Internal parasites — roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and Giardia — are endemic in India’s dog population and virtually every puppy is born with or rapidly acquires worm burden. Deworming is not optional; it is a foundational health practice that protects both your puppy and your family (some dog worms are transmissible to humans — zoonotic risk).
Why Puppies Are Born With Worms
Roundworms (Toxocara canis) can cross the placenta and infect puppies before birth. Hookworms can transmit via the mother’s milk. This means even puppies from clean, healthy environments have worm burden at birth. A responsible breeder deworms the dam during pregnancy and deworms puppies starting at 2–3 weeks, but this does not fully eliminate worms — environmental reinfection is constant in India.
Puppy Deworming Schedule for India
2 weeks: Pyrantel (by breeder). 4 weeks: Pyrantel (by breeder). 6 weeks: Pyrantel + Praziquantel or Fenbendazole. 8 weeks (at first vet visit): Broad-spectrum dewormer (Panacur/Fenbendazole or Milbemax). 10 weeks: Repeat. 12 weeks: Repeat. After 12 weeks: Monthly until 6 months. 6 months onwards: Every 3 months for life (quarterly deworming is the standard in India due to high parasite pressure).
Choosing the Right Dewormer in India
Milbemax (milbemycin oxime + praziquantel): covers roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and heartworm prevention. Excellent choice, available from vets. Panacur/Wormkill (fenbendazole): excellent for Giardia coverage in addition to roundworms, hookworms, whipworms. Drontal (pyrantel + febantel + praziquantel): widely available, broad spectrum. Avoid over-the-counter dewormers sold at general medical shops — efficacy and formulation standards vary significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I see worms in my puppy’s stool?
A: Roundworms are visible — white spaghetti-like segments 5–15cm long. Tapeworm segments look like rice grains in stool or around the anus. Hookworms and whipworms are microscopic. A faecal examination by your vet identifies the specific parasite type for targeted treatment.
Q: Can dog worms infect my family?
A: Roundworms (Toxocara) are a significant human zoonosis — children playing in contaminated soil are at risk. Hookworms can cause cutaneous larva migrans in humans. Wash hands after handling your puppy and their faeces, deworm regularly, and avoid children playing in areas where dogs defecate without proper cleanup.
Q: My puppy is dewormed — why are there still worms in the stool?
A: Deworming kills adult worms and larvae in the gut — the dead worms are then passed in stool. Seeing worms after deworming is normal and expected. A second dose 2 weeks later catches newly hatched worms from eggs that were already present. This is why the multi-dose schedule is essential.
Q: Is Giardia common in India?
A: Very common. Giardia is a protozoan parasite transmitted through contaminated water and surfaces — widespread in Indian urban environments. Signs: chronic soft, greasy, foul-smelling stools. Fenbendazole (Panacur) for 3–5 days is effective. Reinfection is common in areas with contaminated groundwater or puddles.
Q: Should I deworm my adult Doodle quarterly?
A: Yes — quarterly deworming is the recommended standard for dogs in India due to the high environmental parasite pressure. In the UK, annual deworming might be sufficient; in India’s climate and environmental conditions, quarterly is the correct interval.
Ready to find your perfect puppy?
View our available Poodle and Doodle puppies with OFA-certified parents and live transit tracking.
See available puppies →