Does your furry best friend deserve the absolute best? Of course, they do! But when it comes to keeping them healthy and happy, one unseen threat can cause a lot of worry: intestinal worms. It’s a common problem for dogs, but knowing how to tackle it can feel overwhelming.
Choosing the right dog wormer can be a real headache. There are so many different types, brands, and ingredients. You want to make sure you pick something that’s safe and effective for your dog, but the sheer number of choices can leave you feeling confused and unsure. Is it a chewable tablet or a liquid? Does it cover all the worms? These are questions many dog owners ask.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down the confusing world of dog wormers into simple terms. You’ll learn about the common types of worms, what signs to look for, and most importantly, how to choose the best wormer for your dog’s specific needs. By the end, you’ll feel confident in protecting your canine companion from these pesky parasites.
Our Top 5 Dog Wormer Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
PetArmor 7 Way De-Wormer for Dogs | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
 |
Durvet 2X Liquid Wormer | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
 |
Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer (praziquantel tablets) for Dogs | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
 |
Durvet Triple Wormer for Medium and Large Dogs | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
 |
SENTRY HC Worm X Plus 7 Way De-Wormer (pyrantel pamoate/praziquantel) | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Dog Wormer Detailed Reviews
1. PetArmor 7 Way De-Wormer for Dogs
Rating: 8.8/10
Keeping your furry friend healthy is important. The PetArmor 7 Way De-Wormer for Dogs offers a powerful solution to protect your large dog or puppy (over 25 lbs) from common internal parasites. This oral treatment tackles a wide range of worms, including two types of tapeworms, two types of roundworms, and three types of hookworms. The flavored chewables make deworming a less stressful experience for both you and your dog.
What We Like:
- Effectively treats and controls 7 different species of common dog worms.
- Vet-quality formula is safe for puppies 12 weeks and older, and large dogs up to 200 lbs.
- Comes in easy-to-administer flavored chewable tablets.
- Contains Praziquantel & Pyrantel Pamoate for broad-spectrum protection.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires observation after dosing to ensure the full dose is consumed.
- For re-treatment or persistent issues, consulting a veterinarian for fecal testing is recommended, which adds an extra step and potential cost.
Overall, PetArmor 7 Way De-Wormer provides a comprehensive and convenient way to manage your dog’s internal parasite health. It’s a solid choice for proactive pet parents.
2. Durvet 2X Liquid Wormer
Rating: 8.9/10
Keeping your furry friend healthy and happy is a top priority for any pet owner. That’s where the Durvet 2X Liquid Wormer, 2-Ounce steps in. This powerful yet gentle wormer is designed to protect your dog from common internal parasites, ensuring they can focus on playing and enjoying life.
-
What We Like:
- It effectively prevents reinfestation, meaning fewer worries for you.
- This wormer tackles both hookworms and large roundworms, two common and bothersome parasites.
- Dogs absolutely love the palatable flavor, making deworming a much easier task.
- Administering it is a breeze, and the best part? You don’t need to withhold food before giving it to your dog.
- It’s suitable for dogs of all ages, from playful puppies to wise seniors.
-
What Could Be Improved:
- The 2-ounce size might be a bit small for owners with multiple large dogs, requiring frequent repurchases.
- While the flavor is great for dogs, the scent might be a bit strong for some pet parents during administration.
Overall, the Durvet 2X Liquid Wormer is a solid choice for keeping your dog parasite-free. Its ease of use and effectiveness make it a go-to for many dog owners.
3. Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer (praziquantel tablets) for Dogs
Rating: 8.8/10
Keep your furry friend healthy and happy with Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer. This pack contains 5 praziquantel tablets, designed to effectively get rid of common tapeworms in dogs and puppies four weeks and older. It’s a simple solution to a common problem for pet owners.
What We Like:
- Effectively removes common tapeworms like Dipylidium caninum and Taenia pisiformis.
- Easy to administer – tablets can be crumbled and mixed with food or given directly.
- Safe for puppies as young as 4 weeks old.
- Comes in a convenient 5-count bottle.
What Could Be Improved:
- Only treats tapeworms, not other types of internal parasites.
- The pack contains only 5 tablets, so you might need to purchase multiple packs for larger dogs or if tapeworm re-infection is a concern.
Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer offers a straightforward way to protect your dog from tapeworm infections. It’s a reliable choice for keeping your pet free from these common intestinal parasites.
4. Durvet Triple Wormer for Medium and Large Dogs
Rating: 8.8/10
Keeping your furry friend healthy and happy is a top priority for any dog owner. That’s where the Durvet Triple Wormer for Medium and Large Dogs comes in. This handy product helps protect your dog from common intestinal parasites, ensuring they can play and explore without worry.
What We Like:
- It comes in a convenient 12-pack, so you’ll have enough on hand for multiple treatments.
- You don’t need a prescription from your vet to buy it.
- It effectively controls seven different types of worms, including tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms.
- The tablets are chewable, making them easy to give to your dog.
What Could Be Improved:
- The packaging might look different than what’s pictured, but the product inside is the same.
- The feeding directions are specific to weight, so you need to measure your dog carefully.
This Durvet Triple Wormer offers a straightforward solution for keeping your medium to large dog free from common worms. It’s a practical choice for routine deworming, giving you peace of mind about your dog’s internal health.
5. SENTRY HC Worm X Plus 7 Way De-Wormer (pyrantel pamoate/praziquantel)
Rating: 9.5/10
Keeping your furry friend healthy and happy starts with good parasite control. The SENTRY HC Worm X Plus 7 Way De-Wormer is designed specifically for puppies and small dogs weighing between 6 and 25 pounds, and who are 12 weeks or older. This chewable dewormer offers a broad spectrum of protection, tackling common intestinal worms that can affect your dog’s well-being.
-
What We Like:
- It’s a broad-spectrum dewormer, meaning it fights off seven types of worms: two types of tapeworms, two types of roundworms, and three types of hookworms.
- You can buy it over-the-counter without a prescription. It contains pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel, which are also found in vet-approved brands.
- The chewable tablets are tasty and easy to give to your dog, even with or without food.
- It’s perfect for puppies and small dogs within the specified weight and age range.
- You can use Subscribe & Save to make sure you always have it on hand for regular deworming.
- The package only contains a 2-count, which might not be enough for a full treatment course for some dogs, depending on weight and the specific deworming protocol.
- While it’s easy to give, some very picky eaters might still be hesitant to take a chewable.
What Could Be Improved:
This SENTRY dewormer provides a convenient and effective way to keep your young or small dog free from common intestinal parasites. It’s a solid option for routine deworming.
Choosing the Right Dog Wormer: A Complete Guide
Keeping your dog healthy and happy means protecting them from pesky internal parasites. Dog wormers are essential for this. This guide will help you find the best wormer for your furry friend.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a dog wormer, several key features will help you make the right choice.
Broad-Spectrum Protection
The best wormers kill a wide range of common intestinal worms. Look for products that list protection against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Some also protect against heartworm, which is a serious disease transmitted by mosquitoes. This broad protection means you only need one product for most of your dog’s deworming needs.
Ease of Administration
Dogs can be picky eaters or resistant to taking medicine. Wormers come in different forms: chewable tablets, liquid suspensions, and topical treatments. Chewable tablets are often flavored and mimic treats, making them easy to give. Liquid wormers can be mixed with food or given directly. Topical treatments are applied to the skin, usually between the shoulder blades.
Veterinarian Recommended Ingredients
Reputable wormers use ingredients that are proven safe and effective. Common active ingredients include Praziquantel, Pyrantel pamoate, and Fenbendazole. Always check the ingredient list. If you’re unsure, ask your veterinarian. They can recommend specific brands or ingredients based on your dog’s needs and your location.
Dosage and Weight Range
Wormers are dosed based on your dog’s weight. Make sure the product you choose has a clear dosage chart. Using the wrong dose can be ineffective or harmful. Some wormers are specifically formulated for puppies, adult dogs, or pregnant dogs, so check the product details.
2. Important Materials and Ingredients
The “materials” in dog wormers refer to the active ingredients that fight the parasites.
Active Ingredients
These are the compounds that actually kill the worms. Different active ingredients target different types of worms. For example:
- Praziquantel: Effective against tapeworms.
- Pyrantel Pamoate: Targets roundworms and hookworms.
- Fenbendazole: Works against a broader range of worms, including Giardia.
- Milbemycin Oxime and Moxidectin: Often used in heartworm preventatives that also cover some intestinal worms.
Always read the label to see which parasites the specific wormer is designed to treat.
Inactive Ingredients
These are the carriers or flavoring agents that make the wormer palatable and stable. They include things like artificial flavors, binders, and fillers. While not directly fighting worms, high-quality inactive ingredients contribute to the palatability and ease of administration, which are crucial for user experience.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors can impact the effectiveness and safety of a dog wormer.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Proven Efficacy: Products tested and proven to eliminate specific parasites.
- Veterinary Approval/Recommendation: Wormers recommended or prescribed by vets often meet higher standards.
- Clear Labeling: Easy-to-understand instructions, ingredient lists, and dosage information.
- Reputable Brands: Established companies with good track records in pet health.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Counterfeit Products: Always buy from trusted sources to avoid fake or substandard wormers.
- Expired Products: Using wormers past their expiration date can reduce potency.
- Incorrect Dosage: Underdosing can lead to resistance, while overdosing can be toxic.
- Lack of Specificity: Wormers that don’t clearly state which parasites they target might not be effective for your dog’s specific needs.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use a wormer and your experience with it is very important.
User Experience
A good user experience means the wormer is easy to give to your dog and your dog accepts it willingly. Chewable tablets that taste like treats are a big win for many owners. Liquid wormers can be a bit trickier, but mixing them into a favorite wet food often works well. Topical treatments are generally straightforward, but some dogs may lick the area before it dries.
Use Cases
- Routine Deworming: Puppies typically need deworming every two weeks until they are a few months old. Adult dogs should be dewormed regularly, often every 3-6 months, depending on their lifestyle and geographic location.
- Prevention of Heartworm: Many heartworm medications also offer protection against intestinal worms, making them a convenient all-in-one solution.
- Treatment of Active Infections: If your vet diagnoses a specific worm infestation, they will prescribe a targeted wormer.
- Travel: If you’re traveling with your dog to areas with specific parasite risks, your vet might recommend a particular wormer.
Always consult your veterinarian to determine the best deworming schedule and product for your individual dog.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often should I worm my dog?
A: Puppies need deworming every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old. Adult dogs generally need deworming every 3-6 months. Your vet can give you the best schedule based on your dog’s lifestyle.
Q: What are the signs my dog has worms?
A: Signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, a dull coat, or seeing worms in your dog’s stool or around their anus. Sometimes, there are no visible signs.
Q: Can I use human wormer on my dog?
A: No, you should never use human wormer on your dog. Human medications can be toxic to dogs and may not be effective against canine parasites.
Q: Are all dog wormers the same?
A: No, dog wormers differ in the types of worms they kill and how they are administered. Some are broad-spectrum, while others target specific worms.
Q: What is the best way to give my dog a wormer tablet?
A: Many wormers are flavored and can be given like a treat. You can also hide them in a small piece of food or peanut butter. If your dog is resistant, your vet can show you how to administer pills.
Q: Do I need a prescription for dog wormer?
A: Some dog wormers, especially those that prevent heartworm, require a prescription from a veterinarian. Over-the-counter wormers are available for treating common intestinal parasites.
Q: What should I do if my dog eats a wormer tablet by mistake?
A: If you suspect your dog has eaten too much wormer, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately.
Q: How long does it take for a wormer to work?
A: Most wormers start working within 24-48 hours to kill existing worms. However, it may take a few days for your dog’s system to clear the dead parasites.
Q: Can my dog get worms again after being treated?
A: Yes, dogs can become re-infected with worms if they ingest worm eggs from the environment or through fleas (for tapeworms). Regular deworming is important.
Q: What is the difference between a wormer and a heartworm preventative?
A: A wormer typically kills adult intestinal worms. A heartworm preventative stops the development of heartworm larvae, which are transmitted by mosquitoes, and often also protects against some intestinal worms.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.