Puppy parasites
Puppy Worms Treatment and Prevention
Worms are an inevitable part of a puppy’s life. Most puppies are born with worms, which is why we worm all pups at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks of age. At 2 and 4 weeks of age we use a mild wormer brand name Strongid. Strongid kills Hookworms and Roundworms. After pups are 4 weeks old we worm with Panacure. Panacure is a bit stronger and controls round, hook and whipworms. A health record is provided to every Olde South client which documents our worming program. This document should be taken to puppy’s first vet visit.
Giardia and Coccidia are intestinal parasites. However, unlike what we commonly consider a “worm” – like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms – giardia and coccidia organisms are small, microscopic organisms that do not develop into visible worms.
Giardia organisms are protozoan parasites. Coccidia organisms are single-celled parasites that infect and reproduce inside intestinal cells. As these organisms reproduce and kill the intestinal cells as they divide.
Giardia affects pets of all ages. Coccidia can cause significant illness in puppies. At Olde South we bleach our puppy kennel/environment daily to prevent this illness and treat our puppies with a product called Ponazuril as a preventive at 5 and 7 weeks of age. This medication halts the reproductive cycle of the coccidia organisms and allow the animal’s own immunity to finish combating the parasite.
If your puppy is diagnosed with Coccidia or Giardia during a vet visit don’t panic. The medication prescribed by your vet is very effective and the prognosis generally excellent. Be mindful that this parasite is very common in pups in will clear up quickly if caught early and properly treated.