Like humans, pets need to be vaccinated against certain diseases to stay healthy. Deworming is also important to eliminate any parasites they may have picked up. However, you shouldn’t vaccinate and deworm your puppy on the same day.
Deworming Your Pet
Deworming your pet is vital for their health and preventing the spread of these parasites to other pets and humans.
Your puppy may need to be dewormed if there are worms or parasites. These can include:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
A few different ways to deworm your pet are available, including oral medications and injections. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best method for your pet.
When Is the Right Time to Deworm Dogs?
The best time to deworm your puppy for the first time is between two and four weeks. This is because they are most likely to be infected with parasites during this time. If you wait until they are older, the parasites may have damaged their health.
How Often Should You Deworm Your Puppy?
You should deworm your puppy every two to three weeks until they are 12 weeks old. After that, you can switch to a monthly deworming schedule.
Vaccinating Your Pet
Dog vaccinations help to protect your puppy from a variety of dangerous diseases. Some of these diseases can be fatal. You should start vaccinating your puppy as early as possible to protect them from these diseases.
Some deadly diseases they can experience if they are not vaccinated include:
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Hepatitis
When Is the Right Time to Vaccinate Dogs?
Your puppies should receive their first round of vaccination between six and eight weeks. They will need booster shots every three to four weeks until they are 16 weeks old. After that, vets give them booster shots every year.
Disadvantages of Deworming and Vaccinating a Puppy on the Same Day
Here are the disadvantages of deworming and vaccinating pets on the same day:
1. Increased Risk of Side Effects
Giving your puppy both vaccinations and deworming medication on the same day can increase the risk of side effects. These side effects can include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
2. Weakened Immune System
Deworming medication can weaken your puppy’s immune system. Medications can kill both good and bad bacteria in their gut. This results in making them more susceptible to infections and disease.
Vaccinations also weaken your puppy’s immune system. Their immune system needs to work overtime to fight off the infection that the vaccine is trying to create. This can leave them feeling tired and lethargic.
3. Higher Stress Levels
Getting both vaccinations and deworming medication can be stressful for your puppy. This is because they have to deal with two different procedures at the same time. This stress can make them more susceptible to illness and disease.
It is best to space out these two procedures so that your puppy doesn’t have to deal with them both at the same time. This will help to keep them healthy and happy.
4. Interference with Vaccinations
Deworming drugs can also interfere with the efficacy of vaccinations. This is because they may kill the live viruses in the vaccine before they can take effect.
Talk to a Vet About the Right Schedules
The best way to ensure that your puppy is healthy is to talk to a vet about the right schedules for vaccinations and deworming. They will help you create a schedule that works best for your puppy’s individual needs.
Also, make sure their vets specialize in various vet areas, including small animal internal medicine. Because this specialization guarantees that the vet you are talking to has sufficient know-how in handling multiple animal health cases, not just general ones. Click here to know more about pet internal medicine.
The Bottom Line
Puppy deworming and vaccinations should not be done on the same day. They can cause side effects, weaken the immune system, and interfere with vaccinations. It is best to talk to a vet about the right schedules for deworming and vaccinating your puppy.
Make sure to choose a vet facility with a good reputation. To ensure your pet’s overall well-being, they should have state-of-the-art equipment and experienced vets (even a dog dentist) specializing in many vet areas.
