The cost of deworming a dog depends on several factors, such as the type of worm, the severity of the infestation, the size and weight of the dog, the type of medication, and the frequency of treatment. However, on average, you can expect to pay between $10 and $30 per dose of dewormer, plus the cost of a vet visit if needed.
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about deworming dogs, including the types of worms, the symptoms, the treatment options, and the prevention tips.
Dogs can get infected by many kinds of worms, but these are the most frequent ones:
Roundworms: These worms are long and look like spaghetti. They live in the dog’s intestines and can make them have diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, potbelly, and poor growth. They can also pass to humans, especially children, and cause severe problems such as blindness.
Hookworms: These worms are small and have hooks. They stick to the dog’s intestinal wall and can make them have anemia, bloody stools, weakness, and skin irritation. They can also pass to humans and cause skin wounds and intestinal bleeding.
Tapeworms: These worms are flat and have segments. They live in the dog’s intestines and can make them lose weight, itch around the anus, and have visible segments in the feces. They can also pass to humans, but this is rare.
Whipworms: These worms are thin and look like whips. They live in the dog’s large intestine and can make them have diarrhea, mucus in the stools, weight loss, and dehydration. They are not usually passed to humans.
Heartworms: These worms are long and thin. They live in the dog’s heart and blood vessels and can make them cough, have trouble breathing, feel tired, lose weight, and have heart failure. They are passed by mosquitoes and can also infect cats and humans, but this is uncommon.
Deworming Treatment for Dogs
The treatment for worms in dogs varies depending on the type and severity of the infestation, as well as the dog’s health condition. Your vet will prescribe the best dewormer for your dog, which could be in the form of a pill, a liquid, a shot, or a topical application. Some examples of dewormers for dogs are:
Pyrantel: This dewormer works against roundworms and hookworms. It is usually given by mouth as one dose or repeated after two weeks. It is safe for puppies, pregnant dogs, and nursing dogs.
Fenbendazole: This dewormer works against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and some tapeworms. It is usually given by mouth for three to five days in a row. It is safe for puppies, pregnant dogs, and nursing dogs.
Praziquantel: This is a medication that eliminates tapeworms. It is typically administered orally as a single dose or combined with other medications. It is harmless for young and mature dogs, but not for dogs that are pregnant or lactating.
Ivermectin: This dewormer works against heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and some other parasites. It is usually given by mouth or by injection every month. It is safe for most dogs, but not for some breeds that are sensitive to it, such as collies, shelties, and sheepdogs. It is also not safe for pregnant or nursing dogs.
Selamectin: This dewormer works against heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and some other parasites. It is usually applied to the skin between the shoulder blades every month. It is safe for puppies older than six weeks and adult dogs, but not for pregnant or nursing dogs.
The cost of deworming a dog varies depending on the type of worm, the type of medication, the size and weight of the dog, and the frequency of treatment. However, on average, you can expect to pay between $10 and $30 per dose of dewormer, plus the cost of a vet visit if needed. Here are the cost of deworming a dog for different types of worms:
Roundworms: A single dose of pyrantel may cost around $10, while a three-day course of fenbendazole may cost around $30. A vet visit may cost around $50 to $100 for a fecal test and a prescription.
Hookworms: A single dose of pyrantel may cost around $10, while a three-day course of fenbendazole may cost around $30. A vet visit may cost around $50 to $100 for a fecal test and a prescription.
Tapeworms: A single dose of praziquantel may cost around $15, while a combination of praziquantel and pyrantel may cost around $25. A vet visit may cost around $50 to $100 for a fecal test and a prescription.
Whipworms: A three-day course of fenbendazole may cost around $30, while a six-month course of milbemycin may cost around $60. A vet visit may cost around $50 to $100 for a fecal test and a prescription.
Heartworms: A monthly dose of ivermectin may cost around $5, while a monthly dose of selamectin may cost around $15. A vet visit may cost around $50 to $100 for a blood test and a prescription. A heartworm treatment may cost around $500 to $1000 for a series of injections and hospitalization.
Compare the costs of different treatments for Deworming a Dog with this table.
Parasite
Medication
Cost per dose
Vet visit cost
Additional cost
Roundworms
Pyrantel
$10
$50 to $100
None
Fenbendazole
$30 (3-day course)
$50 to $100
None
Hookworms
Pyrantel
$10
$50 to $100
None
Fenbendazole
$30 (3-day course)
$50 to $100
None
Tapeworms
Praziquantel
$15
$50 to $100
None
Praziquantel + Pyrantel
$25
$50 to $100
None
Whipworms
Fenbendazole
$30 (3-day course)
$50 to $100
None
Milbemycin
$60 (6-month course)
$50 to $100
None
Heartworms
Ivermectin
$5 (monthly)
$50 to $100
$500 to $1000 (treatment)
Selamectin
$15 (monthly)
$50 to $100
$500 to $1000 (treatment)
Symptoms of Worm Infestation in Dogs
Worms can cause various problems for your dog, such as:
Loose stools, which may contain blood or mucus
Throwing up, which may include worms
Losing weight or having no appetite
Having a swollen or round belly
Having a rough or thin coat
Scratching or rubbing the rear end
Having trouble breathing or making noises
Having pale or white gums or being anemic
Being tired or weak
Having worms or pieces of worms in the poop or near the rear end
Some dogs, however, may not have any signs of worms, or they may be very subtle. That’s why you should take your dog to the vet regularly for worm checks, especially if they are young, pregnant, or have had worms before.
Prevention Tips for Dog Worming
To keep your dog free from worms, you should follow these suggestions:
Regularly visit your vet to check your dog for worms, especially if they are young, expecting, or have had worm problems before.
Use a monthly dewormer, such as ivermectin or selamectin, to prevent your dog from getting heartworms and some other worms.
Don’t let your dog near feces, trash, rodents, or anything else that could have worms.
Pick up and throw away your dog’s feces right away.
Clean your hands after touching your dog or their feces, and don’t touch their mouth or anus.
Clean your dog’s bedding, toys, and dishes often with soap and hot water.
Groom your dog and look for any signs of worms or parasites on their fur and skin.
Give your dog a healthy and balanced diet and don’t feed them raw or undercooked meat, fish, or bones.
Conclusion
Deworming your dog is an important part of keeping them healthy and happy. The cost of deworming a dog depends on several factors, such as the type of worm, the severity of the infestation, the size and weight of the dog, the type of medication, and the frequency of treatment.
However, on average, you can expect to pay between $10 and $30 per dose of dewormer, plus the cost of a vet visit if needed. You should always consult your vet before deworming your dog or giving them any medication, and follow their instructions carefully.
You should also follow the prevention tips to avoid worm infection in your dog and yourself. By doing so, you can ensure that your dog is free from worms and parasites, and enjoy a long and happy life with them.
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How often should I deworm my dog? The frequency of deworming depends on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and exposure to parasites. Generally, puppies need to be dewormed every 2 to 4 weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then once a month until they are 6 months old, and then every 1 to 6 months as adults. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best deworming schedule for your dog.
What are the signs of worms in dogs? Some common signs of worms in dogs are diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, poor coat condition, pot-bellied appearance, scooting, coughing, and visible worms or eggs in the feces or around the anus. However, some dogs may not show any symptoms, so regular testing and treatment are recommended.
Can I deworm my dog myself? You can deworm your dog yourself by using over-the-counter or natural remedies, but this may not be the most effective or safe option. Over-the-counter dewormers may not be suitable for your dog’s age, weight, or health condition, and they may not eliminate all types of worms. Natural remedies may have limited or no scientific evidence to support their efficacy or safety. Therefore, it is best to consult your veterinarian before deworming your dog yourself, and follow their instructions carefully.
How many deworming treatments does a dog need? The number of deworming treatments a dog needs depends on the type of worm, the severity of the infestation, and the response to the medication. Some worms may require only one dose of medication, while others may require multiple doses over several weeks or months. Your veterinarian can determine the appropriate deworming protocol for your dog based on their diagnosis and test results.
How much to deworm dog at petsmart? The cost of deworming a dog at Petsmart may vary depending on the type of worm, the type of medication, and the size and weight of the dog. According to their website, Petsmart offers deworming services for roundworms and hookworms for $21, and for tapeworms for $26. However, these prices may not include the cost of testing, consultation, or follow-up visits, which may be required for some cases.
How much to deworm dog at walmart? The cost of deworming a dog at Walmart may vary depending on the type of worm, the type of medication, and the size and weight of the dog. According to their website, Walmart sells various brands of over-the-counter dewormers for dogs, ranging from $5 to $25 per package. However, these products may not be suitable for your dog’s age, weight, or health condition, and they may not eliminate all types of worms. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian before using any over-the-counter dewormer for your dog.
Best dewormer for dogs without vet prescription? There is no definitive answer to this question, as the best dewormer for dogs depends on the type of worm, the severity of the infestation, and the response to the medication. Some over-the-counter or natural dewormers may work for some dogs, but not for others. Moreover, some dewormers may have side effects or interactions with other medications or supplements. Therefore, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian before choosing any dewormer for your dog, and follow their instructions carefully.
Can I give my dog dewormer if he doesn’t have worms? It is not advisable to give your dog dewormer if he doesn’t have worms, as this may cause unnecessary side effects or resistance to the medication. Moreover, some dewormers may not be effective against certain types of worms, so you may not be preventing or treating the right parasite. The best way to know if your dog has worms is to have him tested by your veterinarian, and follow their recommendations on deworming medication and prevention.
Can I deworm my dog anytime? You can deworm your dog anytime, as long as you follow your veterinarian’s advice on the type, dosage, and frequency of the medication. However, some factors may affect the timing and efficacy of the deworming, such as your dog’s age, weight, health condition, lifestyle, and exposure to parasites. Therefore, it is important to consult your veterinarian before deworming your dog, and monitor his response and progress.
