Why parasite control matters
Parasites weaken the dog, cause serious disease, and some are zoonotic β transmissible to humans. Toxocara canis (roundworm) can cause larva migrans and blindness in children. Echinococcus granulosus (tapeworm) causes potentially fatal organ cysts in people. Regular parasite control is family health, not just pet care.
Internal parasites
Roundworms (nematodes)
- Toxocara canis: the most common endoparasite in puppies. Can be transmitted in utero and via milk. Signs: pot belly, worms visible in faeces, poor growth.
- Ancylostoma / Uncinaria: hookworms β blood-feeding, can cause anaemia. More common in warm climates.
- Trichuris vulpis: whipworms in the large bowel β bloody diarrhoea.
Tapeworms (cestodes)
- Dipylidium caninum: transmitted by fleas. Rice-grain-like segments in faeces.
- Echinococcus granulosus: in dogs with access to raw offal. Serious zoonotic risk.
- Taenia spp.: from hunting or raw meat.
Protozoa
- Giardia: chronic intermittent diarrhoea, especially in puppies. Zoonotic.
Deworming schedule
- Puppies: from 2 weeks of age, every 2 weeks until 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months.
- Low-risk adults: every 3 months.
- High-risk adults (hunting, rural, scavenging, raw diet, children in household): monthly with a product that includes praziquantel for tapeworm cover.
Alternatively: annual faecal egg count β if negative, intervals can be stretched. Discuss with your vet.
External parasites
- Fleas: cause flea allergy dermatitis, transmit tapeworms (Dipylidium), cause anaemia in young puppies. Treat the dog AND the environment (bedding, carpets, sofas).
- Ticks: transmit Lyme disease (Borrelia), anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and in endemic areas, tick-borne encephalitis. Check daily after walks in risk areas.
- Ear mites (Otodectes): intense itching, dark discharge in ear canal.
- Sarcoptic mange: intensely itchy, zoonotic β consult your vet immediately.
Products at a glance
- Dewormers: fenbendazole, milbemycin, praziquantel, pyrantel β chosen based on the target parasite.
- External parasiticides: spot-on (fipronil, permethrin β never use permethrin on or near cats), collars (Seresto), oral tablets (afoxolaner/NexGard, fluralaner/Bravecto, sarolaner/Simparica).
- Combination products: milbemycin + praziquantel covers both roundworms and tapeworms in a single tablet.
Always consult your vet for the right product for your dog's lifestyle, weight, and household (particularly if cats are present).