Yes. Worms are a common problem anytime puppies get to spend time outdoors, especially around other animals. We take pride in having a clean, safe, healthy farm and we also take pride in our puppy socialization techniques. Being outside and around other animals is part of this socialization process. We therefore typically deworm the puppies at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks.
HOWEVER, it’s important for all new puppy owners to read through the following information:
“Nobody likes to think of their dog having worms, but there’s nothing unusual about it – in fact, your puppy or dog has probably had them at some point in their lives! … Most puppies are actually born with worms, which are contracted from their mother’s milk…” [Purina.com – click here for link to article.]
“Many pet parents that come into the office think that their dog couldn’t possibly get worms for one reason or another. But every dog is at risk for worms, no matter where they live or how much time they spend outside.” [Hector Joy, DVM, PetMD.com. Click here for link to article.]
“Just about every dog on the planet is infested with worms to some degree.” [dogtime.com – Click here for a link to the article.]
“…it would probably surprise you to know that mother dogs are most often the cause of a newborn puppies’ worms.” [Pestshero.com – Click here for the article.]
Worms and other parasites are common…almost to the point that they should be expected. A puppy can get worms several ways, including from his/her momma. Worms can be passed from mother to puppy before birth in utero, and both round worms and hook worms can be passed through the mother’s milk when nursing. And the cycle can be very difficult to break. Click here to read a little more about the subject.
Second point, don’t panic if your vet tells you that your puppy has worms. While it’s not routine, it does happen, and sometimes new puppy parents are surprised to get this news. It doesn’t mean the puppy is unhealthy and it doesn’t mean the puppy was raised in poor conditions. Rather, it’s a fairly common situation and is pretty normal in an environment like ours.
We raise our puppies on a farm. We like to offer as much socialization as possible and therefore will usually try to get the puppies plenty of fresh air and sunlight as they grow older. (Click to see Remy the 8 week old Bordoodle meeting some of the animals.) Additionally, the mommas spend time outside, playing and getting exercise. They stay in the main yard exclusively when pregnant and nursing, but at other times they’ll often make trips with me out to the stock tank and into the big pasture to check on the goats, bees, and other things. What I’m saying is that while we have very happy, healthy animals, it’s virtually impossible to prevent our adult dogs from picking up parasites. (Click to watch some of Lotties puppies meet some of the farm animals!)
We do our very best to break the cycle of parasites, should there be any present, before we send your puppies home. But occasionally, you may need to continue treatment for a few weeks after you get your puppy. Treatment is usually simple and affordable, and shouldn’t be hard on your puppy.
Lastly, having said all of this, we advise you to keep an eye on your pup and if you notice any of these symptoms, take him/her to the vet.
- Weight loss
- Swollen belly
- Cough
- Diarrhea (especially with blood)
- Vomiting
- Weakness or indifference (a change in behavior)
Most worms can’t be seen with the naked eye, and even though they’re common and easily treated, it can become serious, especially with a small puppy.
