Yonge Sheppard Animal Hospital
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Puppy Parasites 101: Protection From Nose to Tail
Your guide to keeping your pup (and family) safe from unwanted hitchhikers
Bringing home a puppy? Those wiggles and kisses come with big responsibility – especially when it comes to parasites. Intestinal parasites affect 85% of puppies, posing health risks to both pets and humans through zoonotic transmission. This guide will help you implement science-backed protection from day one.
Topics Covered:
Why Puppies Are High-Risk for Parasites
85% of puppies are born with worms (yes, really!) and their curious noses/mouths make them extra vulnerable to acquiring more. They can get parasites through:
🔹 Transplacental/transmammary transmission (before birth or while nursing)
🔹Environmental exposure (soil, contaminated surfaces)
🔹Ingestion of intermediate hosts (fleas, rodents)
Common Parasites in Puppies
🔹Roundworms: Can cause diarrhea, potbellies, and stunted growth
🔹 Giardia: Can cause watery diarrhea, dehydration and weight loss
🔹 Tapeworms: Often seen as rice-like segments near your pup’s rear
Zoonotic Potential of Parasites
Zoonotic parasites are those that can be transmitted between animals and humans. We’re especially worried about this zoonotic risk with young children and seniors, and anyone else in the puppy’s environment who might be immunocompromised.
For example, roundworms can be transmitted to humans, especially children, through contact with contaminated soil or feces. This can lead to a condition known as visceral larva migrans, which can cause various symptoms and complications.
Safety First
Puppy owners need to be aware of the zoonotic potential, and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of these parasites to humans. This includes:
🔹 Good hygiene: Wash hands after puppy cuddles
🔹 Deworming your puppy and keeping them on monthly parasite prevention as an adult
🔹 Keep a clean environment: prompt remove feces from the the environment (yard, walks, litter boxes)
Early Deworming in Puppies
To combat the high prevalence of parasites in puppies, early deworming is recommended, starting at 2 weeks old. This early intervention helps eliminate existing parasites that may affect their health, and reduces the risk of further infection or re-infestation.
Deworming Timeline
🔹 Start at 2 weeks old (yes, before you even bring them home!)
🔹 Repeat every 2 weeks until they’re on monthly preventives
🔹 First vet visit? Bring a fresh stool sample for testing
Deworming should be done before starting year-round parasite control
Some parasite preventive medications may not be effective against your pups existing infections, and deworming helps ensure their effectiveness. At your first visit your veterinarian will create a tailored parasite prevention plan for your puppy based on its previous medication history and lifestyle.
Heartworm Prevention in Puppies:
Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition transmitted by infected mosquitoes. These foot-long worms live in the heart and lungs, causing severe damage over time. While Southern Ontario has low prevalence (typically mosquitoes are active from June through November), just one infected mosquito bite can put your puppy at risk. Prevention is always safer (and more affordable) than treatment.
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Start at 4-8 weeks old – Early protection is critical
🔹 Monthly prevention from June-November (or whenever temps exceed 14°C)
🔹 Most preventives also treat roundworms/hookworms (bonus coverage!)
🔹Testing required before starting monthly prevention (adult worms can’t be treated with monthly preventives, and may lead to adverse reactions in heartworm positive pets)
🔹 Testing required annually even on preventives (detects rare breakthroughs)
Flea and Tick Control in Puppies
Fleas and ticks aren’t just itchy nuisances – they spread diseases like Lyme (ticks) and tapeworms (fleas). Puppies are especially vulnerable to anemia from flea bites. In Toronto, we used to recommend pets being on prevention from March-November, however with our milder winters with some days consistently above 0°C and ticks being increasingly found in the city, year-round prevention is your best bet.
Key Takeaways:
🔹Start prevention at 6-8 weeks old (some products safe for younger pups)
🔹 Toronto Risk: Ticks any time the temp is above 0°C; fleascan live year-round indoors
Conclusion
Keeping your puppy parasite-free might seem overwhelming, but with the right plan, it’s simple science. By following this age-appropriate prevention timeline – deworming at 2 weeks, heartworm/flea-tick control by 6-8 weeks – you’re not just protecting your pup, but your whole family from zoonotic risks. Remember, your veterinary team is your partner in prevention. Together, we can ensure your puppy grows up free from parasites and full of play!
FAQs
1. When should I start deworming my puppy?
Deworming should ideally start at 2 weeks of age and be repeated every 2 weeks until the puppy is started on year-round parasite control.
2. Can parasites in puppies be transmitted to humans?
Yes, certain parasites can be transmitted to humans. It is important to practice good hygiene and regularly deworm puppies to prevent the spread of zoonotic parasites.
3. What is the zoonotic potential of roundworms?
Roundworms can be transmitted to humans, especially children, through contact with contaminated soil or feces. This can lead to a condition known as visceral larva migrans.
4. When should I start heartworm prevention in my puppy?
Most heartworm preventives can be started as early as 4–8 weeks of age, as recommended by the label.
5. Why is flea and tick control important for puppies?
Fleas and ticks can transmit diseases and cause discomfort for puppies. Starting flea and tick control early helps prevent infestations and ensures the overall well-being of puppies.