Key takeaways

• Worms are unpleasant and can cause various health issues, so it’s vital to address them as soon as possible. 
• Regular prevention and vet-guided deworming helps your dog stay worm-free, active, and happy. 
• Watch for changes like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss, which may be signs your dog has worms. 

• If you’re worried about your dog’s health, consult a licensed veterinarian to get a diagnosis and adequate treatment.

If your dog is showing symptoms of worms — like diarrhea, dull coat, or weight loss — you may be wondering: “Can I treat my dog for worms without going to the vet?” Parasitic worms are a common health issue in dogs because parasites can infect your pooch anywhere, anytime. 

Dogs can contract worms from their mothers, by digging in infected soil, by sniffing the feces of another infected dog, and by being bitten by infected mosquitoes. Unfortunately, you can't always prevent parasitic worms, but you can ensure your dog gets the treatment they need to avoid serious health problems by consulting a vet to prescribe you a dewormer. 

A dewormer treats worms in dogs by eliminating parasites, including heartworms. Most young puppies and adopted dogs receive a deworming treatment before entering a new household. It can serve as a preventative measure to ensure a new dog can't infect other pets or people in your home.

Continue reading to learn more about dog dewormers to ensure you understand the process of deworming your dog. 

• How Dog Dewormers Work
• When To Deworm Your Dog
• Cost Of Deworming
• Types Of Dewormers
• Dewormer Side Effects
• Preventing Worms In Dogs
• Dog Dewormer: FAQs

• Final Notes

How pills for deworming dogs work

What is deworming for dogs? It's the process of eliminating parasites in a dog. Vets give deworming treatments to dogs as oral medication, an injection, or topical medication to eradicate parasitic worms. Many of these medicines can treat a wide range of parasites.

Some dewormers paralyze worms in the GI system and allow the dog to eliminate them in feces. Meanwhile, other types of medication starve and kill the parasite, preventing it from being able to reinfect another dog once expelled. 

Treating worms in dogs is crucial because they can cause serious health problems when left untreated and infect other dogs since yours will shed them in their feces. Several types of worms affect dogs, with symptoms ranging from vomiting, diarrhea, and bad gas to blood in stool, blockages, and pneumonia. This includes:

• Roundworms: Roundworms are transmitted in several ways, including via the placenta from mothers to puppies. 
• Hookworms: Hookworms are small parasites that burrow into the intestinal wall and feed off your dog’s blood. These worms live in soil, so many dogs get them from sniffing around or eating infected soil outside, and the larvae can either be ingested or burrow through the skin. 
• Tapeworms: Tapeworms are transmitted through infected fleas that eat tapeworm eggs. The eggs hatch and attach to the intestinal lining. Tapeworms can cause itching around the anus, so it may cause scooting in dogs.¹
• Whipworms: Whipworms are large enough that you might be able to see them in soil. They embed themselves in the intestinal lining and can cause discomfort and unpleasant symptoms in dogs, such as canine diarrhea, weight loss, bloody stools, anemia, and dehydration.
• Heartworms: Heartworm is another type of worm that is common in dogs. However, it's not an intestinal parasite like the others and can cause serious health problems, eventually becoming fatal if left untreated. Heartworms are spread through mosquitoes and live in infected animals' hearts, lungs, and blood vessels.

When to deworm your dog: common symptoms for worms

Knowing the symptoms can help you understand when to take your dog to the vet for treatment. While there are several types of intestinal worms, they can vary. Therefore, your dog may have only a few symptoms on this list:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Dull coat
• Bloating
• Dehydration
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Pale gums
• Constipation
• Coughing
• Nasal discharge
• Difficulty breathing
• Blood in stool

Since heartworms aren’t intestinal worms, their symptoms are often different and may include coughing, exercise reluctance or intolerance, fatigue, decreased appetite, weight loss, heart failure, and abdominal swelling. Because heartworm disease can be fatal, you should have your dog tested once a year and give them preventative medication.

Types of worms in dogs 

Dogs may be infected with one of several types of worms, and each type requires a slightly different treatment approach. By understanding the type of worm your dog has been diagnosed with, you can get the correct treatment and avoid complications. 

• Roundworms: These are the most common types of parasites in dogs, particularly in puppies. They’re long, spaghetti-like strands that trigger symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and a pot-bellied appearance. 
• Tapeworms: Flat and segmented, these worms usually attach to the walls of the dog’s intestines. Usually, they spread through fleas, and you may spot small, rice-like parts around the dog’s anus or in their stool. The good news is that there are effective ways to get rid of fleas in your house and reduce the risk of your dog catching tapeworms.
• Hookworms: Small and thin, these parasites attach to the intestinal lining and feed on blood, increasing the risk of anemia. Puppies are especially vulnerable to hookworms, which are usually characterized by symptoms like pale gums, weakness or tiredness, and black, tarry stool. 

• Whipworms: These tiny worms live in the dog’s large intestine and may trigger symptoms like chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and weakness. They’re more difficult to spot on routine fecal tests and often require repeated testing. 

Types of dewormers

The type of dewormer your dog needs will depend on the kind of parasite they have. For example, heartworm treatments vary significantly from dewormers for intestinal parasites. Your vet may suggest oral, injectable, or topical treatments. In most cases, oral treatments are the easiest for dogs to ingest. However, injectable dewormers are faster-acting because they only require one dose. 

Your vet will ensure you understand your options and help you determine the best course of treatment depending on your dog’s health, parasite type, and overall needs. 

If you’re searching for an effective and safe solution, licensed vets from Dutch can prescribe you an FDA-approved dog dewormer, which will be delivered to your doorstep with free standard shipping. 

Cost of deworming

In general, deworming treatments can cost anywhere between $15 to $200. But how much you pay for dog dewormer varies depending on your vet, location, and the type of medication your dog receives. However, you can expect to pay for a vet visit, fecal exam, and deworming medication. In addition, depending on the severity of your dog's infection, they may have to be hospitalized, which can cost thousands of dollars. 

With Dutch, the costs are more predictable and affordable. Rather than having to pay separately for each exam and prescription, you can register with a membership that begins at $11/month for up to five pets. This price includes unlimited calls, same-day access, and customized treatment plans, including medications such as dewormers. For additional savings, Dutch offers a 2-year plan, which reduces the monthly cost to just $8 a month. 

Register for Dutch today.

Heartworm treatment is more expensive because your vet must perform blood work and take x-rays to determine the severity of an infection. The tests can cost a few hundred dollars. Meanwhile, the types of treatment will be costly. Depending on your dog's condition, your vet may use several treatments, including injections and oral medication. Additionally, your dog will need regular follow-ups.

Deworming schedules & guidance for home treatment

Regular deworming and knowing when and how to use home treatment are essential to keep your dog parasite-free. The exact schedule depends on your dog’s age. 

Adult dog deworming schedule 

Although adult dogs are less prone to intestinal worms than puppies, they may still become infested through contaminated water, soil, or feces or by ingesting infected prey. Most adult dogs benefit from being regularly dewormed, as it can help prevent further health complications. 

It’s recommended to have healthy dogs’ stool samples tested once or twice per year and to treat any worms with prescription medication. A monthly heartworm preventative treatment year-round also helps keep your furry friend safe. 

If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, hunts, or lives in a high-risk area, your vet may recommend more frequent deworming. 

Puppy deworming schedule

Puppies are highly susceptible to worms because they can get them from their mothers, and their immune systems are still developing. Most puppies are dewormed at two, four, six, and eight weeks of age. They should also receive monthly heartworm prevention for the rest of their lives, which may protect them against other parasites. 

Puppies receive another treatment monthly from three to six months old. Then, when they become adults, they'll have annual or biannual stool tests at the vet to test for worms and provide treatment on an as-needed basis. That said, the preventative heartworm medication they receive should protect against other types of worms, including hookworms and roundworms. 

When you’re deworming a dog at home, make sure the product you’re using is vet-approved, and follow the exact dosage instructions, usually based on your dog’s weight. It’s best to give the treatment with food as it helps decrease stomach upset. Monitor your dog closely for diarrhea, vomiting, or behavioral changes. 

Don’t forget to clean your dog’s living area thoroughly, dispose of feces, use adequate protection during flea and tick season, and wash bedding. If their symptoms continue or worsen, consult a vet.

Signs of improvement

Once your dog is on a deworming treatment, watch for signs that they’re recovering well. Though the exact recovery time depends on the dog’s overall health, its age, and the type of parasite, here are some common positive signs:

• Back to basics: Your dog’s energy levels are normal again — a return to more activity and playfulness can indicate they’re recovering. 
• Healthy appetite: An increased appetite is usually a sign that their discomfort is going away. 
• Stool improvement: Their feces are more solid, without eggs or worms. 
• Shiny coat: Thanks to the improved nutrient absorption, your dog’s coat may be healthier and shinier. 

• Weight stabilization: If the treatment is effective, your dog will start to regain its healthy weight.
  

To support your dog’s recovery, Dutch provides easy access to FDA-approved dewormers prescribed by licensed vets, along with free standard shipping straight to your door. The ongoing access to virtual vet care will bring you peace of mind, knowing your dog is on the right track.

Register today to start your dog’s treatment plan.

Dewormer side effects

Dog dewormers are considered safe for most dogs. However, they can have side effects, and dogs with a large number of parasites can experience anemia or other signs of illness after treatment, including the following:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting & diarrhea
• Lethargy

It's important to monitor your pet after deworming. In most cases, dogs don't experience any side effects. However, if your dog's behavior changes, they seem more tired, or they have GI upset in the form of vomiting or diarrhea, contact your vet as soon as possible. 

While intestinal pet dewormers for dogs are safe and have minimal side effects, heartworm treatment is very different. With heartworm disease, dogs are given an injectable treatment to kill the adults in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Dogs with diagnosed heartworm disease will need a series of injections with a schedule that varies depending on the severity of the infection over the next three to six months. A vet also uses medication to reduce the chances of unwanted side effects. 

While a dog is treated for heartworm, pet parents must restrict exercise because it can increase damage to the heart and lungs.³ Most vets recommend keeping your dog in a bedroom and only letting them outside on a leash to keep them from getting too rambunctious. 

Side effects are more common and severe with heartworm treatment than intestinal parasites. Dogs may experience swelling and soreness at the injection site. Additionally, the more worms a dog has, the more risk there is with treatment. Severe side effects of heartworm treatment include:

• Worsened cough
• Difficulty breathing & excessive panting
• Weakness and lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Diarrhea

Home treatments to avoid for dogs with worms 

Unfortunately, the internet is full of misleading and incorrect information on worm treatment in dogs. Although some natural remedies are safe, there are plenty of natural cures for worms that are ineffective and may harm your dog:

• Giving your dog raw onions or garlic: These can be toxic to dogs and contribute to anemia. 
• Using natural dewormers only: Many natural dewormers for dogs lack scientific proof and may delay getting adequate treatment. 
• Giving human medication: Human deworming medication may be unsafe and ineffective for worms in dogs. 
• Feeding or applying essential oils: Clove, tea tree, or pennyroyal oils may be toxic for dogs if ingested or absorbed topically.

• Trying detox diets: Fasting or detox diets for dogs may weaken your dog further and may not be effective at removing worms.

Preventing worms in dogs

Parasitic worms are common in a dog’s environment, including in soil, but there are several ways you can protect your pet from uncomfortable and potentially fatal complications. The best way to treat worms in dogs is to prevent infections from occurring in the first place. Here are a few ways you can prevent worms in dogs:

• Eliminate fleas: Since fleas can carry tapeworms, you should protect your pet year-round by investing in flea prevention products like Bravecto or NexGard. These collars, topical, and oral medications are used to eliminate fleas, reducing the likelihood of getting tapeworms. 
• Use heartworm prevention: Heartworm prevention doesn't just protect your dog from heartworms. Many products are broad-spectrum and protect against intestinal worms. 
• Visit your vet: Your dog should have an annual or bi-annual wellness appointment with your vet to look for signs of worms and to do a fecal test. Your vet may also perform a blood test to check for heartworm. These exams allow your vet to catch signs of illness before they cause health complications. The earlier you treat worms, the better your dog's prognosis.
• Pick up pet poop: Picking up your dog's poop while on walks can prevent it from infecting other dogs that pass by. Never let your dog sniff another dog's droppings on walks because it can transmit worms to them.

Dog Dewormer FAQs

Which dewormer is best for dogs?

There are many different options for dog dewormers. However, what's best for your dog depends on the type of worms they have or the worms you're trying to prevent. If you need help deciding which medication to use for your dog, consult your vet. They can discuss brand options and provide you with resources to learn more about parasite prevention to protect your pooch. 

How often should dogs be dewormed?

How often dogs should be dewormed depends on their age and lifestyle. Puppies will receive regular deworming treatments as soon as they turn two weeks old. Additionally, some experts believe you should treat your dog for worms every three months, depending on their lifestyle.⁴ However, you can (and should) use a monthly preventative dewormer for dogs, which can protect against heartworms, fleas, and intestinal parasites. 

How do I know when to deworm my dog?

Every dog needs a yearly physical examination by a vet, who will ask you to bring in a fecal sample for testing. Some vets do fecal testing on-site, while others send it to a lab. In any case, you'll get the results back quickly, which will tell you and your vet if your dog's stool has signs of worms. If your dog's stool returns healthy, no treatment is needed other than your monthly prevention plan. However, if your dog's stool shows signs of worms, your vet will want to begin treatment as soon as possible. 

How long should I wait to see a vet for dog worms?

If you suspect your dog has worms, consult a vet as soon as possible, especially since heartworms can cause serious issues if left untreated. The sooner your dog is diagnosed and treated, the faster they will recover. You’ll also reduce the risk of the infection causing further complications and spreading to other humans and pets in the household. 

For prompt diagnosis and treatment, connect with a licensed veterinarian from Dutch — they’re a click away. 

How does a dog wet worms?

Dogs get infested with worms in different ways — for example, puppies get them from their mothers before or shortly after birth, and adult dogs may get them by consuming or sniffing infected feces, from digging in contaminated soil, or from fleas and mosquito bites. Considering the common presence of parasites in the environment, prevention is crucial to keep your dog safe throughout the year.

Is it safe to five a dog dewormer just in case?

Avoid giving your dog a dewormer “just in case” without consulting a vet. As different worms require different meds, you may end up giving the wrong dose or type of dewormer, which increases the risk of ineffectiveness and harm to your dog. 

An online vet, like those available through Dutch, can diagnose dog conditions and prescribe safe, FDA-approved treatments through virtual calls and tests.