions: ‎1.8 x 1.8 x 5.8 inches (4.57 x 4.57 x 14.73 centimeters)

Weight: ‎3.2 ounces (90.72 grams)

About This Item

• Sentry HC wormx DS liquid wormer for dogs is a broad spectrum wormer that kills hookworms as well as large roundworms.
• It is a broad-spectrum wormer.
• Its active ingredient is 4.54 mg of pyantel base as pyrantel pamoate per mL.
• It is suitable for dogs and puppies up to 120 pounds (54.48 kilograms).

Pros

• It is easy to administer.
• Both pups and adult dogs can use this product.

Cons

• It has a bad taste.

No products found.: Best Cost Effective

Amazon’s Choice in Dog Wormers by Panacur

No products found.

Brand: ‎Panacur

Dimensions: ‎3.74 x 3.5 x 0.63 inches

Weight: ‎0.634 ounces (17.97 grams)

About This Item

• You can treat and control roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and Taenia Tapeworms, using Panacur for dogs (fenbendazole) Canine Dewormer.
• In dogs, Panacur C treats all four primary intestinal parasites. Panacur C has a daily dose of 50 mg/kg (22.7 mg/lb) of body weight.
• It is suitable for dogs.
• Talk to your veterinarian for help with parasitism diagnosis, treatment, and control. Approximately 1% of dogs had vomiting due to using this product. There are no known interactions with Panacur C Canine Dewormer.

Pros

• Treat four types of worms.

Con

• Causes vomiting.

FAQs on Dog Deworming Products

How Do I Know If My Dog Needs To Be Dewormed?

The following are some symptoms that your pet could need a dewormer:

• If you notice worms in their feces; it’s not uncommon to observe worms or worm bits in their stool. Many worms resemble spaghetti or rice; thus, this is the most obvious symptom that your pet needs a dewormer.
• If you notice worms or worm fragments in your pet’s fur, especially near the back end or tail. Tapeworm segments, especially near the hind end, are prone to resembling small moving fragments. Tapeworm segments resemble tiny grains of rice.
• Scratching or rubbing their hind end – worms that emerge or are present might irritate certain pets. Other disorders, such as overflowing dog anal glands or canine allergies, can cause itching and scooting their rear end.
• Worms seen in vomit – some pets, particularly those with many worms, will start vomiting them up.
• Dog Bloat; this is especially frequent in worm-infested puppies and kittens. If your adult dog’s abdomen appears bloated, it could be due to a serious and life-threatening illness known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). Visit your veterinarian immediately to ensure it’s not something more dangerous than worms.
• Increased appetite and persistent hunger – this is tricky because it can be a sign of various issues in pets. It could also indicate the presence of parasitic worms.
• Weight loss can signify various issues, but it can also signify a major worm infestation. Worms steal nutrients from the host, causing your pet to lose weight.
• Dog Diarrhea – you may observe blood in their diarrhea at times. If your pet is experiencing diarrhea, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian and bring a stool sample from your pet so that your veterinarian can do a fecal test to search for worms, germs, and protozoans.
• If your pet has fleas, there’s a significant probability they have tapeworms. Please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has worms. They can assist you in determining which dewormer is best for your pet. There are many different types of worms, and not every dewormer can kill all of them. You can access the best dewormers for dogs over the counter, while others require a veterinarian clinic visit to access them. Your veterinarian healthcare staff is always delighted to go over all of your options with you and help you make the best decision for your pet.

Can Worms Kill My Dog?

Worms are rarely an emergency unless there is a severe dog heartworm infection. On the other hand, Worm infestations should never be left untreated because they can harm your dog’s internal organs. Worms’ impacts can result in loss of consciousness and death in the worst-case situation.

How Often Should I Deworm My Dog?

A few criteria will determine when to deworm your dog. As stated below, different sizes, breeds, and ages of dogs will necessitate different tactics.

Does The Size of Your Dog Matter While Deworming It?

When it comes to the frequency of deworming, the dog’s size makes no difference. You can determine the deworming frequency by the environment, age, living quarters, and veterinarian advice, not by the dog’s size. Always consult your veterinarian for extra advice, information, and help.

The dog’s size will only determine the size of the dewormer you will be using, not how many times the dog needs deworming. When purchasing various dewormers, the size is also a factor to consider. Indeed, various dose instructions are always on the dewormer container, depending on your dog’s weight and size.

How Often Should Puppies And Young Dogs Be Dewormed?

Puppies are susceptible to worms, which they can easily get from their mother’s milk. This means that even if a young dog or puppy has never been outside or socialized with other dogs, they can get worms.

This is something that many experienced breeders are aware of, so they normally advocate deworming young dogs and puppies more frequently. The majority of them advise deworming puppies before their first vaccine.

Always check with the breeder before acquiring a dog to confirm that it has proper deworming. Deworm puppies and young dogs when they reach the age of 21-30 days.

This implies that you should deworm them once a month until they reach the age of three months. After that, you can deworm them every two months until they reach the age of six months. Deworming should now happen at least once every three months or whenever needed.

In young dogs, worms can be fatal. If a puppy dies, the veterinarian will immediately suspect worms as a possible cause of death. On the other hand, Worms are unlikely to kill adult dogs, though they can substantially impact their overall health.

How Often Should Adult Dogs Be Dewormed?

Deworming an adult dog regularly is a difficult question to answer. This is because you determine the frequency by some factors, including the dog’s condition, where he lives, how often he gets out of the house to contact other dogs, and, most significantly, the veterinarian’s advice.

Deworming may not be necessary during the winter months when the ground is frozen if you reside in a low-risk location. It’s vital to remember that dewormers are powerful medications that you should only use when necessary. During the winter, the veterinarian may only offer to deworm if vomiting and diarrhea are symptoms of worm infestation.

If you reside in a high-risk location where worms grow, deworming your pets once every three months is vital, or twice a month in extreme cases. It’s difficult to say how long you should deworm an adult dog. Adult dogs are unlikely to die from worms, as previously reported. However, you should deworm them as regularly as feasible to avoid difficulties.

Discuss the issue of how often you should deworm your dog with your veterinarian for tests, diagnosis, and advice. It’s critical to decide based on a veterinarian’s professional advice or after using a stool test to diagnose the dog.

How Do Dogs Get Worms?

Common causes include:

• Taking larvae from their mother’s milk.
• Eating dead animals outside.
• Fleas in the mouth and ingest them during grooming.
• While outside, picking up worms or larvae from feces.
• Fleas are the carriers of tapeworms in dogs. When a dog consumes an infected flea, the infection is passed on to the dog. This is one of the reasons it’s critical to treat your dog for fleas and worms simultaneously.
• Adult dogs can pick up worms from other sick animals, scavenge deceased animals that may contain worms or infected parasites like fleas, or eat the larvae or eggs of worms outside, such as on grass.
• Puppies can contract an illness from their mother or swallow larvae in her milk.

Can I Get Worms From My Dog?

Yes, many of the worms that infect dogs are zoonotic, which means animals can transmit to humans. Different worms produce various diseases, each with its unique set of symptoms. So, take care of yourself and be aware of the warning symptoms.

Can a Dog Still Get Worms After Being Treated For Them?

Unfortunately, your dog is still susceptible to worm infection. This is the case because most worming solutions only destroy worms already inside your dog. Dogs can quickly contract new worm infections from their surroundings; thus, you must deworm regularly.

Deworming your dog once every three months is suggested. Your veterinarian may suggest monthly worming because your dog is a hunter or scavenger or because they live with youngsters.

Will Deworming Hurt My Dog?

No, it will not. There may be a reaction or two, but they will eventually be ok.

How Can Dogs Catch Parasitic Worms?

Many parasites exist in the grass and soil outside your home. Some parasites, such as hookworms and roundworms, can survive there, making it easier for your dog to pick them up when sniffing, exploring, and playing with toys.

Roundworm eggs, for example, can move into the soil from an infected animal’s feces and lie latent for a year or more, and your dog could ingest these worm eggs, resulting in parasitic infection.

If your dog enjoys hunting, they may obtain worms from infected creatures such as rats, birds, sheep, and other worm-infested animals. Keep an eye on your dog’s whereabouts to avoid scavenging.

How Long Does a Dog Dewormer Take to Work?

Within a few hours, deworming medicines begin to act. Roundworms can mature quickly in the puppy and subsequently be transmitted through the stool into the environment, so regular deworming is necessary.

You may do other things in addition to deworming to prevent reinfection from other forms of worms. You can prevent tapeworms with flea prevention regularly. Teach your dog to avoid eating excrement to avoid whipworms.

What To Expect After Deworming a Dog

Here’s what to expect after deworming your dog:

The first several hours of deworming: Most dewormers begin working right away. However, make sure your dog consumes the deworming chew pills or powder-based medicine. Some dogs try to spit out the drug right away or vomit after swallowing it. If this occurs, seek counsel from your veterinarian.

After a few days of deworming: You’ll notice a visible reduction in worm extraction in your dog’s feces after a few days and an improvement in its health. Contact your veterinarian if your pet’s condition changes unexpectedly due to the treatment.

Can Worms In Dogs Go Away On Their Own?

People may feel that because worms usually are not harmful to humans, they will be harmless to dogs and be able to get rid of them on their own, but this is not the case. Worms are impossible for dogs to eliminate on their own. To some extent, medical help will be the option.

The Final Say on The Best Dewormers for Dogs

The best dewormer for dogs must be effective against all worms and be a simple medicine to administer.

We chose Bayer Quad Chewable Dewormer as the winner because of its excellent functionality and ease of use. It is rapid and effective at eliminating four varieties of intestinal worms. It’s also safe for dogs and puppies.