Unlike most mammals, puppies pick up intestinal roundworms from their mothers through the placenta. They are therefore born with worms already present. For this reason, worming pregnant bitches is essential. It will not completely eradicate the transfer of worms to the puppy, but will drastically reduce it. Pregnant dogs should be treated from day 40 of pregnancy to 2 days post-birth with a wormer containing fenbendazole, or with whichever wormer your vet recommends. After this, they can return to a three-monthly worming regime.
Remember, not all products are suitable for use in pregnancy. Always consult your veterinary surgeon for advice regarding suitable products to use during pregnancy.
Also, do not forget to regularly treat your female dog for fleas, as the flea is the intermediate host of the common tapeworm Dipylidium. In addition, fleas can cause severe anaemia in puppies. Check with your vet which flea products are safe to use for your dog during pregnancy and while nursing.
Worming puppies
In young puppies, worming is essential from two weeks of age. As mentioned, the pups may have been infected in the uterus (before birth) and will soon ingest worms in the mother’s milk and from the mother’s faeces if the mother is carrying an infestation also.
- Roundworms can infect humans
- They can cause blockages in the puppies’ intestinal systems
- Therefore, active worming is essential.
Wormers containing fenbendazole are available for puppies from two weeks of age, covering the following worms:
- Gastrointestinal tapeworms (Taenia spp).
- Gastrointestinal roundworms (Toxocara canis)
- Hookworms (Uncinaria spp. and Ancylostoma caninum)
- Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis)
- Giardia infections (Giardia spp.)
Panacur Liquid Suspension & Granules
- Available in 10% Oral Suspension for Dogs & Cats and Granules
- Panacur is very effective against roundworms and other intestinal parasites, yet are very kind and gentle on your pet.
- Safe to use on puppies and kittens from 2 weeks of age
- Safe to use during pregnancy and lactation
- Give directly or mixed-in with food
Puppies should be wormed every two weeks from 2 weeks of age until 12 weeks of age, and then every month until the puppy is 6 months of age when they can be treated as adults (wormed every 3 months).
