Deworming

Why is worming important?

Deworming is a preventative measure to rid your dog of worms or prevent it from becoming infected with them. Deworming not only protects your dog's health, but also your own and that of your family. This is because some worms can also infect humans and lead to serious diseases such as echinococcosis or toxocarosis. These diseases can damage the liver, lungs or brain and even lead to death.

How often should you worm your dog?

The frequency of worming depends on various factors, such as your dog's age, state of health, lifestyle and risk of infection. There is no universal rule for deworming, but some recommendations are:

• Puppies should be wormed every two weeks from the third week of life until they are three months old. After that, they should be wormed monthly until they are six months old.
• Adult dogs should be wormed at least four times a year. Depending on how often your dog has contact with other dogs or potential sources of infection, more frequent worming may be necessary.
• Pregnant bitches should be wormed before mating and shortly before giving birth. This reduces the risk of transmitting worms to the puppies.
• Older or sick dogs should be regularly examined by a vet and dewormed if necessary.

What deworming products are available?

There are various deworming products that are effective depending on the type of worms. The most common remedies are tablets, pastes or spot-on preparations that are applied to the dog's skin. These products kill the worms or paralyze them so that they are excreted in the faeces. The products should always be used according to the vet's instructions or the package leaflet. The dosage depends on the weight of the dog.

How do you recognize a worm infestation in dogs?

A worm infestation in dogs can sometimes be difficult to recognize, as not all dogs show symptoms. Some signs of a worm infestation are

• Diarrhea or constipation
• vomiting
• weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• flatulence
• Blood in the feces
• Coughing
• Shaggy coat
• Bloated belly
• Itching in the anus
• Visible worms in the feces or vomit

If you notice one or more of these signs in your dog, you should take him to the vet and take a fecal sample with you. The vet can then carry out a microscopic examination and determine whether your dog is infested with worms and what type of worms they are.

How can you prevent a worm infestation?

In addition to regular worming, there are several measures you can take to prevent a worm infestation:

• Keep your dog's sleeping area and surroundings clean and remove feces daily.
• Avoid feeding your dog raw meat or offal, as these may contain worm eggs.
• Do not let your dog sniff or eat feces or carrion from other animals.
• Protect your dog from fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, which can transmit worms.
• Wash your hands regularly after petting or playing with your dog.
• Have yourself and your family checked regularly for worms, especially if you have children.