How Long Does a Dewormer Take to Work on Dogs?
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Deworming in dogs can be used as either a treatment or a preventative for parasites in dogs. While it specifically refers to anthelminthic drugs which kill parasitic worms, it is a term which can also be used more broadly. They can be both internal and external, but deworming tablets are taken orally. When used as a treatment, they can take time to eliminate internal worms. This is seen after an infestation is confirmed, often due to seeing evidence of worms in their feces. They can also be used as a preventative to ensure the dog does not develop an infestation, especially if they are at greater risk of doing so.
Medications vary in terms of onset of action, so AnimalWised asks how long does a dewormer take to work on dogs? In addition to finding out how long they take to work, we explain how many pills it takes to work and for how long they are effective.
How many deworming pills should I give my dog?
The number of deworming tablets to give a dog depends on various factors. For preventive deworming, we should ensure we follow the instructions given on the product packaging. For curative treatment of parasitism, we should first speak to a veterinarian. They will diagnose the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment for the specific parasite, as well as address any other related health issues.
When giving a dewormer to a dog, the amount we administer will depend on the following factors:
- Use: if the dewormer is being given as a curative treatment, the dosage tends to be stronger than preventive use. Tablets may be given with greater frequency over a shorter period.
- Weight: dosage will be adjusted for the weight of the dog. Larger dogs will need more of the active ingredient to work effectively on their organism.
- Parasite: some deworming agents are broad-spectrum, but others are more specialized for certain parasites. The dosage or treatment duration can change according to the type of product being used.
- Health: one of the reasons it is important to see a veterinarian is to assess the dog's specific needs. There may be other factors which affect the dosage or the type of dewormer given to the dog.
Generally speaking, deworming products are sold in formulations by weight. There may be products with the same active ingredient which are sold for dogs weighing within different ranges. This helps to simplify dosage calculations and avoid making mistakes in terms of administration.
After a puppy is born, they should be taken for their first veterinary visit soon after. The veterinary professional will establish a deworming schedule which is based on the needs of the individual dog. This is similar to a vaccination schedule for dogs used to treat common canine pathogens. Different regions may be more prone to certain parasites, affecting the product which is used.
We explain more about why it is so important to deworm animals with our related guide.
How long do dewormers take to work on dogs?
Especially if the presence of parasites is confirmed, it is important for caregivers to know when the dog deworming tablets will take effect. As with any medication, the onset of action can vary. They are ingested orally, so they will need to be digested before the active ingredients can be absorbed into the blood.
Generally speaking, a dewormer will start to be effective within a few hours of administration. When used as a curative treatment, it is important to know this is the point at which it will start to take effect. It doesn't mean they will be cured. This will take time and often requires repeated doses.
For preventive treatment, it may also take some time for their protection to reach its maximum level. The product should state on the packaging how long this is expected to be, but it may need a day or two. This should be taken into consideration if you plant to take the dog somewhere with an increased likelihood of parasitic infestation.
How do deworming tablets for dogs work?
Internal deworming pills for dogs are administered orally, meaning they must be given to the dog by mouth. These should be given either alone or with food, depending on the product used. Your veterinarian will advise you on the best option. To make them easier to swallow, some are sold in a flavored form, resembling a biscuit rather than a medicine. This helps ease the administration, but they will need to be stored careful to avoid accidental ingestion.
When the dog swallows the deworming tablet, it will enter the digestive tract. It will start to eliminate any worms present in the digestive tract if they are sensitive to the active ingredient they contain. For worms which are located outside of the digestive tract, the ingredient needs to be absorbed into the blood and lymphatic systems. It will then take action against the parasites.
Side effects or negative reactions to deworming tablets are uncommon in dogs. They are considered very safe medications. If administered according to the veterinarian's instructions, they shouldn't cause any adverse effects. In large infestations, we might see worms in the dog's feces a few hours after taking the pill. This may be the dewormer taking effect and eliminating the parasites through the digestive tract.
For how long are dewormers effective?
How long a dewormer will work will depend on its use. When used as a curative treatment, it should function as long as it takes to kill an infestation. It is for this reason it is so important to administer the right dosage and complete the full treatment. If we stop the treatment too early, it may mean the infestation continues.
Effectiveness of preventive deworming will also depend on various factors. Generally speaking, the deworming agent will provide protection for up to 3 months. There may be more limited protection after this time. It is for this reason it is so important to establish a deworming schedule with your veterinarian. They will be able to advise when the next dose is required and whether any changes may need to be made.
Learn more about treatment and prevention of external parasites in dogs with our related guide.
How do you know if a dog deworming pill has worked?
There are many ways by which we may be alerted to a parasite infestation in our dog. They may show various signs, such as prolonged vomiting and diarrhea. Some dogs may not show very obvious signs, especially during the early stages. We may only be made aware of the infestation after a veterinary checkup.
Knowing when an infestation of internal parasites is eliminated can also be difficult to determine. We may see a cessation of associated symptoms, but this may not be the case if they were previously asymptomatic.
We will need to follow the guidelines closely. In most cases, there will be no need to go to a veterinarian once the treatment has run its course. Only if a vet requests a follow-up appointment will we need to go back to the clinic. In these cases, they may need to run some tests to confirm the elimination. This may require a fecal exam or blood test to confirm the parasites are gone.
For preventive deworming, the only way we will know it is effective is if the dog does not contract an infestation. This means there should be no evidence of worms in their feces or other signs they have parasites. The fact that a dog drags their anus on the ground does not necessarily indicate the presence of internal parasites. It does not serve as a sign of the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of deworming. Other symptoms may also be related to other health issues. This is why a professional diagnosis is so important.
This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to How Long Does a Dewormer Take to Work on Dogs?, we recommend you visit our De-worming category.
