Dogs are curious animals, and they explore much of the world with their noses and mouths. Unfortunately, this means that intestinal worms are a common threat to all dogs. Dosing your dog with a worm treatment can keep them protected and can also quickly and effectively address any existing problems.

There are many options available to help you manage worms in your dog, the most common being tablets and spot-on treatments. Once you’ve found the right product for your dog, administration is easy, just follow the product's instructions. Here’s what to expect in the first hours and days after giving a treatment.

The first few hours after a worming treatment 

Many worming treatments begin to work rapidly after administration.

If you use a tablet or chewable based worming treatment, make sure your dog completely swallows it.

Some dogs may try to spit out the wormer immediately or even several minutes after you have administered it. Dogs can occasionally vomit shortly after taking the dose and may bring the tablet back up again. If this happens, ask your vet’s advice about when and how to reworm, or call our Customer Care Team on 0800 266 221.

The deworming process after a few days 

Different worming products act in different ways. You may be surprised to see worms in your dog’s poo after deworming them, but rest assured that this is normal. Some dewormers paralyse and kill the worms, which may be visible in your dog’s faeces after the treatment has started to work. While this can be an unpleasant sight, it is actually a good thing as it means the worms are no longer living inside your pet!

Other wormers kill and break up the worms so you are less likely to see whole worms in the faeces.

However, if there are large numbers of worms present, seeing whole worms in your dogs poo is still possible after using these products.

If you are concerned about any of the signs your dog is showing following treatment, call your vet or our Customer Care Team.

Prevent worms in the long term

Worming your dog once may not be enough to fully protect them from worms. In the case of some wormers, once the treatment wears off, your dog can be re-infected. This is because, many of the commonly available wormers only kill the adult worms that are in the gut at the time of treatment.

Advocate™ is different. When used monthly, Advocate™ provides continuous protection by continually eliminating worms in the gut and larvae that are moving throughout your dog's body, preventing reinfection. Remember that regular treatment is the best defence against worms and other parasites.

Regular worming throughout your dog’s life will help keep your dog healthy and happy.