Deworming is super important for your dog’s health. Worms can make dogs very sick and can even spread to people. That’s why it’s important to deworm your dog regularly. to help them grow strong, stay active, and keep everyone around them safe.
Types of Worms That Can Affect Dogs in Nigeria
- Roundworms – These are very common in puppies. They can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and a bloated belly. They can also spread to humans.
- Hookworms – These worms stick to your dog’s intestines and suck blood, which can make your dog weak and tired. They spread through soil, so dogs can pick them up from the ground.
- Tapeworms – Dogs can get these from eating fleas or raw meat. Tapeworms can make your dog lose weight or have stomach problems.
- Whipworms – These worms cause long-lasting diarrhea and weight loss.
- Heartworms – These are spread by mosquito bites and can damage the heart and lungs.
There are different kinds of worms that can live in your dog’s body:
When to Deworm Your Dog in Nigeria
It’s important to follow a schedule to keep worms away:
- Start at 2 weeks old
- Then every 2 weeks until your dog is 12 weeks old
- From 3 to 6 months, deworm once a month
- After 6 months, deworm your dog every 3 months for life
Ways to Deworm Your Dog
There are a few ways to give your dog deworming medicine:
- Oral Dewormers – These are pills or liquids like Drontal, Combantrin, or WormGuard. You can mix them with food or give them directly.
- Injectable Dewormers – These are shots given by a vet, usually when the infection is serious.
- Topical Dewormers – These are put on your dog’s skin and help fight external parasites like fleas, which can carry worms.
How to Know If Your Dog Has Worms
Watch out for signs like:
✔ A swollen or bloated stomach
✔ Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
✔ Losing weight even though your dog eats a lot
✔ Worms in poop or vomit
✔ Dragging their bottom on the floor (scooting)
How to Prevent Worms
You can keep worms away by doing a few simple things:
✔ Follow the deworming schedule your vet gives you
✔ Always clean up your dog’s poop and wash their bedding
✔ Control fleas, since they can carry tapeworms
✔ Don’t feed your dog raw or undercooked meat
✔ Keep your dog away from dirty places and standing water
Note:
Deworming helps your dog stay healthy and keeps your family safe too. By following the right schedule and keeping things clean, you can stop worms from becoming a problem. Need help or have questions? Just reach out to us at Doctor Hulk Veterinary Hospital, or click here.