Treatment for Roundworm in Dogs
Since Roundworm is a parasitic infection, there are many different treatment options available. Many
commercial prescribed “wormers” are available through a veterinarian. However, these worming medications
generally only kill or inhibit adult worms. Roundworm larvae are not usually affected by many medications,
which is why many of the roundworm treatments need to be repeated from 2-4 weeks after the initial treatment.
At this time, the roundworm larvae will have matured and migrated to the intestine, where they can be
treated with anti-worming medication. The following list complies some of the most common active ingredients
contained in many popular Roundworm medications.
Piperazine
The ingredient Piperazine is contained in many anti-worming treatments that are available over the counter.
Febantel
Febantel is the active ingredient in drugs such as Drontal, as well as Drontal Plus.
Milbemycin Oxime
Milbemycin Oxime is contained in worming medications such as Sentinel and Interceptor.
Fenbendazole
This active ingredient is primarily contained in the medication Panacur.
Pyrantel Pamoate
This ingredient is contained in many worming medications, such as HeartgardPlus, Nemex and Strongid.
To help provide the most effective treatment, one or many of these medications may be selected by your veterinarian. This is primarily dependent on the type of Roundworm, the severity of the Roundworm infection, and your dog's physical state (age, pregnancy, prior illnesses, etc).
Treatment for Puppies
Puppies under 4 months of age are usually very succeptible to becoming infected with Roundworm. At the age of 3-4 months, a puppy's immune system may be developed enough to handle any prior infections on its own. However, treating a puppy for Roundworm is often necessary, though should be done with extreme care. In most cases, a puppy will be given oral anti-Roundworm medication at the age of four, six and eight weeks. By the age of 11-12 weeks, a veterinarian may recommend that a puppy has a microscopic exam of its fecal matter. This will help ensure that there is no existing Roundworm infection.
Treatment for Adult Dogs
Treating Roundworm in an adult dog usually requires a specific type of anti-worming medication prescribed by a veterinarian. As with any worming medication, it may be necesasry for the treatment to be repeated after the Roundworm larvae in a dog's system have had a chance to mature. In addition to this, a monthly worming prevention medication, as well as annual microscopic exams of a dog's fecal matter may be necessary.