by Tom Ken
Like many other animals, intestinal parasitism or infestation of worms is a big problem for dogs, and this is more so for those that spend a lot of time outdoors. Therefore, as a pet owner, you will have to find the best dewormer for dogs at some point.
What makes worms such a huge problem is that they often lead to malnutrition and many other minor and major health issues if left untreated. What's more, worms can be contagious to other animals and even humans. Hence, the need to treat them.
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The good news is that there are many good dewormers for dogs that can help you deal with the problem fast. Here we review some of them to give you recommendations and provide a buying guide.
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
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1. Sentry HC 7 Way De-Wormer (Best Overall) |
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2. Panacur C Canine Dewormer (Best Budget) |
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3. PetArmor 7 Way De-Wormer (Best for Puppies) |
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4. Durvet Triple Wormer (Best for Tapeworms) |
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5. Bayer Chewable Quad Dewormer (Best for Small Dogs) |
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6. Durvet 2x LIquid Wormer (Best Liquid) |
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7. Excel Products Safeguard (Best Broad Spectrum) |
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Sentry HC 7 Way De-Wormer is our best overall dewormer as it has a broad spectrum, uses high-quality ingredients and is easy to administer.
This medication is effective in eliminating seven types of worms that include tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms. Additionally, it is effective at preventing new infestations, ensuring the dog is protected for long.
Sentry uses high-quality veterinary-grade active ingredients to ensure maximum effectiveness without having to get a prescription. Because these are tasty and convenient chewables tablets, they are easy to administer, even for those with picky pets.
Although there is no adequate instruction on the box for administering this dewormer, there is still enough information online to help you out.
Pros:
Cons:
For pet parents looking for a budget-friendly way of getting rid of dog worms, the Panacur C Canine Dewormer is a perfect choice. Moreover, this medication eliminates a wide variety of worms, from roundworms and hookworms to taenia tapeworms.
What's more, the dewormer works for all dogs older than six weeks, including the pregnant and senior canines. Additionally, the manufacturer provides a clear administration direction to give users an easy time.
While this dewormer might not have the best flavor, it still goes down well, and many dogs will not have any issues with the taste.
Pros:
Cons:
Something flavorful and tasty like the PetArmor 7 Way De-Wormer is always better for puppies as it is easier to give without forcing them. Better yet, you can administer this medication with or without food, making it more flexible.
Another thing that makes this one of the best dewormers for puppies is the 7-way broad-spectrum. It can work on tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms. Additionally, these are vet-quality tablets, which should assure you of their safety and effectiveness.
Although these dewormers do not have the most pleasant smell, most dogs hardly notice this. For the picky ones merely covering them with something that smells better, like peanut butter, should be enough.
Pros:
Cons:
If you suspect your dog has a severe case of tapeworm infestation, whether it is dipylidium or taenia, the Durvet Triple Wormer is a fantastic choice. However, it is still a broad spectrum dewormer that can work for roundworms and hookworms.
Better still, it is a flavorful chewable that is easy to give, even for picky dogs. There is also no prescription required, and it is safe on all dogs as it does not have any side effects.
The instructions seem a bit lacking as they do not mention things that the repeat dose required. But for every informed pet owner, it should be obvious you need another one after a couple of weeks for maximum effectiveness.
Pros:
Cons:
The Bayer Chewable Quad Dewormer is our best over the counter dewormer for dogs if you have a small breed canine between 2 and 25 pounds. You will not need a prescription for these tablets, and they come in a tasty beef flavor to make them easy to give, even for picky dogs.
Given that this is a broad-spectrum dewormer, it will be effective on a wide variety of worm types, including tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
These tablets can have minor side effects like vomiting for a few dogs, but this should not be a concern. The directions also seem a bit unclear, but the good news is that there is a chart for guiding you on how many pills to give.
Pros:
Cons:
With a liquid dewormer like the Durvet 2x Liquid Wormer, you get more options for administering the medication. You can give it directly with a spoon, pour it in a bowl for the pet to lick or mix with dog food. Because the flavor is palatable, you can be sure the pups love it.
Another element about this dewormer that many pet parents like is it effectively prevents future infestations. What's more, no fasting is required prior to administering this medicine.
Since there is only one active ingredient, this dewormer has a limited effectiveness spectrum. But, if you are dealing with large roundworms and hookworms, it is still one of the best options out there.
Pros:
Cons:
Excel Products Safeguard is the best deworming medicine for dogs if you are a pet owner on the lookout for a broad spectrum dewormer. You can use this medication for tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
The administration is also super easy as you only need to mix the granules with the dog's food. What's more, there is a clear feed chart to ensure you know the exact amount to use for your pet, depending on its weight.
Some pet owners might find it a bit hectic as you have to administer this dewormer for 3 consecutive days. However, the good news is that it provides up to 6 months of protection after that.
Pros:
Cons:
The Sentry Worm X Plus is a broad-spectrum dewormer effective at treating and controlling large roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. The medication comes in a chewable tablet form and has a nice flavor that makes it easy to administer.
With this over-the-counter dewormer, you do not need any prescription, which saves you the cost and time of going to a vet. What's more, it comes with clear directions of use and a chart to ensure you know the exact number to give your pet.
Key Features
Suppose you are dealing with a severe case of tapeworm infestation. In that case, the Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer is an excellent choice as it effectively gets rid of common tapeworms and other types like Dipylidium and Taenia. What's more, it comes in a 5-count to ensure you get a full dose for any dog.
You can use this worm medication on dogs as young as 4 weeks, and it is also easy to administer since you can mix it with food or give the pet straight by mouth. With this worm medicine, the pet does not have to fast before or after administration.
Key Features
Since the Durvet Triple Wormer Tablets come in a pack of 12, you can be sure of getting good value for money and that you have enough for a complete dose regardless of your dog size. Better still, it is a broad-spectrum dewormer for treating and controlling 7 different worm strains.
Pet owners can be sure of an easy time administering it since the chewable tablets are flavored to make them palatable. Also, these are non-prescription tablets for pet owner convenience.
Key Features
Whether you have a puppy or adult dog, Sentry HC WormX DS will work for you as t is an effective treatment for dogs up to 120 pounds. The 2-ounce suspension is easy to administer as you can even mix it with the dog's food or drink.
When it comes to effectiveness, it is a broad-spectrum dewormer that can effectively remove large roundworms and hookworms and prevent future infestations.
Key Features
If you prefer a more natural dewormer for your pet, the Wholistic Pet Organics Wormer is the ideal option for you on our dewormer for dogs review. It is a holistic diatomaceous earth powder that kills worms and ensures the overall wellbeing of the pet.
With this product, your pet gets digestive health support and it cleanses the colon effectively. Because it also contains significant amounts of calcium, the dewormer helps promote a strong bone structure.
Key Features
The Pfizer Nemex-2 Wormer is an effective dewormer for dogs if you are dealing with an infestation of large roundworms and hookworms. Moreover, it is ideal for puppies as young as 2 weeks and adult dogs.
Since this is a liquid dewormer, it is easier to administer, as besides mixing it with the dog's food, you can give it directly with a spoon. Given that this is a more potent wormer, just one dose is often enough for the pet.
Key Features
Peak Marketing Pet Wormer is a unique wormer that comes in an easy-to-use gel form. You can mix the gel with the pup's food or apply it directly to its mouth. What's more, this medication is safe for all life stages, but puppies have to be at least 6 weeks old.
Another element making this a fantastic wormer is that it is very palatable. Besides helping treat and control worms, it has other ingredients that can promote a dog's overall wellbeing, such as citric acid.
Key Features
With the broad treatment spectrum of the Panacur C Canine Dewormer, it is an effective solution for all major intestinal parasites: tapeworms, whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms. Besides treatment, this medication is also effective at preventing future infestation.
When it comes to administering the dewormer, you get more flexibility as you can mix it with either food or drink and give it directly. Because there are clear directions and a dosing table, you should have an easy time determining the right quantities for your pet.
Key Features
When deworming your pet, you need to make sure you understand the kind of worm it has, as there are different types. Knowing the specific type allows you to get a more effective solution, and the following are the most likely to infect your pup.
Roundworm
Roundworms get their name from the fact they have a round or tubular shape. These worms live in the intestine and feed on the partially digested food. Dogs typically get them by interacting with fecal matter from dogs or other pets with the worms.
Some of the signs your dog has roundworms include stunted growth, recurrent diarrhea, and the dog developing a potbelly.
Hookworm
Hookworms are tiny, nasty-looking creatures that infest the dog's small intestines. They have a hook-like mouth that they use to pierce through the intestinal tissues to feed on blood.
Puppies often contract them from the mother when breastfeeding but can get them from their environment, such as getting in contact with infected fecal matter. Signs of hookworm in dogs include weight loss, reduction in energy levels, and diarrhea.
Whipworm
Whipworms are thread-like warms, thin on one end and wider on the other. They are about 1/4-inch long and typically infect the cecum or large intestine. Dogs get these worms via the fecal-oral route, and typical symptoms include weight loss, lethargy, diarrhea, and general dog debilitation.
Tapeworm
Unlike the three types above, which are nematodes, the tapeworms are cestodes or flatworms. Dogs often get these worms by eating fleas infected with them during normal self-grooming. Once ingested, the worms attach to the small intestine, where they feed on partially digested food.
You can identify a tapeworm infestation from proglottids, which are small segments of the worm, in the dog's faeces.
Like with any other dog medication, the dewormer's form matters a lot as it determines how easy it will be to administer. These medicines typically come in either liquid or tablet form, and it is up to you to choose what you think will be easy to give the pup.
Liquid dewormers might require you to mix them with the dog's water or other fluids you give it or give them directly. Like the Durvet 2x Liquid Wormer, something more palatable is easy to give as most dogs can lick it from the bowl willingly.
On the other hand, Tablet dewormers like the Bayer Chewable Quad Dewormer, come in pleasant flavors like beef or chicken to make them simple for the canine to chew.
As you choose the best over the counter dewormer for dogs, you will have 3 primary options. The right choice depends on the particular worm type inflicting your dog.
Fenbendazole
If your dog has roundworms, hookworms, or whipworms, Fenbendazole is your best pick. This medication is not effective on tapeworms, but many pet owners love that it is safe to use for lactating or even pregnant dogs.
Pyrantel Pamoate
Pyrantel Pamoate is often used together with Praziquantel to deal with hookworms and roundworms. However, you should not use this medication if you have a pregnant or lactating pet.
Praziquantel
Praziquantel is one of the best options for dogs with different kinds of tapeworm as it is often highly effective at exterminating them. Still, it is not safe for pregnant/lactating dogs.
A: The signs typically depend on the specific worm type infesting the dog. However, some of the most common ones are reduced energy levels, appetite changes, weight loss, swollen belly, vomiting, and excessive anal licking.
A: Deworming frequency largely depends on the age of the pet and health status. For puppies, you need to deworm them at least once every two weeks until they are 3 months old. After that, you can deworm them monthly up to six months before transitioning to a maintenance dose of once every 3 to 6 months.
A: Yes, and they include things like garlic, pomegranate seeds, and pumpkin seeds. However, it is essential to note that these and many other natural remedies have not undergone thorough testing like actual medication. Therefore, you cannot rely on these unproven remedies to cure your dog, meaning you are better off sticking with conventional medicines.
A: Yes, but some dogs can lack appetite for some time after deworming. However, as a pet parent, you have to make sure the dog is eating even if it is just a small portion until it regains its usual appetite.
SENTRY Pet Care 7 Way De-Wormer for Medium & Large Dogs, 2 Count - Walmart Link
PetArmor 7 Way De-Wormer (Pyrantel Pamoate and Praziquantel) for Dogs, Includes Chewable - Walmart Link
Safe-Guard (fenbendazole) Canine Dewormer for Dogs, 4gm pouch (ea. pouch treats 40lbs.) - Walmart Link
Bayer Chewable Quad Dewormer for Large Dogs, 45 lbs and over, 2 chewable tablets - Walmart Link
Bayer Chewable Quad Dewormer for Small Dogs, 2-25 lbs, 4 Chewable Tablets - Walmart Link
Sentry HC 7 Way De-Wormer - Walmart Link
the Panacur C Canine Dewormer - Walmart Link
the PetArmor 7 Way De-Wormer - Walmart Link
the Durvet Triple Wormer - Walmart Link
The Bayer Chewable Quad Dewormer - Walmart Link
the Durvet 2x Liquid Wormer - Walmart Link
The Sentry Worm X Plus - Walmart Link
the Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer - Walmart Link
the Durvet Triple Wormer Tablets - Walmart Link
Sentry HC WormX DS - Walmart Link
the Wholistic Pet Organics Wormer - Walmart Link
The Pfizer Nemex-2 Wormer - Walmart Link
Peak Marketing Pet Wormer - Walmart Link
the Bayer Chewable Quad Dewormer - Walmart Link
the Sentry HC 7 Way De-Wormer - Walmart Link
SENTRY Pet Care 7 Way De-Wormer for Medium & Large Dogs, 2 Count - eBay Link
PetArmor 7 Way De-Wormer (Pyrantel Pamoate and Praziquantel) for Dogs, Includes Chewable - eBay Link
Safe-Guard (fenbendazole) Canine Dewormer for Dogs, 4gm pouch (ea. pouch treats 40lbs.) - eBay Link
Bayer Chewable Quad Dewormer for Large Dogs, 45 lbs and over, 2 chewable tablets - eBay Link
Bayer Chewable Quad Dewormer for Small Dogs, 2-25 lbs, 4 Chewable Tablets - eBay Link
Sentry HC 7 Way De-Wormer - eBay Link
the Panacur C Canine Dewormer - eBay Link
the PetArmor 7 Way De-Wormer - eBay Link
the Durvet Triple Wormer - eBay Link
The Bayer Chewable Quad Dewormer - eBay Link
the Durvet 2x Liquid Wormer - eBay Link
The Sentry Worm X Plus - eBay Link
the Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer - eBay Link
the Durvet Triple Wormer Tablets - eBay Link
Sentry HC WormX DS - eBay Link
the Wholistic Pet Organics Wormer - eBay Link
The Pfizer Nemex-2 Wormer - eBay Link
Peak Marketing Pet Wormer - eBay Link
the Bayer Chewable Quad Dewormer - eBay Link
the Sentry HC 7 Way De-Wormer - eBay Link
Worms can make your pet uncomfortable and unhealthy, but the good news is that you can quickly treat and control them with the best dewormer for dogs.
The right one for your pet depends on its age and specific worm type it has, but the Sentry HC 7 Way De-Wormer is our best overall thanks to its broad spectrum and high-quality ingredients.
However, if you prefer something more budget-friendly but still effective at worm treatment, go with the Panacur C Canine Dewormer
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About Tom Ken
Tom has worked with many veterinary surgeons as a nurse at different veterinary clinics throughout his life.
There, he provides care for sick animals; such as: dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, and sometimes reptiles.
He has good work ethics and gentle hands; hence, the doctors as well the pet owners have come to love his presence alot.
With this site, he aims to help the readers ensure their pets' wellbeing, learn how to care, and proivide medical treatment as needed.
Joshua received Veterinary Technician Degree at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
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