How to make a dog eat a worming tablet

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Why does my dog have worms?

What are the signs my dog has worms?

How do you make a dog eat their worming tablet

Before I give my dog a worming tablet, do I need to do anything?

What do I need to do after giving my dog a worming tablet?

If you’ve ever tried to give your dog a worming tablet, you’ll know it can feel a bit like trying to convince a toddler to eat sprouts – lots of wriggling, suspicious stares, and the inevitable spat out tablet on the floor. But worming your dog is important, not just for their health, but for yours too. Keep reading for our 3 top tips on how to make your dog take their worming tablet every time!

Why does my dog have worms?

Well even the cleanest, most pampered pooch can end up with worms. Dogs can pick them up from sniffing or licking soil, eating things they shouldn’t (we’ve all seen it happen on a walk), or even from fleas. Puppies can also get them from their mum. Click here to find out whether every puppy needs worming. 

It’s completely normal, but it does need dealing with.

What are the signs my dog has worms?

Worms can sometimes be sneaky, but if you spot any of these it’s time to get deworming your dog:

  • A bloated tummy, especially in puppies

  • Scooting along the floor (yes, that glamorous move)

  • Weight loss despite eating normally

  • A dull coat or less energy than usual

  • Seeing rice-like segments near their bottom or in their poo

How do you make a dog eat their worming tablet

  • Crushing the worming tablet

    Sometimes, the easiest option is to crush the tablet and hide it completely. Most worming tablets can be safely crushed, but it’s always worth checking with your vet first, just in case.

    Once crushed, you can mix the powder into a strong-smelling food – something that masks the taste. A bit of tuna, pâté, or even some gravy poured over their usual food can work wonders. The key here is disguise: the stronger the smell, the less likely your dog is to notice what’s lurking in the mix.

  • Give worming tablet with their meal

    If your dog is a good eater, slipping the tablet into their normal meal can be surprisingly effective. Pop it right in the middle of their dinner, making sure it’s well covered with kibble or wet food.

    The trick is to avoid fuss. Put the bowl down as you normally would and act like nothing’s different. Dogs are clever, but they also pick up on your energy. If you look guilty or hover while they’re eating, they’ll know something’s up.

  • Hiding the worming tablet in their favourite food

    For the suspicious types (the ones who sniff every single bite before eating), you’ll need something extra tasty. Soft cheese, peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free – that sweetener is dangerous for dogs), or even a bit of sausage are perfect disguises.

    Wrap the tablet in a small ball of cheese or smother it in peanut butter, then offer it as a treat. Some owners swear by the “decoy treat” method – give them one or two plain pieces first, then sneak the tablet-filled one in next. With the excitement of gobbling treats, they often swallow it without a second thought.

Before I give my dog a worming tablet, do I need to do anything?

Always check the dosage and instructions on your worming medication. Itch Wormer for Cats and Itch Wormer for Dogs, tailors the worming dose perfectly to your pet and delivers it straight to your door, exactly when you need it, so you never forget. Get Started today!

What do I need to do after giving my dog a worming tablet?

Keep up with regular worming, most adult dogs need treatment every three months. This means any worms that infest your pet can be killed straight away. 

Giving a dog a worming tablet doesn’t have to be a battle. Whether you crush it into their food, hide it in something tasty, or slip it in with their dinner, there’s a method out there that will work for you and your four-legged friend. Here’s to your dog staying happy, healthy and worm-free.

Protect your pet from worms.

Intestinal worms can cause serious health issues for your pet and your family, but with a regular de-worming schedule you can protect your pet, home and family from these persistent parasites.

Itch Wormer tablets kills all common intestinal worms and prevent larvae from hatching and multiplying, until your pet's next regular treatment.

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