What is the Best Dewormer for Puppies? | Telavets

Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting experiences for any pet parent but along with the cuddles and playful chaos comes an important responsibility. keeping your pup healthy and parasite free. One of the biggest health concerns in young dogs is intestinal worms. These parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms, can cause digestive issues, stunted growth, anemia, and even life threatening complications if left untreated. That's why choosing the best dewormer for puppies is not just about comfort, it's about safeguarding your puppy's long term health.

The right deworming plan depends on your puppy's age, weight, overall health, and lifestyle. For very young puppies, vets often recommend gentle, age appropriate dewormers, while older puppies may need a broad spectrum dewormer that targets multiple parasites at once. With so many options available, ranging from liquid dewormers, chewable tablets, over the-counter products, and vet prescribed medications, it can feel overwhelming for new dog owners to make the best choice.

In this guide, we'll break everything down for you:

• Why deworming is essential for puppies.
• The best deworming medicines available for different ages.
• Vet recommended schedules to keep your puppy parasite free.
• Answers to the most common questions pet parents ask.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to choose the safest and most effective puppy dewormer so your furry friend grows strong, healthy, and full of energy.

Worms in Puppies

Worms are one of the most common health challenges puppies face in their first months of life. These parasites live in the intestines, feeding on either the puppy's blood or the nutrients in their food. Left untreated, worms can cause everything from digestive problems to slowed growth and even life threatening complications in very young or small puppies.

The four most common types of intestinal worms in puppies are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Understanding how each type works and how they affect your pup can help you choose the best dewormer for puppies and protect your friend from long term health problems.

Common Types of Worms in Puppies

1. Hookworms

Hookworms are tiny but dangerous parasites that attach to the intestinal wall and feed on a puppy's blood. Because puppies are so small, even a mild hookworm infection can quickly lead to anemia, weakness, and developmental delays.

• Appearance: Thin, thread like worms that may appear in stool.
• Transmission: Puppies can get hookworms from contaminated soil, feces, or even their mother's milk.
• Risks: Severe blood loss, pale gums, stunted growth.

2. Whipworms

Whipworms are harder to detect but can survive for long periods in the environment, making them easy to spread. Unlike hookworms, they don't always show obvious symptoms at first, which is why prevention and regular vet checkups are crucial.

• Appearance: Whip shaped worms (narrow front, thicker back).
• Transmission: Ingesting contaminated soil, food, or water.
• Risks: Chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and long term inflammation of the intestines.

3. Roundworms

Roundworms are among the most common parasites in puppies. They look like spaghetti like strands and live in the intestinal tract, stealing nutrients meant for your growing pup.

• Appearance: White or light brown, long, spaghetti like worms visible in stool or vomit.
• Transmission: Passed from the mother during pregnancy or through nursing, also from contaminated environments.
• Risks: Malnutrition, bloated belly (potbelly appearance), and delayed growth.

4. Tapeworms

Tapeworms are usually picked up when puppies swallow infected fleas or eat small prey animals. These worms break into small segments inside the intestines, which often show up in your puppy's stool.

• Appearance: Flat, segmented pieces resembling grains of rice.
• Transmission: Ingesting fleas, small rodents, or contaminated meat.
• Risks: Itchy rear end, digestive upset, and nutrient loss.

Symptoms of Worms in Puppies

Intestinal worms in puppies can cause a variety of health issues, and early detection is key to keeping your pup healthy. Different types of worms roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms may produce slightly different symptoms, but some common warning signs include:

• Vomiting: Sometimes you may even see worms in the vomit. Persistent vomiting can signal a serious infestation.
• Diarrhea or abnormal stools: Look for diarrhea, mucus, or blood in the stool, which can indicate intestinal parasites.
• Unexplained weight loss: Even if your puppy has a healthy appetite, worms can steal vital nutrients, leading to poor growth.
• Bloated abdomen or "potbelly": A swollen belly may indicate gas, fluid accumulation, or heavy worm load.
• Lethargy and low energy: Puppies with worms may appear tired, weak, or less playful than usual.
• Scooting, scratching, or irritation around the rear: Worms can cause anal discomfort, prompting scooting behavior.
• Poor coat condition: Dry, dull, patchy, or thinning fur can be a sign of underlying parasitic infection.
• Tenderness in the abdomen: Some puppies may experience pain when their belly is gently touched.

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a vet consultation immediately. Early treatment prevents severe complications and ensures your puppy thrives.

How Puppies Get Worms

Even in the cleanest environments, puppies are naturally curious and explore the world with their mouths, which increases their risk of parasite exposure. Understanding how puppies get worms helps prevent infections and protects your pet's health. Common causes include:

• Transmission from the mother: Puppies can be born with roundworms or contract worms through nursing. Early vet deworming is crucial.
• Contaminated soil or feces: Worm eggs and larvae can survive in grass, dirt, or kennels for months. Puppies exploring these areas may ingest parasites.
• Eating infected prey or insects: Rodents, fleas, or small animals may carry worm larvae, which puppies can consume accidentally.
• Fecal oral transmission: Contact with infected feces in parks, kennels, or shared dog spaces can lead to infection.
• Contaminated food or water: Poorly stored food, untreated water, or spoiled treats may harbor parasite eggs.

Prevention tip: Regular deworming, proper hygiene, and routine vet check ups are the most effective ways to protect puppies from intestinal worms.

What Is the Best Deworming Medicine for Puppies?

Choosing the right deworming medicine for your puppy is an important decision that depends on several factors, including the type of worms present, your puppy's age, weight, and overall health. Not all dewormers are created equal, and the best choice is always made in consultation with a veterinarian who can accurately diagnose the type of infection and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your pup.

Dewormers work by targeting specific parasites and disrupting their life cycles. Some medications paralyze and expel worms from the digestive tract, while others cause the parasites to dissolve or starve, depending on the type of worm and the formulation of the medicine. Broad spectrum dewormers are commonly recommended because they protect against multiple types of intestinal parasites at once, providing comprehensive coverage for young puppies who may be vulnerable to more than one type of infection.

One widely used option is PetArmor 7 Way Dewormer. This medication is effective against a broad range of worms, including two types of tapeworms, two types of roundworms, and three types of hookworms. Because it is available without a prescription, pet owners can administer it at home however, it is always recommended to consult with a veterinarian first to confirm the diagnosis and ensure proper dosage. Some puppies may experience mild side effects, such as vomiting, loose stools, or reduced activity.

For puppies older than six weeks, Interceptor Plus is another highly recommended broad spectrum dewormer. It contains two active ingredients: Milbemycin oxime, which targets roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms by disrupting their nervous system, and Praziquantel, which specifically eliminates tapeworms. Interceptor Plus is generally well tolerated, although some nursing puppies may show temporary side effects such as tremors or uncoordinated movements. Importantly, this medication is not suitable for newborn puppies under six weeks of age.

For very young puppies, including those as young as three weeks, Drontal Plus is often the preferred choice. This combination medication includes Praziquantel, Pyrantel Pamoate, and Febantel, effectively treating tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. While Drontal Plus is generally safe, puppies may experience occasional side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or mild incoordination.

Beyond treatment, it is crucial to continue protecting your puppy with preventive worm medications. Products like Sentinel, Heartgard Plus, and Selarid are prescription based preventives designed to guard against intestinal parasites and other common infections. Sentinel combines Milbemycin Oxime and Lufenuron to prevent heartworm and control intestinal worms, while Heartgard Plus uses Ivermectin and Pyrantel Pamoate for similar protection, delivered in a flavored chewable tablet. Selarid is a monthly topical solution that not only prevents heartworm but also protects against fleas, ticks, ear mites, and sarcoptic mange, offering a convenient and effective preventive option for pet owners.

Consistent use of these medications, combined with regular veterinary check-ups, ensures that your puppy remains free from harmful worms and can grow up healthy, active, and strong. By following a veterinarian guided deworming schedule, you can prevent reinfections and address potential complications before they affect your puppy's health.

FAQs About Puppy Deworming

How often should I deworm my puppy?

Puppies are usually placed on a deworming schedule starting as early as 2 to 3 weeks of age. Treatments are typically repeated every 2 to 4 weeks until the puppy reaches around 16 weeks old. After this initial series, veterinarians often recommend monthly preventive medications to protect your puppy from common intestinal parasites and maintain long term health. Following a vet recommended schedule ensures your puppy grows healthy, strong, and parasite free.

Can I deworm my puppies myself?

Deworming is a crucial part of your puppy's healthcare, and while some over the counter (OTC) options are available, it is always safest to consult a veterinarian first. Vets can accurately identify the type of worms affecting your puppy through fecal tests and recommend the most effective treatment. Using the wrong dewormer or an incorrect dose can not only be ineffective but may also harm your puppy. A veterinarian can also help you establish a complete deworming schedule to prevent future infestations and keep your puppy healthy.

Do over-the-counter dewormers work for puppies?

Yes, certain OTC dewormers can effectively treat specific types of intestinal parasites, such as roundworms or hookworms. However, it's important to approach these treatments with caution. OTC medications may not cover all types of worms, and choosing a product without knowing the exact parasite affecting your puppy could result in ineffective treatment. Consulting a vet ensures the proper medication, correct dosage, and safe administration, increasing the likelihood of a successful treatment.

Final Notes

Choosing the best dewormer for your puppy is essential for their overall health. The right deworming medicine depends on several factors, including the type of worms present, your puppy's age, weight, and general health. Consulting a veterinarian is crucial to accurately diagnose the infection and ensure that your puppy receives the most effective treatment.

Understanding the symptoms of worm infestations, their causes, and how to prevent them is a key part of proactive puppy care. Regular veterinary check ups, combined with a well planned deworming schedule and preventive medications, play a vital role in keeping puppies healthy and protected from intestinal parasites.

With Telavets, you can schedule an online vet consultation to determine the most suitable deworming plan for your puppy. Our platform also allows you to get prescriptions delivered directly to your doorstep, making it easier than ever to maintain your puppy's health and prevent future worm infestations. By working closely with a licensed veterinarian, you can ensure that your puppy stays happy, active, and safe from harmful parasites.

Verified by: DR. Gianino, DVM, Veterinary Consultant at TelaVets

📅 Reviewed and Updated: September 2025

References

1. Deworming Dogs: Treating and Preventing Worms in Dogs, American Kennel Club, 10 Oct. 2023, www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/deworming-dogs-what-you-need-to-know/. 
2. “Worms in Dogs: Prevent, Diagnose, and Treat Different Types of Worms.” American Kennel Club, 9 Nov. 2023, www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/worms-in-dogs-prevention-diagnosis-treatment/. 
3. “PETARMOR® 7 Way De-Wormer (Pyrantel Pamoate/Praziquantel).” PetArmor®, petarmor.com/products/petarmor-7-way-de-wormer-pyrantel-pamoate-and-praziquantel-dogs.
4. “Interceptor Plus.” Elanco Labels, www.elancolabels.com/us/interceptor-plus.
5. “Drontal Plus.” Elanco Labels, www.elancolabels.com/us/drontal-plus-tablets-for-dogs.
6. “Sentinel® Flavor Tabs®.” Merck Animal Health USA, 2 Nov. 2023, www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/species/canine/sentinel/sentinel-flavor-tabs.