58% of Canadians own a pet. As pet owners, you only want the best for your pet, which sometimes includes deworming, especially for dogs. Dog deworming is essential for many reasons, but it's a debated topic. If you're thinking, "should I deworm my dog?" you might wonder if it's necessary or if the worms will go away on their own. In this article, you'll learn more about deworming, why it's important, and how you can deworm your dog in Scarborough.
What Are Dog Worms? Worms are dog parasites that live in your dog's gut. Your dog contracts worms from parasites living in grass, dirt, fleas, other dead animals or by eating worm larvae. There are different kinds of worms like roundworms, tapeworms, or hookworms. The veterinarian can tell which type of worms your dog has by testing their feces." Sometimes dogs show no symptoms of worms, which is especially true with adult dogs. But some dogs may experience vomiting, diarrhea, bloated stomach, trouble breathing, or coughing. If your dog starts showing these signs, contact your veterinarian. What Is Deworming? Deworming is the process of killing worms in your dog's intestinal tract. This is where the parasites live. Vets need to perform a worming test before administering any medication. They'll do bloodwork, perform x-rays, test feces, and other procedures to identify the type of worms your dog has. Once they know your dog has worms, they can start treatment. What Is the Deworming Process? The deworming process is fairly straightforward, but it can take a while. Your vet administers a dewormer for dogs or a shot to start the process of deworming. The treatment may take a couple of rounds lasting a few months. The vets at Amherst Veterinary Hospital will keep an eye on your dog during the process to ensure the treatment is effective. Should I Deworm My Dog? Your vet will recommend routine deworming every 3-6 months depending on the risk and lifestyle of the pet. Worms can pass from dog to dog or dog to human. If you have other people or dogs living in the home with you, it may be wise to deworm regularly to prevent transmission. Another thing to consider is where you live and what your dog interacts with. Living in an area where the risk of parasites is high, you should deworm every few months. Worms make your dog uncomfortable. From vomiting to bloating, you want to avoid discomfort or further health complications for your dog as much as possible. Should I Deworm Puppies? Moms can pass worms to their puppies during the birthing process or even before birth. Because of this, it's recommended to deworm puppies a few weeks after they're born. Deworm Your Dog in Scarborough If you're wondering "how to deworm my dog," the best thing to do is talk to your vet. They have the skills, knowledge, and experience to help you answer these questions about worming specific to your dog's health. Your dog deserves the best! The vets at Amherst Veterinary Hospital offer the best care and compassion to your pet. Book your appointment with us today.