Puppies and Worms

Puppies leaving Gap View Kennel have already been wormed - the bad news is, unless you keep your pup in a bubble, he or she needs to be wormed on a regular basis.

How Do Puppies Get Worms? 

The worms that infest puppies often start out as nematodes - little life forms that live in the soil.  They can stay alive for months or even years, and they're just about everywhere.  When your puppy chews on something dirty, or eats leaves and grass that have been in contact with soil, he or she is at risk of picking up worms, like roundworms.  These worms are also present in some feces - which is just one more reason it's a good idea to keep all your pets on a worming schedule and try to keep animals like stray cats out of your yard.

Tapeworms and fleas go hand in hand.  Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs, and if your puppy eats a flea (which can happen any time he is grooming himself) he can ingest tapeworm eggs.  Tapeworms then hatch inside the puppy, where they eat food intended for the pup.  They break off into segments that look like little flat pieces of tape (thus the name - "tapeworm") After they fall off your pup, they dry up and hatch into more eggs later - they cling to a flea, and then the cycle starts all over again. 

What Kind Of Worms Does Your Puppy Have? 

Different medications kill different types of parasites, so it is important to find out what kind of parasites could be infesting your puppy.  Get a sample of puppy poo, and bring it to your vet.  The vet can check the sample and find out what kind of parasites are present.  Do this regularly, and you'll prevent problems.

A bad worm infestation can stunt your puppy's growth - so be sure to give medication as prescribed.  Here's how to do it.

Worming Your Puppy

 Puppies are a lot easier to worm than kittens, so you're in luck!  If you need to give a pill, wrap it up in a savory treat.  Cream cheese works very well since it is slippery and your puppy will gulp it right down.  If the medication is a liquid, it's probably flavored.  We use a liquid called Nemex II at Gap View Kennel, which has a sweet taste the puppies like.  If you need to give liquid wormer, your pup might just lap it up!  If not, mix the liquid with something delicious your puppy can't resist.  Wet puppy food works very well.  

Good luck, and remember - if you have any problems with your new puppy please call Dave Liskey at 540-896-7327.