Seven Common Misconceptions About Dog Deworming: Have You Fallen for Any?

Parasites can be divided into external parasites and internal parasites. Different types of parasites require different deworming medications. For example, external parasites include fleas, lice, and mites, and some deworming drugs are only effective against fleas, while others are only for mites and not for worms. Therefore, deworming is targeted and not all deworming agents can kill all parasites. It is crucial to differentiate between treatments.

Misconception 1: After getting vaccinated, there is no need to deworm again.

Vaccines and deworming are two different things. The vaccine is mainly used to prevent infectious diseases such as rabies and canine distemper, but it is ineffective against parasites.

Misconception 2: Since you can't see parasites with the naked eye, there's no need to deworm your dog.

Some parasites live on the dog's skin, while others live inside the dog's body. They can't be seen with the naked eye, so it's necessary to be diligent about deworming your dog monthly.

Misconception 3: All parasites can be killed with deworming agents.

Parasites are divided into external and internal types. Different types of parasites require different deworming medications. For example, external parasites include fleas, lice, and mites. Some deworming drugs are only effective against fleas, while others are only for mites and not for worms. Therefore, deworming is targeted, and not all deworming agents can kill all parasites. It's important to differentiate between treatments.

Misconception 4: After deworming once, you can relax.

The efficacy of external deworming drugs only lasts for about a month (this time period is usually stated in the deworming drug's instructions). A month after the drug wears off, if your dog goes outside to play or comes into contact with dogs infected with parasites, it can easily be infected. Additionally, owners can unknowingly bring flea eggs home on their clothes, infecting the dog. Therefore, regular deworming is necessary.

Misconception 5: Bathing removes fleas.

A dog bath only serves to clean, reduce bacterial accumulation, and prevent skin diseases. However, it will not kill fleas, eggs, or other parasites and cannot meet normal deworming needs. It's better to bath your dog regularly to keep it clean, and also apply external deworming agents periodically to prevent parasites.

Misconception 6: After eating deworming medicine, if there are no worms in the dog's feces, it means there are no parasites inside the dog.

Parasite eggs and larvae are invisible to the naked eye. If your dog excretes visible parasites in its feces, it means you've waited too long between deworming sessions. It's recommended to deworm again after three days. To prevent parasites and maintain your dog's health, deworm internally every three months and apply external deworming agents every month.

Misconception 7: Drops, sprays, and deworming agents can harm humans.

Deworming drugs are specifically designed for dogs. As long as the usage instructions are followed, dog-specific deworming drugs will not cause significant harm to humans.