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What Are Dog Wormers?

Dog wormers (also called dewormers) are medications designed to kill and remove internal parasites (worms) from your dog. These parasites include:

• Roundworms
• Hookworms
• Whipworms
• Tapeworms
• Heartworms (requires special preventatives)

Common Types of Wormers

1. Broad-spectrum wormers: Treat multiple types of intestinal worms.
   • Often used for routine deworming and sold as tablets, chewables, or liquids.
2. Targeted wormers: Developed for specific parasites (e.g., tapeworm-specific products).

Top Ingredients / Products

• Pyrantel pamoate: Targets roundworms and hookworms.
• Praziquantel: Kills tapeworms.
• Fenbendazole: Effective for roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, some tapeworms.
• Milbemycin oxime & Ivermectin: Used for heartworm prevention (often in monthly preventatives like Heartgard, Interceptor).

Popular brands include:

• Drontal
• Panacur
• Interceptor
• Heartgard
• Milbemax
• Advantage Multi

Signs Your Dog Might Need Deworming

• Visible worms in stool or around anus
• Scooting or dragging bottom
• Persistent diarrhea
• Vomiting (sometimes with worms)
• Weight loss or poor coat
• Pot-bellied appearance (especially in puppies)

Deworming Schedule

• Puppies: Usually at 2, 4, 6, 8 weeks, then monthly up to 6 months.
• Adult dogs: At least every 3-6 months or as recommended by your vet.

Safety Tips

• Always use the correct dosage for your dog’s weight.
• Read instructions carefully.
• Consult your vet before starting any dewormer, especially if using other medications.
• Not all dewormers are safe for puppies, nursing, or pregnant dogs—check labels!

Over-the-Counter vs. Prescription

• Some wormers are available over the counter for common worms.
• Heartworm preventatives and some broad-spectrum wormers need a prescription from your veterinarian.