Worms, Ticks, and Fleas
Dogs are ideal hosts – to worms and other parasites, that is. Animals that sniff, slurp, lick, and gobble anything in their paths, including dirt, trash and poop are bound to pick up pests. All the things they do with their mouths – groom, kiss, wrestle, and other social habits – can pass along unwanted guests to playmates and companions, canine, and human alike.
Parasites worm their way into most dogs’ lives at one time or another. Your vet may suspect worms if your dog has diarrhoea or is vomiting, coughing, chewing, or licking under their tail, short of breath, or losing weight. The symptoms and treatments depend on the type of worm and where it’s living in your dog’s body.
Because they can inherit worms from their mothers, worming treatment in puppies should be started early.
Puppies should be wormed every two weeks until twelve weeks of age, then monthly until six months of age. Once they have reached six months of age, a puppy can transfer onto an adult worming schedule.