Should I deworm my 4-week-old puppy at home? What shots are needed?

Hi there! Since Mocha is six weeks old, he should go ahead and start his vaccinations now. He will need a DAPP vaccine (for distemper, adenovirus, parvo, and parainfluenza) now - this vaccine will also need to be boostered every 3 weeks until he is 16 weeks or older. He will also need a rabies vaccine anytime after 12 weeks of age. Depending on his lifestyle and what diseases are prevalent in your area, he may also need to be vaccinated against Bordetelle (kennel cough), leptospirosis, and/or Lyme disease. Your veterinarian can discuss the risks of these illnesses in your area and help you make this decision. And yes, he should also be dewormed. You can use a broad-spectrum dewormer like Strongid or Panacur from the pet store, or get a prescription dewormer from your vet's office if you prefer.

It is safe to give the worming treatment now to Izzie, and it can be down at home. Most pet stores will sell a broad spectrum worming treatment. However, the best and most effective medications are provided by your veterinarian. Who can also analyse a fecal sample and tell you exactly what type of worms Izzie has. Your vet will give your dog medicine by mouth or in a shot to kill the worms. Many of these drugs are described as “broad-spectrum,” because they're good for treating a wide range of parasites, including worms that live in the gut. They're poisonous to pests, but safe for pets. Usually the first worming treatment is given at the time of the first vaccines.

First, have her examined by your veterinarian. He or she can administer or dispense a dewormer. It will likely need to be repeated in 2 and 4 weeks. Afterwards, start her on a monthly preventative for heartworm and intestinal parasites. A topical or oral flea and tick preventative can also be started. Discuss with the vet what Cherry's lifestyle will be. This will determine which vaccines she will get. Core vaccines include distemper/parvo combination and Rabies vaccines. She will need 3-4 distemper/parvo vaccine every 4 weeks. The rabies vaccine she can get now. It will be repeated next year, then every 3 years. Lifestyle vaccines include Lyme disease, leptospirosis, canine flu and bordatella (kennel cough). These are given based on her risk of exposure. You can discuss their use with your veterinarian. She can be spayed at about 6 months of age.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your new puppy. The distemper-parvo can be started as young as 6 weeks of age. Deworming medication will likely be given at this time as well as the bordetella vaccine. I hope this information helps!

Hello. A puppy should be examined for general health & the presence of intestinal parasites by your veterinarian now. It is never a good idea to just deworm because you may be missing some important parasites like coccidia. Vaccinations are usually started at 8 weeks of age & boostered at 12 & 16 weeks of age. Good luck with your new buddy.

A puppy that young, if not with his mother, needs a warmer temperature, preferably above 20 degree at all times. He should start walking very soon. He will need to be dewormed, the first time could be in about a week from now and then every 2 weeks until he is 3 months of age. He will need 2 vaccinations at the age of 8 and 12 weeks (6 in 1 + rabies).

Hello! We very routinely perform vaccines as well as give dewormers at the same visit. This should not be a problem as long as your puppy is healthy. We typically recommend 3 sets of vaccines (at 8, 12 and 16 weeks) and deworming every 2 weeks until they are over 4 months of age. Good job taking care of your puppy to keep him healthy!