Puppy dewormer: Find the right dewormer for puppies

Updated 24/04/2024

New pet parents of puppies, fret not! Puppy dewormer should be a part of your new bark baby’s routine to stay healthy. Parasitic worms are common, even in kid canines, but finding the right dewormer for puppies can be a bit of an unreachable itch.

However, it doesn’t need to be! Worm infestations must always be dealt with swiftly, luckily this can be done easily, efficiently, and at a comfortable cost. Here’s how to tell if your puppy needs deworming, how to prevent worm infestations, and the best puppy dewormer for your tiny tail-wagger.

Common types of worm infestations

Puppies can pick up worm infestations from many different places. We know how curious canines are, especially when the world is so new to them. Everything must be investigated, unfortunately, that means they can end up eating things that contain parasites. This can include tasting dirt, poop, or trash from outside which is infected, or if infected soil or feces are accidentally brought into the home (namely, outside shoes). 

Roundworm, tapeworm, hookworm, and whipworms are prevalent examples of intestinal worms in puppers. Heartworms are a bit rare but are very serious with very few symptoms outside of a cough. Talk to your vet about preventative heartworm medicine to keep your puppy safe and healthy.

Symptoms of intestinal worms in dogs and puppies

Worm infestations can sometimes be noticeable in your puppy's poop - you’ll see light string-like (or worm-like) patterns in their feces. But there are other signs to look out for which may not be as noticeable:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight loss (or failing to gain weight)
• Potbelly appearance or rounded tummy 
• Skin irritation - constant scratching or biting of the skin
• Coughing
• Lack of energy
• Rubbing or scooting their rear

The above symptoms are what are most commonly seen in puppy intestinal worms, however, these signs could also indicate another health issue. If you notice any unusual physical or mood changes in your puppy, take them straight to the vet.

Puppy deworming medicine

Pupper dewormer is accessible from your local vet clinic and most pet stores. Always run new or unrecognized brands past your vet before buying, and check with your vet how often they would recommend using them. The reason is worm infestations are common. However, each type of worm infection will need a particular medicine to treat it with specific contents. These ingredients in puppy deworming medicine can include:

• Pyrantel Pamoate - effective against roundworms and hookworms in puppies as it is safe and effective. Your pup will pass the dead worms through their poop.
• Fenbendazole - tackles most intestinal worms and is commonly used in multi-day treatment regimens. However, do ask your vet if this is safe for your puppy’s sensitive stomach.
• Praziquantel - specifically for tapeworms, your vet may combine this with other dewormers to make the treatment more effective.

• Ivermectin - this medicine is used for heartworms, but it can also kill some types of mites and lice. However, this may only be recommended by vets for puppies in extreme cases. It’s a powerful medicine that can easily upset tiny tummies.
• Milbemycin Oxime - fights against heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms, as well as a preventative for heartworm disease. Again, talk to your vet before buying this for those with small paws.

Each of these presents different common side effects, most of which are not to be concerned about. However, if you notice a change in your puppy after they’ve received dewormer, take them straight to the vet with the medicine to show the vet. Dewormers should not be overused or used incorrectly as this can present problems too.

Your vet will also have their recommendation on puppy dewormer. Tiny tummies mean they’re more delicate and easily upset so normal adult dog tablets might be too much for baby barkers. Chat with their vet, they may be able to provide puppy pills whilst you’re there. They’ll also be able to help teach you how to deworm a puppy at home and how to prevent future worm infestations.

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.

Becoming a first-time puppy pet parent can be scary, as well as super exciting. If you’re new to baby canine care we have a useful starter guide on puppy training if you’re new to pooch pampering. We also have some paw-some and seasoned pet parents on our Community Forum who would love to share their puppy knowledge with learning humans. Start your chat or feel free to tag along to an existing one.