Life with a new puppy is anything but dull. There’s so much to think about, from what to name and feed your puppy, to housebreaking and vaccination.

And then, there’s the subject no one wants to think about, but can’t afford to ignore... canine intestinal worms.

ALL puppies have intestinal worms – or at least, intestinal worms are so common in puppies that it’s probably safer to assume that all puppies are affected and act accordingly.

How do puppies get infected?

Young puppies are often born with intestinal worms, that are transmitted to them...

• before birth, through the placenta (in the womb),
• through their mother’s milk;
• in the environment (after birth).

Hormonal changes in pregnancy can activate worm larvae that had been dormant in the mother’s tissue for a long period of time. These larvae subsequently migrate through the placenta to infect the unborn puppies. They can also migrate to the mammary glands and infect nursing puppies.

Young puppies are often not brought in to the veterinarian before they are 6 to 8 weeks of age. By then, they may already be actively contaminating the environment.

FACT: In 1996, a survey was conducted using stool samples collected across the U.S. Results suggested that more than 30% of dogs under 6 months of age were shedding Toxocara canis (roundworm) eggs. Other studies have shown that virtually all puppies are born infected with Toxocara canis. (As reported by the Companion Animal Parasite Council)

This is an important concern – especially since some canine intestinal worms can also infect humans (what is known as "zoonotic disease").

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Intestinal worm infection in puppies can cause the following clinical signs (among others) in puppies:

• dull haircoat
• bloated, round belly
• pale gums and anemia
• licking around the anus or dragging the bottom on the ground (“scooting”)
• crying when picked up
• diarrhea, blood or mucous in the stool and vomiting
• weight loss or failure to thrive
• lethargy
• worm segments around the anal area (may look like grains of rice)
• worms in the stool or vomit
• coughing (if worms have migrated to the lungs)

In severe cases, intestinal worm infections can even be fatal to young puppies

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While all this talk about puppies and intestinal worms may be a little worrisome, don’t let it take away from your enjoyment of your new puppy!

Controlling intestinal worms is easier than you may think. It’s a matter of knowing what you’re up against and what to do to get the upper hand. Here are a few suggestions:

• Pick up and dispose of feces immediately, before worm eggs and larvae have a chance to contaminate the environment.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and running water after picking up feces, or after handling your puppy – especially before eating or preparing food.
• Discourage your puppy from licking people (especially young children), especially on the face.
• Don’t let your puppy eat feces.
• Keep your puppy on a leash, and learn to identify potentially contaminated areas (parks, kennels, “puppy kindergarten” – anywhere dogs congregate).

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As soon as your new puppy joins your household, take him to the veterinarian for a complete check up and vaccination.

It’s a good idea to bring a stool sample with you, so the veterinarian can test it for evidence of parasites, to determine your dog’s worm burden.

Start your puppy on a regular deworming program, using an age-appropriate broad-spectrum dewormer that is effective against the major types of intestinal worms that infect dogs, according to the following schedule:

• at 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age.
• once a month until the age of 6 months (recommended by some dog health experts)
• at least every 6 months after the age of 6 months

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Make sure the deworming product you choose meets the following criteria:

• Safe for puppies and pregnant females of all breeds, with no known interactions with other drugs
• Highly effective against the major intestinal worms that infect puppies and adult dogs
• Easy to administer at home

Safe-Guard® (fenbendazole) Canine Dewormer fits the bill. As an added convenience, it is available without a prescription at many pet, feed and hunting retail outlets, as well as online.

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