Deworming: problems, treatment and prevention
Everything about intestinal parasites: roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and how to prevent them. A regular schedule is essential.
Roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms are common in dogs and cats. Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable—they can already be infected via the mother. Regular deworming protects your pet and reduces the risk for humans (zoonoses).
⚠️ The problems: which worms?
Types of intestinal parasites
- • Roundworm – Most common in puppies and kittens. Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, potbelly, dull coat, slow growth. Puppies can be infected via the mother.
- • Tapeworm – Segments (rice-grain-like) around the anus or in stool. Often via fleas (Dipylidium) or raw meat/prey. Flea control helps prevent tapeworm.
- • Hookworm – Suck blood from the intestinal wall. Can cause anemia and bloody diarrhea, especially in young animals. Larvae can penetrate the skin.
- • Whipworm – Mainly in dogs. Live in the large intestine. Can cause chronic diarrhea.
How does your pet get infected?
Via contaminated soil (eggs/larvae), via prey (mice, birds), via fleas (tapeworm), via mother's milk (puppies). Faeces from infected animals spread eggs in the environment.
Risk for humans (zoonoses)
Roundworms and hookworms can infect humans. Roundworms: via contaminated soil or plants (especially children). Hookworms: larvae can penetrate the skin and cause itching. Deworm your pet regularly and clean up faeces. Wash your hands after contact.
💊 Treatment
There are broad-spectrum dewormers that tackle multiple worm types at once. For specific worms (e.g. tapeworm) a separate product may be needed. Let your vet determine the right product and schedule.
Products
Milbemax, Drontal, Panacur, Stronghold and others offer broad-spectrum protection. Some combine with fleas/ticks/heartworm (NexGard Spectra, Stronghold). Ask your vet for tailored advice. In heavy infections a second course may be needed.
🛡️ Prevention: the schedule
Prevention is better than cure. A regular deworming schedule fits your pet's age and lifestyle.
Puppies and kittens
Start from 2 weeks of age, repeat every 2 weeks until 2 months. Then monthly until 6 months. Puppies are often born with roundworms from the mother—so deworm early and often.
Adult animals
Without year-round parasite prevention: 2–4× per year (every 3–6 months). With products that also cover heartworm/intestinal parasites (NexGard Spectra, Stronghold): follow that product's schedule. Faecal examination 1–2× per year can help.
Preventing tapeworm
Tapeworm (Dipylidium) is transmitted via fleas. Flea control is therefore essential. Limit access to raw meat and prey. With hunting or raw feeding: deworm more often.
Lifestyle
Outdoor cats and dogs, hunters, animals on raw food: deworm more often. In the tropics: deworm yourself and family regularly too—some worms are zoonotic.
🩺 This information is general. Contact your veterinarian for a consultation and tailored advice.
More about health
View our health guide for vaccinations, heartworm, fleas and more.
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