Is deworming on your puppy checklist?
Worms are a common cause of illness in puppies. In fact, all puppies are considered to have worms, and one of the pillars of puppy care, in addition to vaccines, is effective deworming. Knowing how to deworm your puppy from the start will make the process as stress-free as possible, for both you and your pup. As you navigate the joy-filled and sometimes sleepless first few weeks of puppy ownership, you may find comfort in knowing that starting at eight weeks old, you can begin Credelio Quattro (lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel chewable tablets), the first and only canine isoxazoline class endectocide product that covers tapeworms in addition to roundworms and hookworms*, as well as fleas, ticks and heartworms in a chewable tablet. Let’s dive in.
Why Worm Treatment for Dogs Is Especially Important in Puppies
Intestinal worms are parasites that can infect dogs and puppies. Because puppies are small and still growing, they are much more vulnerable to diseases, parasites and getting sick. Intestinal worms like hookworms, tapeworms and roundworms can steal the much-needed nutrients that puppies need to grow and flourish, in addition to causing pain, discomfort and even blood loss. If not effectively treated, a puppy can even die.
Rarely, humans can also contract these parasites, which can lead to intestinal pain, skin reactions and more serious health problems. Additionally, roundworms, commonly found in puppies, can lead to a serious eye infection that can damage vision, especially in older children and young adults.1
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Dog Worms in Puppies?
Because of the many types of intestinal worms that can infect puppies, there can be a variety of clinical signs including:
- Weakness and listlessness
- Diarrhea and/or vomiting
- Poor hair coat
- Swollen belly (potbelly appearance)
- Coughing or respiratory distress
- Stool that contains spaghetti-like worms, small rice-like segments or blood
Keep in mind that with the exception of worms in stool, these signs and symptoms could also indicate other health problems; check with your vet to be sure. It’s also important to know that some puppies may not show any signs or symptoms of being infected with worms, particularly if they are infected with tapeworms. But left untreated, tapeworms can pose serious health issues in puppies, and could be passed on to humans as well. Credelio Quattro is the only chewable heartworm, flea and tick product for dogs that is also approved to protect against roundworms, hookworms†, and tapeworms.
How To Deworm a Puppy
Although worms are a major nuisance for your puppy, they’re fairly easy to treat. Puppy deworming solutions are available in a variety of forms, including tablets, chewables and topical spot-ons. Many are offered over the counter, while some require a prescription from your vet. Once your pup is eight weeks old, administering Credelio Quattro could bring peace of mind with the broadest* protection for dogs by treating tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms*; preventing heartworms; and treating and controlling flea and tick infestations (including four species of ticks).
When to Deworm Newborn Puppies
Puppies should be given a broad-spectrum deworming medication beginning as early as two weeks.2 If you adopt an older puppy, ask the owner, shelter or breeder what, if any, deworming has been done. Based on this information, a vet can help you establish when to deworm next.
Puppy Deworming Schedule
Deworming typically begins when your puppy is two weeks old and continues every two weeks.2 Credelio Quattro is gentle enough for puppies as small as 3.3 pounds and as young as eight weeks.* This one-dose, flavored chewable tablet only needs to be given once a month and provides the broadest** parasite protection.
1. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Toxocariasis. Updated July 9, 2019. Accessed September 3, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/toxocariasis/index.html
2. Puppy deworming: Why early and often still holds true. (n.d.). https://my.elanco.com/us/puppy-deworming-why-early-and-often-still-holds-true
*Based on label claim.
**Based on label comparison of the number of parasite types covered in a chewable that also targets ticks.
†Uncinaria stenocephala
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Indications:
Credelio Quattro is indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease and the treatment and control of roundworm, hookworm* and tapeworm infections. Credelio Quattro kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations and the treatment and control of tick infestations for 1 month in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older and weighing 3.3 pounds or greater.
Important Safety Information:
Lotilaner, an ingredient in Credelio Quattro, belongs to the isoxazoline class and has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions like tremors, ataxia, and seizures even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infections before Credelio Quattro administration as it is not effective against adult D. immitis. The safe use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. The most frequently reported adverse reactions in clinical trials were vomiting and diarrhea. For complete safety information, please see Credelio Quattro product label or ask your veterinarian.
*Uncinaria stenocephala
