How to Choose the Right Dewormer for Your Dog and Keep Them Safe from Parasites？

So many people ask questions like: 

"Why does my dog always scoot their butt? Should I take them to the vet?"

"I put dewormer drops on my dog's fur, but it gets absorbed and I'm worried they'll lick it. What should I do?" 

"I gave my dog dewormer, but why are there still parasites in their stool?"

Dogs aren't like people—they don't care about hygiene. They can easily pick up parasites from the environment when they're out for a walk, playing with other dogs, or even snacking on random things they find.

If you notice your dog doing unusual stuff, like scratching or licking their skin constantly, losing weight, biting at their own body, losing their appetite, or having diarrhea, it could be a sign of a parasite problem. If you actually see parasites in their poop, then it's definitely time to do something about it.

 

Main Types of Parasites

There are two main types of parasites: those that live on the outside of your dog (like fleas, ticks, lice, and mites), and those that live inside (like heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms).

External Parasites

• Fleas: These little guys cause intense itching and can make your dog miserable. They also might give your dog anemia if the infestation is serious. Flea eggs can hide in your furniture and carpet, leading to even more problems.
• Ticks: These are notorious for sticking to your dog's skin and sucking blood. Even though they don't cause much pain at first, they can spread diseases and lead to major health issues.
• Lice: These parasites live in the hair and skin, feeding on blood. They can cause your dog to itch, get scabs, and even lose hair in severe cases.
• Mites: These cause intense itching, hair loss, and red skin. They can also lead to secondary infections.

Internal Parasites

• Heartworms: Transmitted by mosquitoes, these are super dangerous. Once they're in, they're hard to treat and can be deadly. Symptoms include coughing, fatigue, loss of appetite, and swollen abdomen.
• Roundworms: These are common in the intestines and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even blockages in severe cases.
• Hookworms: These are more common in puppies and can lead to itching, anemia, weight loss, and bloody diarrhea.
• Whipworms: They infect dogs through contaminated food or other substances, causing anemia and diarrhea.

 

Spot-on Treatment or Oral Meds?

There are two main ways to give deworming medicine to dogs: you can either use the spot-on treatment or give them oral meds.

 

With the spot-on treatment, you part the fur on your dog's neck or shoulders and apply the liquid directly to their skin. You want to make sure it hits the skin and not just the fur, because it needs to be absorbed to work properly. After applying, you can blow it dry for good measure. Generally, you only need to do this once a month.

While using the spot-on method, remember to avoid water before and after application. If you just drip it on the fur without getting to the skin, the medicine won't absorb well, and that can lead to poor deworming results.

Oral deworming meds don't have the same bathing restrictions, so you don't have to worry about water interfering with the absorption. But giving these meds can be tricky, especially with picky dogs or smaller breeds. You'll need a pill popper or some kind of device to help administer the medicine, and you might have to get creative with treats or other tricks. The typical frequency for oral dewormers is also once a month.

Both methods have their pros and cons, so when picking the best one for your dog, consider a few factors to determine what’s best for them.

 

How to Choose the Right Dewormer?

To keep your dog healthy, you need the right dewormer. Dewormers come in different types, depending on whether they're for external or internal parasites. Here's what you need to know when choosing the best dewormer for your dog.

1. Big Brands Are Safer
   Opt for products from well-known companies—they're more reliable.

2. Wider Spectrum Is Better
   Look for dewormers that target a broad range of parasites. You want something that can handle both the common ones and those that cause serious problems, like ticks, fleas, and heartworms.

3. Internal and External Coverage
   Some dewormers handle both internal and external parasites at once. This can be super convenient.

4. Easy to Administer
   External dewormers are usually applied to the skin, while internal ones are given orally. If your dog is picky, choose one with a flavor they like.

5. Convenience Matters
   Some dewormers require separate doses for internal and external parasites, which can be a hassle. Look for ones that do both at once to make things easier.

6. Check the Ingredients
   For external parasites, look for ingredients like isoxazolines (like afoxolaner and fluralaner). For internal parasites, milbemycin oxime is a good choice—it covers a lot of common worms and can even prevent heartworms.

7. Choose the Right Size
   Dewormers come in different dosages based on your dog's weight. Make sure you pick the right one.

    

If you deworm properly, you can avoid a lot of headaches. Your dog will be healthier, happier, and less likely to pass parasites to you or other pets. So choose the right dewormer, follow the instructions, and your dog will be parasite-free in no time.