Dog Deworming Tablets and Pastes

Deworming your dog is an essential part of caring for its health, and also protects the whole household — some internal parasites can be passed on to humans too, especially children. Roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms can weaken a dog, cause digestive problems, and lead to serious complications in puppies.

What you'll find in this category: natural herbal products from Verm-X, Ecopets and Nature's Protection. These are dietary supplements that support the digestive tract, used in between regular deworming treatments — they don't replace registered dewormers. Your vet can recommend those based on your dog's weight and the type of parasite.

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How often should you deworm your dog?

How often you need to deworm depends on your dog's age, lifestyle and environment.

Puppies – The first deworming is recommended as early as 2 weeks of age, then every 2 weeks up to 3 months of age.
Adult dogs – Should be dewormed at least 4 times a year, i.e. every 3 months. If your dog lives in a higher-risk environment (contact with other dogs, working or hunting dogs, strays), more frequent deworming may be needed.
Pregnant and nursing bitches – Deworming should follow your vet's recommendations, as some parasites can be passed to puppies before they're even born.

The most common types of parasite in dogs

Dogs can host various types of parasite that settle in their digestive tract and can cause health complications:

Roundworms (Toxocara canis) – The most common parasites in puppies; they can also be transmitted to humans.
Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp.) – Dogs can become infected, for example, by swallowing a flea or eating raw meat.
Hookworms (Ancylostoma spp.) – Damage the intestinal lining and can lead to anaemia.
Giardia (Giardia spp.) – Microscopic parasites that cause diarrhoea and can also be passed on to humans.
Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) – Live as parasites in the large intestine and can lead to chronic digestive problems.

Which deworming products should you choose for your dog?

There are various forms of deworming product, differing in composition, effectiveness and method of administration.

Deworming tablets

The most common form of antiparasitic product.
Easy to give – often flavoured, so dogs take them readily.
Effective against a broad range of internal parasites.
Some products work with a single dose, while others need to be given in repeated doses.

Deworming pastes

An ideal choice for puppies, small breeds, or dogs that refuse tablets.
Easy dosing using an applicator with a measuring scale based on your dog's weight.
Effective against the most common parasites

Spot-on pipettes

Applied directly to the skin, where the active ingredient is absorbed into the bloodstream.
As well as internal parasites, they can also protect against external parasites such as fleas and ticks.
Suitable for dogs that don't tolerate tablets or pastes well

Injectable antiparasitics

Given by a vet, usually in cases of heavy parasite infestation.
A fast and effective form of treatment.

How to give a deworming tablet or paste correctly

Tablet: Some tablets are flavoured, so the dog happily eats them as a treat. If your dog refuses the tablet, you can hide it in food (meat, cheese, pâté). If necessary, you can give the tablet directly into the mouth by placing it on the back of the tongue and gently holding the dog's mouth closed until it swallows.

Paste: Applied directly into the mouth using a dosing syringe. It's best to apply the paste onto the tongue or into the corner of the mouth, then gently hold the jaw so the dog swallows it.

Signs of worms in dogs – when should you take action?

Diarrhoea or constipation – Changes in digestion can indicate the presence of parasites.
A bloated belly in puppies – A common sign of a heavy roundworm infestation.
Poor coat condition – Dull, matted or brittle fur can be a result of a parasitic infection.
Weight loss despite a normal appetite – If your dog is losing weight despite eating normally, internal parasites could be to blame.
Reduced energy, tiredness – Parasites can weaken the immune system and cause lethargy.
Scratching the bottom or "scooting" – Often a sign of tapeworms.
Visible parasites in the stool – Small white worms or tapeworm segments can sometimes be seen with the naked eye.

Preventing internal parasites – what else can you do besides deworming?

Deworm your dog regularly according to the recommended schedule.
Keep bowls, bedding and toys clean.
Prevent contact with faeces from other dogs and wild animals.
Limit feeding raw meat and fish, which can contain parasite larvae
Use antiparasitic collars or pipettes, which reduce the risk of tapeworm transmission via fleas.

Conclusion – when and why should you deworm your dog?

Deworming your dog is essential for its health and wellbeing, as well as for protecting your whole family. Internal parasites can cause serious health complications, so it's important to stick to a regular deworming schedule and choose quality tablets, pastes or spot-on products. Don't underestimate prevention, and give your dog a safe, healthy, parasite-free environment!