When can I begin worming my puppy?

Many puppies already have worms when they’re born—parasites they got from their mother. The American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists says the process of de-worming for roundworms and hookworms should begin when puppies are two weeks old, and be repeated every two weeks until they’re eight weeks old.

If a puppy that has worms isn’t dewormed, his body will not respond to vaccinations as it should, and he may not grow and develop normally. You and your kids may be at risk, as well, as roundworms and hookworms can be transmitted to humans.

You probably won’t see worms in your puppy’s stool, though, unless the infestation is severe. So when you have a new puppy, be sure it’s dewormed.

– Dr. Andrea Looney, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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