Deworming Dogs the Right Way: A Balanced Approach to Pet Health

June
Apr 2
3 min read

Updated: May 6

Hey humans, June here! You know, the tiny but mighty, well-fed, and ridiculously cute dog with a big personality. Today, I want to talk about something most hoomans blindly follow—routine deworming. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t have to be a ritual!

Deworming 'The Right Way" — Advocate for your dog's health by using a balanced approach to deworming

Why the 3-Month Deworming Rule Exists

Back in the day, hoomans didn’t know much about parasites or how to diagnose them. So, they decided to play it safe by dosing us every 3 months, even if we didn’t need it. Kinda like giving you antibiotics every few months "just in case." Sounds odd, right?

The truth is, blanket deworming became a habit due to convenience and the fear of worms. But guess what? We have better options now—like actual tests!

How to Know When Your Dog Actually Needs Deworming

Instead of popping dewormers on a schedule, here’s a better idea:

🐾 Look for Symptoms: If your doggo’s tummy looks bloated, they’re losing weight, scooting around, or have diarrhoea, it might be worm time. But don’t panic—these symptoms could mean other things too!

🐾 Run a Poop Test (Fecal Test): A vet can do a fecal test to see if we even have worms. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), annual fecal tests are recommended instead of routine deworming (CAPC, 2025).

What Vets and Experts Say

Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive wellness vet, says, “Overuse of dewormers can negatively impact a pet’s microbiome, leading to digestive issues, immune dysfunction, and even resistance.”

And she’s got a point! Deworming meds can disturb our gut microbiome—the good bugs in our tummy that keep us healthy. A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that common dewormers like fenbendazole can reduce beneficial bacteria in dogs' guts, affecting digestion and immunity (Zhang et al., 2022).

The Hidden Risks of Over-Deworming

Constantly deworming without reason can:

Harm Gut Health: Messes with our microbiome. I love my gut bugs! They help me digest food and keep me healthy.
Risk Resistance: Just like bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics, worms can develop resistance to dewormers when overused.
Expose Us to Unnecessary Meds: Medications are not treats. Unnecessary meds can stress our liver and kidneys.

But What About the Risks of NOT Deworming?

Okay, okay, I get it. Worms sound scary. And yes, untreated infestations can be harmful—especially for puppies and young dogs. But instead of blindly dosing, just be smart about it!

👉 If you have a puppy, follow your vet’s advice for deworming since their immunity is still developing.

👉 Dogs in high-risk environments (like shelters or farms) might need deworming more often.

👉 For adult, healthy dogs, regular fecal tests are safer and smarter.

A Smarter Approach to Deworming

So, here’s my advice from one wise little pupper:

Monitor for symptoms.
Test, don’t guess.
Deworm only when needed.

And remember—meds are great when needed, but they aren’t multivitamins!

Take it from me, June—your gut’s best friend and a lover of all things curd and chewable! 💛

Got questions or stories about deworming? Drop them in the comments! Let’s help all my fellow doggos live their best lives—less meds, more adventures!