Is Vermox safe for my puppy? Does he need growth supplements?

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I agree that Max looks a bit smaller than an average 5 month old lab. However, severe intestinal parasites would typically cause a dog to look very skinny and in the picture you provided, Max doesn’t look alarming thin to me. Deworming should be done a few times in puppies, so I do think it’s a good idea to deworm again (under the guidance of your Vet), but I don’t think his size or temperament are likely to be related to worms. If you’re concerned he’s not growing appropriately, I recommend having him examined by your Vet, and run some bloodwork to help rule out systemic diseases which could influence growth. However, my suspicion is you simply have a petite lab and his size is normal for him. I hope this helps!

If Roman vomited up roundworms, Vermox should clear the infection. Ideally, you should submit the worms or a stool sample to your veterinarian for confirmation. You can then discuss a safe and appropriate dose of Vermox with your veterinarian. It is not without side effects. https://www.petcoach.co/pet-medication/mebendazole

I would caution against giving too many supplements. The calcium supplement is definitely not needed. Research has shown that over-supplementation of calcium in puppies leads to bone abnormalities. The multi-vitamin also may not be needed. In fact, if your puppy is placed on a higher quality dog food (besides the Pedigree), you won't need any supplements at all. I would highly suggest slowly transitioning Roonie to high quality food such as: Royal Canin, Wellness, Merrick, Hill's Science diet, etc. The dewormer you selected is the standard one that we start every puppy on, so you are on the right track there because it covers roundworms and hookworms. The Drontal plus covers a few more worms: whipworms and tapeworms. So it is warranted to give if you have suspicions or proof that Roonie is infected with these worms. You will see tapeworms if they were present, because they are visible with the naked eye and look like tiny fried rice when dried. You won't see whipworms, but the stool would be a little soft if present. Although, it won't hurt if you just wanted to give it to make sure you cover most parasites that Roonie could be infected with. However we always encourage you to just get Roonie's fecal tested by your vet so that you know for sure what, if any, parasites are present.

I’m glad to hear Max has recovered! Parvo can affect the overall adult size but feeding him a proper diet will help to counteract its effects. You should feed him a large breed puppy food but do not give him any supplements. Large breed puppy foods are fortified with the proper amount of calcium, phosphorus and protein. Providing additional calcium and phosphorus can actually hurt his bone structure and cause severe growth abnormalities. Omega-3 fatty acids for dogs are fine to supplement with and this will help to decrease any inflammation in his body and also improve the coat and skin health. The foods I recommend are: Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy. This is my favorite diet for German Shepherd‘s as it is formulated to meet their growth needs and also takes into account their sensitive digestive systems. Purina Pro Plan large breed puppy formula. Nutro large breed puppy formula. Science Diet large breed puppy formula. Eukanuba large breed puppy formula. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hello and thank you for your questions about Rosie. Congrats on adding her to your family! She is super cute! I recommend to have her examined by the veterinarian tomorrow. Bring in a sample of the stool and the worms. Pets can have several types of worms as well as coccidia. Some of these parasites can spread to humans so it is not only important that the correct anti-parasitic is given but implementing strict hygiene and cleaning is also needed. Here is some excellent information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/can-people-get-worms-from-their-pets/ I don't recommend to give this medication without an accurate weight. It is easy to over-dose medications without the correct weight and this could make Rosie sick. Alternatively, you should purchase a deworming medication that is safe for 6 week old puppies and can be safely dosed for smaller sized puppies. It is very important to follow label instructions on very young and very small puppies. Look for a liquid medication as this will be easier to give than a pill. And Roxie still needs to be examined regardless of if you deworm her. Here is information about giving a pill if she will not eat it in a pill pocket or small meat ball of canned food (once you have the correct dosage, any chewable pill can be cut up or crushed). Do not cut or crush a non-chewable pill: https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-give-your-dog-a-pill/ I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Wormers are generally considered very safe medications and although some vomiting or diarrhea may develop this should resolve uneventfully. Some types can cause tremors and neurological signs and you should contact an emergency vet and inform them of the brand, timing and dosage if you notice any unusual symptoms

I recommend another round or two of deworming and to start him on the Royal Canin large breed puppy formula. The Maxi may be the same formula, just check. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.