How Long Should I Wait to Feed My Dog After Deworming?

Last Updated on: October 15, 2024

Generally, every adult dog or puppy must be dewormed once every 3 months, but sometimes you may have to do it more frequently, depending on your vet’s advice. For the drug to be more effective, we’re always advised to deworm our puppies before they eat.

If it doesn’t comply with consuming the medication, you can give it the drug after eating. But this isn’t ideal since some medications can affect the digestion puppy. Therefore, you should give it medication an hour after its meal. But how long should I wait to feed my dog after deworming?

How Long Should I Wait to Feed My Puppy After Deworming?

Generally, you should always wait for about an hour after deworming before giving your pet its next meal. However, it’ll take several hours for the dog to fully digest the parasitic worms medication. Feeding it too soon can lower the medication’s efficacy.

Remember, you should always follow the vet’s advice. The timing for feeding your dog after deworming can vary depending on the specific medication used, so it’s essential to follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian or on the medication label. However, here are some general guidelines:

• Fasting Before Deworming: Some deworming medications work best when administered on an empty stomach. In such cases, your veterinarian may recommend fasting your dog for a specific period before giving the medication. Typically, this fasting period ranges from 8 to 12 hours, but it can vary depending on the specific medication and your dog’s individual circumstances.
• Post-Deworming Meal: After deworming, it’s a good idea to offer your dog a small, bland meal to help soothe their stomach and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset. A light and easily digestible meal, such as boiled rice and chicken, can be given shortly after deworming. This meal should be provided in small portions.
• Reintroduce Regular Diet Gradually: Over the next 24-48 hours following deworming, you can gradually reintroduce your dog’s regular diet. Start with small portions of their regular food and monitor your dog for any signs of digestive upset. If your dog continues to tolerate their regular diet without any issues, you can return to their normal feeding schedule.
• Provide Fresh Water: Ensure your dog has access to fresh water at all times to stay well-hydrated. Remember, the medication will dehydrate your puppy. Therefore, proper rehydration is mandatory as you help your puppy get back to normalcy. 
• Follow Veterinarian’s Guidance: Always follow any specific instructions provided by your veterinarian. They may have individualized recommendations based on your dog’s age, weight, and the type of dewormer used. If you have any concerns or questions about deworming your dog and their post-deworming care, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. 

What’s the Best Time to Give My Dog a Dewormer?

After determining when to feed your puppy after deworming it, the next time is finding out the best time to give it its medication. The best time to give your dog a dewormer can depend on several factors, including the type of dewormer you’re using and your dog’s specific needs. 

But you should also consider your schedule since you have to be there to monitor your pet’s progress. Here are some general guidelines:

• Consult Your Veterinarian: First and foremost, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian regarding the deworming schedule for your dog. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your dog’s age, weight, lifestyle, and any potential exposure to parasites.
• Puppy Deworming: Puppies often receive their initial deworming treatments at a young age. This typically begins at around two weeks of age and continues at regular intervals (every 2-4 weeks) until they are a few months old. Your vet will guide you on the appropriate schedule.
• Adult Dogs: For adult dogs, the timing of deworming can vary based on factors such as their risk of exposure to parasites and their health history. Some veterinarians recommend deworming on a regular schedule (e.g., every 3-6 months) for preventive purposes. Others may recommend it on an as-needed basis.
• Symptoms or Diagnosis: If your dog is showing symptoms of a parasitic infection, such as diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, or visible worms in their feces, you should contact your veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment plan. In such cases, deworming may be administered as soon as possible.
• Seasonal Deworming: In some regions, certain parasites are more active during specific seasons. Your veterinarian may recommend seasonal deworming to address these parasites if they pose a risk to your dog.
• Travel or Exposure: If you plan to travel with your dog to areas where parasitic infections are more common, your veterinarian may recommend deworming before and after the trip. Similarly, if your dog has been exposed to a potentially contaminated environment, deworming may be necessary.

How Fast Will the Dewormer Work on My Dog?

The speed at which a dewormer works in dogs can vary depending on several factors, including the type of dewormer used, the severity of the infestation, and the specific parasite being targeted. Here are some general guidelines for common dewormers:

• Fast-Acting Dewormers: Some dewormers are designed to work relatively quickly. For example, medications like pyrantel pamoate (often found in over-the-counter dewormers) can start affecting intestinal worms within hours. These dewormers primarily target roundworms and hookworms.
• Slower-Acting Dewormers: Other dewormers, such as fenbendazole (commonly found in medications like Panacur), may take a few days to a week to fully eliminate the targeted parasites. These dewormers are effective against a broader range of intestinal parasites.
• Heartworm Preventatives: Heartworm preventatives are typically given monthly and also have a deworming effect against some intestinal parasites. They work by killing immature heartworms and some other parasites. However, they may not be as effective or fast-acting against all types of worms.
• Tapeworm Dewormers: Dewormers specifically targeting tapeworms, such as praziquantel, often work quickly and can eliminate tapeworms within hours.
• Roundworm and Hookworm Dewormers: These dewormers can start to eliminate roundworms and hookworms within a day or so, but it may take a few days for the dog’s body to pass the dead parasites.

It’s important to note that while some dewormers work quickly to kill the parasites, it may take additional time for your dog’s body to pass the dead worms or for the symptoms of infection to resolve. In some cases, a second dose may be needed to ensure complete elimination.

Additionally, the timing of retesting for parasites and follow-up treatment may vary depending on your veterinarian’s recommendations and the specific deworming protocol used.

Will My Dog Poop Out the Worms After Taking the Dewormer?

Yes, it is possible for dogs to pass worms in their feces after being treated with a dewormer. Dewormers are medications specifically designed to kill and eliminate internal parasites, such as roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms, from a dog’s digestive system. 

When these parasites are killed, they are typically expelled from the dog’s body through their feces.

The appearance of worms in a dog’s feces after deworming is not uncommon and is often a sign that the treatment is working. It’s important to note that the timing and frequency of worm expulsion can vary depending on the type of medication used, the severity of the infestation, and the specific intestinal worm eggs and parasites involved. 

Some dogs may pass the intestinal parasite shortly after treatment, while others may continue to do so over the course of several days.

If you notice dog worms in the puppy poop after giving it a worm infection medication, it’s a good sign that the treatment is effective, but it’s important to follow up with your veterinarian as recommended. 

They can provide guidance on the appropriate deworming protocol for your dog and may recommend follow-up treatments to ensure that all parasites are eradicated. Additionally, regular deworming as part of your dog’s preventive healthcare routine can help minimize the risk of future infestations.

How Long Will It Take Deworming Dogs to Poop After Taking the Medication?

The timing of when a dog will poop after being given a medication can vary from one individual to another. It depends on several factors, including the specific medication used, the dog’s metabolism, and the severity of the worm infestation.

In many cases, dogs may pass feces within a few hours to a day after being dewormed. However, it’s important to note that the presence of worms in the feces doesn’t always coincide with the first bowel movement after deworming. Intestinal worms are often killed by the medication, and it may take some time for the dog’s body to expel the parasite worms.

Some pets, including an adult dog, may pass a dead worm in their feces within 24-48 hours of treatment, while others may continue to pass them over the course of several days. The specific dog dewormer and the type of intestinal worms being targeted can also affect the timing. 

Final Thoughts

Generally, deworming our puppies is mandatory; after all, it plays a major role in their health. So, you should give it the medication in the morning and then monitor your pet during the day. But most importantly, never deworm it on an empty stomach, and you may have to feed it small amounts of food throughout the day. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give my puppy a deworming medication on an empty stomach?

No, you should give your puppy this medication after it has eaten. And that’s because these tablets can cause irritation.

How fast can a deworming tablet work in puppies?

The answer will depend on a wide range of factors, but most drugs will be effective within a few days of taking the initial dosage.

What’s the best time to deworm my puppy?

Generally, dewormers are best administered in the morning, but it will depend on the brand you’re using.