Dogs get worms more often than many pet owners realize. These parasites can make your dog sick and cause problems like weight loss, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
A good dewormer helps remove these unwanted guests from your dog’s system and keeps them healthy.
Most dogs will need deworming treatment at some point in their lives.
Puppies often get worms from their mothers, while adult dogs can pick them up from contaminated soil, other animals, or by eating infected prey.
Different types of worms require different treatments, so choosing the right dewormer matters.
The most important thing to consider when picking a dewormer is what type of worms it treats.
Some dewormers only work on roundworms, while others handle multiple types like tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
You should also think about your dog’s age and weight, since dosing varies based on these factors.
The form of the dewormer matters too – some dogs take pills easily while others do better with liquid or chewable options.
We researched and tested multiple dewormers to find the ones that effectively eliminate parasites while being safe and easy to give to your dog.
Best Dewormers for Dogs
These dewormers have been selected based on their effectiveness against common parasites, safety records, and veterinarian recommendations. You’ll find options that target different types of worms, from broad-spectrum treatments to specific parasite solutions that work quickly to protect your dog’s health.
PetArmor 7 Way De-Wormer
You should buy this dewormer if you need a budget-friendly option that tackles multiple worm types without a vet visit.
Pros
- Covers seven different worm species in one treatment
- Dogs actually enjoy the chewable tablet taste
- Costs much less than prescription alternatives
Cons
- Only includes two tablets per package
- Takes longer to show results than some competitors
- Weight dosing means heavier dogs need multiple pills
I recently used this dewormer on my 60-pound lab mix after noticing some concerning symptoms. The chewable tablets made dosing incredibly simple. My dog thought they were treats and gobbled them right up.
What impressed me most was how comprehensive this treatment is. It handles tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms all at once. You don’t need to buy separate products for different parasites.
The packaging clearly explains dosing based on your dog’s weight. For my dog, I needed both tablets since he falls in the 50-100 pound range. Smaller dogs between 25-50 pounds only need one tablet.
Results took about a week to become noticeable. This isn’t the fastest-acting dewormer I’ve tried, but it definitely gets the job done. The price point makes it accessible for regular deworming schedules.
One downside is that larger dogs will burn through the two-tablet package quickly. If you have a 100+ pound dog, you’ll need multiple packages for just one treatment. This adds up the cost significantly for big breeds.
Panacur C Canine Dewormer
This trusted dewormer effectively tackles four major intestinal parasites in dogs with a simple three-day treatment that mixes easily into food.
Pros
- Works against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms in one treatment
- Safe for pregnant dogs and puppies as young as six weeks old
- Easy powder format blends well with both wet and dry dog food
Cons
- Requires three consecutive days of treatment, which some pet owners forget
- May cause vomiting in about 1% of dogs during treatment
- More expensive per dose compared to some single-parasite dewormers
After using Panacur C on my own dogs, I found the powder format much easier than trying to give pills. You simply sprinkle the contents of one packet into your dog’s regular food once daily. The treatment works best when mixed with a small amount of food to ensure your dog eats the entire dose.
What impressed me most was how well it worked on picky eaters. Even dogs who usually turn their noses up at medication seemed to accept their food with Panacur mixed in. The powder has no strong smell or taste that would alert suspicious pets.
The three-day treatment schedule requires commitment from pet owners. You need to give the medication on consecutive days for it to work properly. Missing a day means starting over, which can be frustrating and expensive.
During treatment, I watched for side effects but never experienced any issues with my dogs. The medication has a strong safety record, though you should contact your vet if your dog shows any unusual symptoms. Most dogs complete the treatment without any problems at all.
SENTRY Worm X Plus 7 Way DeWormer
This dewormer offers solid protection against seven different worm types and works well for most dogs over 25 pounds.
Pros
- Covers seven worm strains including tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms in one treatment
- Dogs accept the chewable tablets easily without fuss or hiding in food
- Contains the same active ingredients found in expensive vet-prescribed dewormers
Cons
- Only works for dogs weighing more than 25 pounds
- Some owners can’t tell if the treatment worked since dead worms aren’t always visible
- May need repeated treatments during heavy flea seasons
Testing this dewormer on my medium-sized dogs showed quick results. The tablets have a mild taste that dogs don’t seem to mind. My pups took them like treats without any struggle.
The two active ingredients work together to tackle different worm types. Pyrantel pamoate handles roundworms and hookworms while praziquantel targets tapeworms. This combination gives you broad coverage without needing multiple products.
You’ll see results within days of giving the first dose. Dead worms might not always show up in your dog’s waste, but that doesn’t mean the treatment failed. The medicine works inside your pet’s system to eliminate parasites.
The six-count package provides enough tablets for multiple treatments or several dogs. Larger dogs need more tablets based on their weight, so check the dosing chart carefully. This dewormer works best as part of regular parasite prevention rather than just emergency treatment.
Beloved Pets Natural Intestinal Defense
This herbal dewormer offers a gentle, natural approach that works well for dogs who can’t handle harsh chemicals, though you’ll need patience as results take several days to appear.
Pros
- Liquid formula mixes easily into food without dogs detecting the taste
- Works quickly with visible results appearing within 2-3 days of use
- Gentle enough for sensitive pets and young animals starting at three weeks old
Cons
- Some cats may resist the dropper administration method
- Results aren’t immediately noticeable, requiring several days of consistent use
- Natural approach may work slower than traditional chemical dewormers
I’ve found this liquid dewormer incredibly easy to use with my dogs. The dropper system makes measuring doses simple based on your pet’s weight. My dogs ate their food normally with the drops mixed in, showing no signs they even noticed it was there.
The herbal blend with wormwood and black walnut provides a gentler alternative to harsh chemicals. This makes it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those who’ve had bad reactions to traditional dewormers. The added probiotics help support digestive health during the cleansing process.
Results started showing up around day two of treatment. While this isn’t as instant as some chemical options, the natural approach feels safer for regular use. The veterinarian-developed formula gives me confidence in its safety and effectiveness for ongoing intestinal health maintenance.
Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer
This dewormer works fast and effectively to eliminate tapeworms with just one dose when you spot those rice-like segments around your dog’s rear end.
Pros
- Single treatment removes tapeworms completely without needing multiple doses
- Tablets crumble easily and mix well with food for picky dogs
- Works quickly with visible results within hours of giving the dose
Cons
- Only targets tapeworms and won’t treat other common worms like roundworms
- Requires accurate weight measurement to avoid giving too much or too little
- Dogs can get reinfected easily if you don’t control fleas in your home
After finding those gross rice-like segments stuck to my dog’s fur, I gave this dewormer right away. The tablets break apart easily when you press them with a spoon. My dog ate them mixed in with wet food without any fuss.
The results showed up fast. Within a few hours, I could see dead tapeworm pieces in the poop. This was actually good because it meant the medicine was working.
You need to weigh your dog carefully before giving this medicine. The bottle gives clear directions for how many tablets to use based on weight. Dogs under 5 pounds only get half a tablet, while bigger dogs over 60 pounds get the full 5 tablets.
Remember that tapeworms usually come from fleas. Your dog likely got infected by swallowing fleas while grooming. If you don’t get rid of the fleas in your house and yard, your dog will probably get tapeworms again soon after treatment.
Durvet 2X Liquid Wormer
This liquid wormer delivers fast results against common parasites and works well for dogs who refuse pills.
Pros
- Dogs actually enjoy the taste and lick it right up
- Works quickly with visible results in just a few hours
- Simple liquid format makes dosing accurate and stress-free
Cons
- May need multiple doses for heavy worm loads
- Requires weighing your dog for proper dosing
- Only targets hookworms and roundworms, not other parasites
After using this wormer on several rescue puppies, I found it works faster than most products I’ve tried. The liquid kicked in within three hours for most dogs. You can see dead worms in their stool pretty quickly.
Your dog won’t fight you when giving this medicine. Most dogs think it tastes good and will lick it from a spoon. This saves you from wrestling with pills or hiding medicine in food.
The dosing is straightforward once you know your dog’s weight. You just measure the right amount and give it directly. The bottle includes clear instructions that are easy to follow.
Some dogs with heavy worm burdens needed a second or third dose to clear everything out completely. The product works best for regular deworming rather than severe infestations. You might need a stronger prescription wormer for really bad cases.
SAFE-GUARD Canine Dewormer
This dewormer offers reliable protection against four major worm types and works well for dogs of all ages when you need a gentle yet effective solution.
Pros
- Treats multiple worm types including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms in one treatment
- Safe for pregnant dogs and puppies as young as 6 weeks old
- Mixes easily into food without causing taste issues that make dogs refuse their meals
Cons
- Requires three consecutive days of treatment which can be easy to forget
- Each pouch only treats up to 40 pounds so larger dogs need multiple packets
- Granular texture needs proper mixing to ensure your dog gets the full dose
Using this dewormer was straightforward once I figured out the right amount for my dog’s weight. The granules mixed well into wet food, and my dog ate everything without hesitation. You’ll want to weigh your pet first since the dosing depends on getting the right number of pouches.
The three-day treatment schedule takes some planning. I set phone reminders to make sure I didn’t skip any doses. Missing even one day means starting over, so consistency matters for getting results.
What impressed me most was how gentle this dewormer proved to be. My dog showed no stomach upset or changes in appetite during treatment. The fenbendazole formula works effectively without causing the digestive issues I’ve seen with harsher dewormers.
For families with multiple dogs or larger breeds, you’ll need to buy several boxes. Each pouch handles 40 pounds, so a 60-pound dog needs two pouches daily. This adds up quickly, but the effectiveness justifies the cost compared to emergency vet visits for worm problems.
Buying Guide
Check the Active Ingredient
Look at what medicine is inside the dewormer. Different ingredients kill different types of worms.
Broad-spectrum dewormers work against many worm types. Single-ingredient products target specific worms only.
Read the label to see which worms the product treats. Common ingredients include pyrantel pamoate and fenbendazole.
Consider Your Dog’s Size and Age
Pick a dewormer made for your dog’s weight and age group. Puppies need different doses than adult dogs.
Most products show weight ranges on the package. Never guess your dog’s weight – use a scale for accuracy.
Some dewormers are not safe for very young puppies under 6 weeks old.
Choose the Right Form
| Form | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tablets | Most dogs | Easy to dose | Hard to give to some dogs |
| Liquid | Puppies, small dogs | Easy to measure | Can be messy |
| Paste | Difficult dogs | Hard to spit out | Messy application |
| Chewable treats | Picky dogs | Dogs like the taste | More expensive |
Safety Features to Look For
Choose products with clear dosing instructions. Look for veterinarian recommendations on the package.
Check for FDA approval or registration numbers. Avoid products with vague ingredient lists.
Make sure the expiration date is current. Old dewormers lose their strength and may not work.
Price vs. Quality
More expensive doesn’t always mean better. Compare active ingredients between brands.
Look at the cost per dose rather than total package price. Some cheaper options work just as well as premium brands.
