Starting the Journey with Puppies

Most puppies are born with worms passed down from their mother, so the process starts very early. You should begin worming puppies when they are only two weeks old.

Because their immune systems are small and they are highly susceptible to reinfection, you need to follow a strict schedule:

• Two weeks to twelve weeks old: Worm them every two weeks.

• Twelve weeks to six months old: Move to once a month.

• Six months and older: They can transition to the adult schedule.

Adult Dog Maintenance

Once your dog is a grown-up, they have a stronger defense system, but they still need protection. For most adult dogs, a treatment every three months is the gold standard.

If your dog spends a lot of time in high-risk areas—like farms, woods, or parks with many other dogs—or if they enjoy hunting small pests, your vet might recommend staying on a monthly dose to be safe.

Symptoms to Watch For

Worm infestations can be quiet, but if you look closely, your dog will tell you something is wrong. Watch for these signs:

• Weight Loss and Hunger: If your dog is eating like a horse but losing weight, worms are likely stealing the calories.

• The Pot Belly: A bloated, tight-looking stomach on an otherwise thin dog.

• Scooting: Dragging their rear end across the grass or carpet to soothe itchiness.

• Coat Quality: A healthy dog has a shiny coat. If the fur becomes dull, dry, or brittle, it’s a sign of internal stress.

• Visible Evidence: You may see small white segments that look like moving grains of rice in their stool or stuck to the fur under their tail.

Diet Tips During Worming

When you administer worming medication, it can sometimes cause a little bit of an upset stomach as the parasites are cleared out.

Keep it Gentle

During the day of treatment, it is best to feed a bland diet. Plain boiled chicken and white rice are easy on the digestion. Avoid giving them rich treats or new foods on the same day they get their medicine.

Natural Gut Support

You can help keep their digestive tract "hostile" to worms by adding certain fresh foods to their bowl:

• Grated Raw Carrots: These act as a natural fiber brush for the gut walls.

• Chopped Pumpkin Seeds: These contain compounds that naturally weaken parasites.

• Probiotics: A spoonful of plain, unsweetened yogurt can help replenish the good bacteria in their gut after the worms are gone.