Common Dewormers Used by Veterinarians for Dogs
Maintaining your dog’s health involves regular deworming to eliminate internal parasites that can cause a variety of health issues. Veterinarians choose specific dewormers based on the type of parasite, the health and age of the dog, and other individual factors. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the medications and ingredients vets use to manage worm infestations in dogs.
Types of Worms in Dogs
- Roundworms: Treated with pyrantel pamoate or fenbendazole.
- Hookworms: Treated with pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole, or milbemycin oxime.
- Tapeworms: Commonly treated with praziquantel.
- Whipworms: Treated using fenbendazole or milbemycin oxime.
- Heartworms: Prevented with monthly medications like ivermectin and milbemycin oxime.
- Lungworms: Treated with fenbendazole or ivermectin.
- Protozoan parasites (e.g., Giardia, coccidia): Treated with specialized antiparasitic agents like fenbendazole or sulfonamides.
Active Ingredients in Veterinary Dewormers
- Pyrantel Pamoate: Effective against roundworms and hookworms.
- Fenbendazole: Broad-spectrum agent used against roundworms, whipworms, and some tapeworms.
- Praziquantel: Targets tapeworms effectively.
- Milbemycin Oxime: Prevents heartworms and treats other intestinal worms.
- Ivermectin: Used for heartworm prevention but must be avoided in sensitive breeds.
- Spinosad: Added to some products for flea control.
Prescription Dewormers Commonly Used by Vets
- Simparica Trio: A monthly chewable that treats fleas, ticks, heartworm, hookworm, and roundworm.
- Interceptor Plus: Combines milbemycin oxime and praziquantel for comprehensive deworming.
- Heartgard Plus: Contains ivermectin and pyrantel for heartworm prevention and treating roundworms and hookworms.
- Sentinel Spectrum: Offers protection against heartworms, intestinal worms, and fleas with milbemycin, lufenuron, and praziquantel.
- Advantage Multi: A topical formula made of imidacloprid and moxidectin for broad parasite control.
Over-the-Counter Options
While vets may also recommend some over-the-counter products for mild infestations or as maintenance, these are generally not as comprehensive as prescription medications.
- Panacur C: Fenbendazole-based, treats a variety of intestinal worms and Giardia.
- PetArmor 7 Way De-Wormer: Contains praziquantel and pyrantel to treat tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms.
- Quad Dewormer: A combination of praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and febantel for wider coverage.
Deworming Schedules Recommended by Vets
- Puppies: Begin deworming at 2–3 weeks of age. Continue every 2–3 weeks until they are 8 weeks old. Then administer monthly preventatives until 6 months of age.
- Adult Dogs: Deworm 2–4 times a year or as recommended, especially if not on a monthly preventative.
Precautions and Veterinary Guidance
- Always confirm your dog’s weight to ensure accurate dosing.
- Consult a vet before starting any deworming medication, especially in puppies, pregnant or lactating dogs, and sensitive breeds such as collies.
- Watch for mild side effects like vomiting or diarrhea, and contact a vet if symptoms persist.
Preventing Reinfestation
- Maintain strict flea control to prevent tapeworm transmission.
- Pick up dog feces promptly to reduce environmental contamination.
- Avoid raw diets and prevent dogs from scavenging or hunting wildlife.
- Use regular monthly preventatives tailored to your dog's lifestyle and regional risk.
Final Thoughts
Veterinary dewormers are vital tools in maintaining canine health. With a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter options containing proven active ingredients, veterinarians choose the most appropriate dewormer based on parasite type, severity, dog age, and health status. Regular deworming, combined with good hygiene and preventive care, ensures your pet stays free from harmful parasites.
