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Deworming - (not) a must?

The topic of worms causes uncertainty for many dog ​​owners. For a long time, the rule was: deworm every three months – regardless of individual risk. But modern recommendations take a more nuanced approach.

On this page, you'll find a clear overview of chemical dewormers, natural methods, and sensible alternatives – so you can make an informed decision for your dog.

Page Contents:

Chemical deworming – effective, but not harmless

Chemische Entwurmung

Chemical dewormers reliably kill existing worms. They work quickly and are medically necessary in certain situations – for example, in cases of confirmed worm infestation or increased risk of infection.

Milbemax

With the active ingredients milbemycin oxime and praziquantel, Milbemax combats roundworms (e.g., ascarids, hookworms, and whipworms) as well as tapeworms. It also helps prevent heartworm disease.

Advantages:

  • Broad spectrum of activity

  • Reliable elimination of many types of worms

  • Fast action

  • Easy administration

  • Targeted application in case of infestation

 

Disadvantages:

  • Possible side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, or neurological symptoms

  • Not suitable for dogs under 1 kg body weight

  • Caution with breeds carrying the MDR1 gene mutation! --> Hypersensitivity reactions Risk of resistance development with frequent use

Advocate

Advocate uses the active ingredients imidacloprid and moxidectin to combat roundworms, heartworms, lungworms and external parasites (fleas, mites).

Advantages:

  • Combined action against internal and external parasites

  • Easy application as a spot-on treatment

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Disadvantages:

  • Not effective against tapeworms

  • Possible skin irritation

  • Not suitable for very young puppies

  • Risk of resistance developing with frequent use

Panacur

Panacur uses the active ingredient fenbendazole to combat roundworms, tapeworms and Giardia.

Advantages:

  • Suitable for puppies and pregnant bitches

  • Well tolerated

  • Easy to administer as a paste or tablets

  • Targeted application in case of infestation

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Disadvantages:

  • Longer treatment duration required (usually 3 days)

  • Possible side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting

Drontal

Drontal combats roundworms and tapeworms with the active ingredients pyrantel and praziquantel.

Advantages:

  • Effective against a wide variety of intestinal parasites

  • Easy administration as a suspension or tablets

  • Targeted use in cases of infestation

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Disadvantages:

  • Not suitable for very young puppies

  • Possible side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting

Profender

Profender combats roundworms and tapeworms with the active ingredients emodepside and praziquantel.

Advantages:

  • Effective against a wide variety of worm species

  • Easy application as a spot-on treatment

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Disadvantages:

  • Not suitable for puppies under 8 weeks old

  • Possible skin reactions at the application site

Important: Chemical deworming treats existing worms, but does not protect against new infections.

Natural home remedies - gentle, but with limited effectiveness

Hausmittel

Many natural remedies are recommended for worm prevention. They can support intestinal health, but do not replace medical treatment in case of infestation.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is said to have anti-worm properties. Advantages: - Supports gut health - Has antibacterial and anti-parasitic effects - Easy to administer Disadvantages: - Effectiveness not scientifically proven - Diarrhea may occur with excessive administration

Carrots

Carrots are said to help expel worms from the intestines due to their fibrous structure. Advantages: - Contains valuable nutrients & fiber - Supports digestion & intestinal health Disadvantages: - Must be fed raw and coarsely grated - No direct worm-killing effect

Black cumin oil

Black cumin seed oil has antimicrobial and potentially anthelmintic properties. Advantages: - Can strengthen the immune system - Possesses anti-inflammatory properties Disadvantages: - Strong taste, often rejected - Anti-worm effect not clearly proven

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, which paralyzes worms, allowing them to be expelled from the intestines. Advantages: - Contains valuable nutrients and fiber - Considered a natural remedy against tapeworms - Easy to administer Disadvantages: - Effectiveness not scientifically proven - No guaranteed complete elimination of worms - Works more effectively as a preventative measure than as an acute treatment

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is said to alter the intestinal environment in such a way that it becomes less attractive to worms. Advantages: - Has antibacterial effects - Promotes digestion & intestinal flora Disadvantages: - Can irritate the stomach in larger quantities (nausea, vomiting) - Should only be given highly diluted

Walnuts

Walnuts contain bitter compounds that are said to repel worms. Benefits: - Natural source of antioxidants - Contains healthy omega fatty acids Disadvantages: - In larger quantities, indigestion can range from mild to toxic - Bitter compounds can cause stomach irritation

Important: Natural remedies are more suitable for support and prevention, not for therapy.

Alternatives to routine deworming

Alternativen

Fecal examination

A parasitological stool examination is performed in a laboratory to determine whether worm eggs or dead worms are actually present.


Advantages:

  • No unnecessary medication is administered if the test result is negative

  • Protects the intestinal flora and the body

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Disadvantages:

  • Not all parasites are always detected (e.g., heartworms)

  • More time-consuming, as stool samples must be collected over several days

Hygiene & Management

Consistent hygiene measures significantly reduce the risk of infection.

 

  • Remove feces from your garden promptly

  • Clean bowls and resting areas regularly

  • Avoid contact with carrion, feces, and stagnant water

  • Clean paws after walks

  • Groom your pet regularly

Nutrition & immune system

A healthy gut and a stable immune system are key factors in parasite defense.

 

  • A balanced, needs-based diet

  • Sufficient intake of fiber and carbohydrates for gut bacteria (GOS, FOS, and MOS), as well as carbohydrates that bind harmful bacteria

  • Rebuilding gut flora after medication (e.g., Sivomixx)

Would you like to learn more about a balanced diet for your dog?

Conclusion: What is best for my dog?

Fazit

A blanket deworming schedule based solely on a calendar is no longer considered best practice.

A more effective approach is individualized, taking into account your dog's lifestyle, age, health status, and risk of infection.

Stool examinations, targeted deworming as needed, and supportive measures for gut and immune health offer a balanced and responsible approach.

Would you like to learn more about protection against parasites or diseases that can be transmitted by parasites? Then you can find information here:

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