Wash your dog’s bedding at least once per week as well. Doing so will help to prevent fleas and other pests from breeding in your dog’s blankets or bed.
If you have a concrete kennel for your dog, clean it with a solution of bleach diluted in water. Use one part bleach to 32 parts water. [3] X Research source In severe cases of hookworm infestation in grass runs, you may want to consider treating the area with sodium borate. Just keep in mind that the sodium borate will kill the grass along with the worms.
Keep your dog away from other dogs or cats that may be infected with worms. If you encounter an unfamiliar dog or cat during a walk, keep your dog away from it. [4] X Research source
Get rid of any stagnant water that may serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes in your dog’s outdoor area.
It is difficult to diagnose lungworms, but if your dog experiences respiratory problems such as trouble breathing or frequent coughing, or experiences weight loss, have your veterinarian check your dog for lungworms.
Keep in mind that repeated treatments may be necessary to take care of the pest problem and this can be quite expensive. Ask for an inspection and estimate before you decide to have your yard treated with pesticides. [9] X Trustworthy Source University of California Integrated Pest Management Program Research-based pest management program run by the University of California’s Cooperative Extension Go to source While the area is being treated, you will need to keep your dog inside. Ask the exterminator when it will be safe for your dog to go outside again.
Popular de-worming medications include Panacur, Drontal, and Milbemax. Ask your veterinarian about these and other de-worming medications to treat and protect your dog. Remember that different dewormers kill different worms, and not all products kill all worm types.
Do not use anything that may harm your dog if she comes in contact with it.
Talk to your veterinarian to find the safest option for de-worming a pregnant or nursing dog.
Roundworms: Roundworms are long round worms which look a bit like string, noodles, or spaghetti. Roundworms are quite common and they pose a health risk to people, so it is important to control them. Most dogs are born with roundworms because the eggs cross the placenta when the puppy is in the womb. Puppies can also get roundworms from their mother’s milk. Roundworm eggs can even lay dormant in a dog for years before hatching. Roundworm eggs can also survive in the soil for months or even years. The eggs get into the soil from infected feces. [14] X Research source Tapeworms: Dogs most often get tapeworms by eating a flea that is infected with tapeworms (such as when the dog grooms and swallows a flea) or from eating vermin contaminated with tapeworms. [15] X Research source Heartworm: Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes. A bite from an infected mosquito is the only way that dogs can get heartworm. [16] X Research source Hookworms: Dogs may become infected with hookworms from eating contaminated soil, or from larvae that go through the skin in the dog’s paws. Hookworm infections are more common in warm, humid places. Hookworms may also be passed to puppies across the placenta or in a mother dog’s milk. [17] X Research source Lungworm: Lungworm is a fox parasite that sometimes infects dogs. Dogs may become infected with lungworm after contact with infected fox feces, eating infected slugs or snails, or by coming into contact with the slime trail left behind by infected slugs and snails. [18] X Research source
Roundworms: Many products are effective at killing adult roundworms. The product most widely used for puppies is Panacur (fenbendazole) which can also be given to pregnant and nursing dogs. Other products suitable for older pups and adult dogs include selamectin (Revolution spot on) and praziquantel/ pyrantel (Drontal Plus) and milbemycin/pyrantel (Milbemax). Tapeworms: Tapeworms are a bit harder to treat because they do not respond to some chemicals. An effective de-wormer for tapeworm must contain pyrantel and praziquantel, so Drontal Plus or Milbemax (or equivalent) are ideal. Heartworm: Treatment of heartworm must be administered under the supervision of your veterinarian because complications may be severe or even fatal. [19] X Research source The drug used to kill off heartworms is called Immiticide and is from the arsenic family. [20] X Research source Prevention is a much better option. Your veterinarian may recommend either a 6-monthly preventative injection or monthly at-home preventatives such as HeartGard, Iverhart, Revolution or Trifexis. [21] X Research source Hookworms: Panacur, Nemex, Drontal Plus, Telmintic, and Vercom Paste are all effective treatments against hookworms. [22] X Research source Lungworm: Lungworm can be treated with products from the ivermectin family of drugs such as Advocate (imidacloprid) spot on, milbemycin containing products (milbemax), and they are also sensitive to long courses of fenbendazole (Panacur). [23] X Research source Check with your vet before starting treatment if you think your dog has a lungworm infection. Lungworms may cause fluid build-up in the lungs and pneumonia, which may further complicate your dog’s situation. [24] X Research source
