A Guide to Deworming Your Pet: When to Do It and What to Expect

Fleas, ticks, and worms are some of the top reasons that pets find themselves at the vet. Deworming your pet is an essential part of their overall health and wellness. Worms can cause a variety of health problems for your pet, including weight loss, diarrhea, and anaemia. If not managed properly, worms can also pose a risk to you and your family. People can be affected by intestinal worms if they accidentally consume eggs that have been shed in the environment. Deworming your pets is not only key to keeping them healthy, but also to keep you and your family healthy!  Here are some things to know about deworming your pet and what to expect when you do.

When to Deworm Your Pet

It is recommended that puppies and kittens are dewormed starting at 2 weeks of age, and then every 2-4 weeks until they are 12 weeks old. Adult dogs and cats should be dewormed at least once a year, although more frequent deworming may be necessary depending on their lifestyle and risk of exposure to parasites.

What to Expect During the Deworming Process

The deworming process typically involves administering medication to your pet. Deworming medications can be given orally or injected, depending on the type of worm being treated. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate medication and dosage for your pet.

After administering the medication, your pet may experience some side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. These side effects are typically mild and should subside within a day or two. If your pet experiences more severe side effects, such as difficulty breathing or seizures, seek veterinary care immediately.

It is also important to note that deworming medications only kill adult worms, not eggs or larvae. This means that multiple treatments may be necessary to fully eliminate a worm infestation. Your veterinarian will provide you with a deworming schedule based on your pet's individual needs.

Deworming your pups and kittens is another important preventative measure to ensure the protection of your pet's health. Regular preventative treatments like deworming and parasite protection are necessary for the health of every member of your family – whether they’re feline, canine, or human! Read more about the importance of pet parasite protection in our blog here.

With Pet Lovers Club, you can get your monthly parasite protection delivered straight to your doorstep. Keep your pets protected from fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms with ease, and keep your family healthy too. If you’d like to learn more, you can read more about the types of intestinal worms in dogs and cats here.