18 Best Dewormers For Dogs in [2021]

When did you last deworm your dog?

If you can’t remember or it was more than three months ago, then your dog is due for deworming.

This is part of being a responsible dog owner, as it is important to keep your canine companion in good health by regular use of the best worm treatment for dogs.

There are lots of different types of worms belonging to the roundworm, tapeworm, whipworm, and hookworm families; and this is where things start to get complicated.

Whilst there is plenty of product choice, the active ingredients vary and not all are effective against a full spectrum of internal parasites.

This means it’s possible to be using a well-respected dewormer but which happens not to be effective against your dog’s worms.

If you still see signs of worms despite the conscientious use of a dewormer, then the fecal analysis may be necessary to identify the best dog dewormer for your pet.

18 Best Dewormer’s for Dogs

1. Merck Safeguard

Safeguard contains the active ingredient, fenbendazole. This mild wormer is available in various formulations such as a liquid, paste, or in this case granules to mix in food.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)—Fenbendazole
• Which Worms it Takes Care of— tapeworm, roundworm, hookworm, heartworm
• Medication Form— Powdered form in a sachet
• Safe for all Ages— Over the age of 6 weeks old

Safeguard is gentle enough to give to newly weaned puppies which make it the best dewormer for dogs that are nursing or have young pups.

Safeguard Dog Dewormer is effective against worms that can cause significant illness such as hookworms and whipworms, as well as roundworms.

Whilst it is active against Tenia tapeworms, it is not effective against other major tapeworms such as Dipyllidium and Echinococcus and if your dog regularly hunts or eats carcasses then consider extra protection from a specific tape worming product.

Safeguard has excellent dog dewormer reviews with users being impressed by its gentle action, effectiveness, and competitive price.

The active ingredient, fenbendazole, is most effective when given on a full stomach and so it should be mixed with a meal.

Placing the granules in a fridge for an hour or two prior to dosing, renders Safeguard odorless and tasteless which helps make it undetectable to even the fussiest eater.

It may also be necessary to moisten dry kibble slightly, to enable the Safeguard to stick to the biscuit.

Because of the mild nature of Safeguard, in order to be effective, three doses must be given on three consecutive days.

2. SENTRY HC

Sentry HC is one of the best over the counter dog dewormer available.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)— pyrantel, praziquantel
• Which Worms it Takes Care of— tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms
• Medication Form— Chewable
• Safe for all Ages— all ages for dogs between 6 and 25 pounds.

The active ingredients are pyrantel and praziquantel, which are effective against a full complement of tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms.

The chink in Sentry’s armory is it is not effective against whipworms, (Trichuris species). However, it has a good spectrum of activity against the commonest worms likely to have made themselves at home in your dog’s intestines.

This formulation comes in a chewable tablet, with no need to withhold food (such as was necessary with older tape worming medicines) prior to dosing.

However, Sentry HC WormX should not be given to puppies under 12 weeks of age, and its safety in pregnant or lactating dogs hasn’t been proven and so, therefore, should not be given to these dogs.

Sentry has some awesome canine dewormer reviews with many satisfied users.

Those who have given Sentry to their dogs are impressed that it is effective, but without causing stomach upsets, and the price is extremely competitive when compared to the equivalent product supplied through a vet clinic.

3. Bayer

Just when you thought you were getting to grips with dewormers, along comes another option.

Bayer’s product contains praziquantel and is a highly effective tapeworm product that is targeted at these species and has no effect against other worm groups including roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)— praziquantel
• Which Worms it Takes Care of— roundworms, whipworms, hookworms
• Medication Form— Tablet
• Safe for all Ages— Dogs over 4 weeks

This makes it a best deworming medication for dogs treated with a product such as Safeguard, which has limited action against tapeworms, or if a fecal sample reveals infection with Echinococcus or Dipyllidium, which other multi-wormer tablets may not touch.

Bayer Expert Care Dog Tapeworming tablets are the best medicine for worms in dogs that work or hunt and regularly eat carrion, therefore placing them at increased risk of tapeworm infection.

The frequency of worming depends on how often the dog scavenges, but if this is daily or weekly, then monthly deworming is advisable.

Another ‘high risk’ group for acquiring tapeworms is dogs with fleas, so as well as giving a good deworming preventative, a product that kills fleas should also be used to prevent reinfection.

4. Nemex-2

Last but certainly not least in our look at best dog dewormer over the counter products is Nemex 2.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)— pyrantel
• Which Worms it Takes Care of— roundworms, hookworms
• Medication Form— Liquid
• Safe for all Ages— Puppies 2 weeks and older

The active ingredient is pyrantel which is effective against roundworms and hookworms.

The major plus points of Nemex 2 is that it can be given to puppies from 2 weeks of age.

This makes it useful in the fight against Toxocara (the common roundworm) since most puppies are born with a roundworm burden acquired in the womb.

In addition, this is a liquid formulation, the dose being 1 teaspoon per 10lb body weight.

Not only is it easier to give a very young animal a liquid, but it also makes for more accurate dosing.

Nemex has over a hundred positive reviews amongst users.

They report that it’s easy to give and their dogs like the taste.

By far the majority are happy with the results and feel it is a gentle way to get rid of their pets’ unwelcome internal hitchhikers.

However, there is the occasional review where a dissatisfied user felt it didn’t work.

This should be interpreted in the knowledge that Nemex does not kill ALL types of worms, so there is the possibility the dog was infected with a worm against Nemex was never going to work.

5. Texas Pet Company

Texas pet company is one of the better over the counter dewormers that works fast and effectively.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)—Praziquantel, Pyrantel Pamoate, Febantel
• Which Worms it Takes Care of—Hookworms, Whipworms, Tapeworms, Ascarids
• Medication Form—Tablet
• Safe for all Ages—Yes
• Guarantee or Warranty—30 money-back guarantee

Dog Quad Dewormer comes with five tablets. Each tablet works for dogs that weigh between 11-22 pounds, so if your dog weighs more than that you will have to give them enough pills to match their weight.

Once you have the dose figured out you can either give it to your dog directly, if they are good at taking pills, or you can crumble the pills up and mix it with their dog food. It is best that they eat the pill on a full stomach to prevent any upset stomachs. Any dog can take t

his pill safely, but it should not be given to pregnant or nursing dogs.

If you notice that your dog has worms but you don’t have time to take them to the vet give them Texas pet company to help get rid of the worms on your time.

6. Naturpet

Naturepet D Wormer combines natural ingredients to remove the worms from your dogs rather than harsh chemicals that could upset a dog’s stomach.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)—Wormwood Herb, Black Walnut Hull, Black Seed, Sage Leaf, Fennel Seed, Papaya Leaf
• Which Worms it Takes Care of—Roundworms, Tapeworms, Whipworms, Hookworms, Giardia
• Medication Form—Liquid
• Safe for all Ages—Yes
• Guarantee or Warranty—No

If you notice that your dog has worms but are afraid of using chemical-heavy dewormer options then you will love this all-natural alternative dewormer. All of the ingredients are natural and can be used in dogs of any age or health, even in pregnant and nursing dogs.

To accurately dose your dog follow the weight chart on the package and give the dosage stated twice a day for a week. You should no longer see worms in your dog’s stool after the week but if you do you can continue to give this dewormer until they are gone.

When you dose your dog make sure to shake the bottle to distribute the naturally forming sediment and add it to your dog’s food. It’s as simple as that!

Naturepet D Wormer offers you a quick and simple alternative to deworming your dog without needing a vet’s consultation.

7. Durvet

Durvet Triple Dog Wormer can be given to your dog without a prescription if you notice that your dog is showing symptoms of having worms.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)—Praziquantel, Pyrantel Pamoate,
• Which Worms it Takes Care of—Tapeworms, Roundworms, Hookworms
• Medication Form—Tablet
• Safe for all Ages—For dogs over 12 weeks of age
• Guarantee or Warranty—No

This dewormer comes with 12 tablets that are to only be used on dogs weighing over 25 pounds. You can use the size chart on the back of the box to figure out how many tablets your dog will need to take.

The deworming schedule varies on the climate you live in and how active your dog is. But the tablets are easy to chew and can be hidden within a soft treat or mixed into your dog’s food for easy consumption.

Since they are flavored some dogs may eat the pill directly. You should start to notice little to no worms in your dog once you have figured out the deworming schedule.

Worms do not mean you need to rush to the vet. Over the counter treatment like Durvet Triple Dog Wormer can work just as well as what a vet can prescribe.

8. Panacur C

Panacur C can help combat against worms in your dog without you needing to make the long and tiring trip to your veterinarian.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)—Fenbendazole Granules
• Which Worms it Takes Care of—Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, Tapeworms
• Medication Form—Powder
• Safe for all Ages—For dogs over 6 weeks of age
• Guarantee or Warranty—No

This box of dewormer contains three 4-gram packets. That means that this dewormer is a powder that can be easily mixed into your dog’s food and eaten without your dog even realizing it.

Simply follow the sizing chart on the back of the box to determine how many packets your dog will need. It is best to give this dewormer to your dog on a full stomach as it can prevent any upset stomachs.

Add wet food or water to your dog’s food to have enough moisture for the powder to mix effectively. With three consecutive days of giving your dog Panacur C Canine Dewormer once a day you should see no more worms.

It is easy to give your dog Panacur C and before you know it, your dog will no longer have any worms hassling them or you.

9. Pyrantel Pamoate Suspension

Apexa Pyrantel Pamoate gives you direct access to the most common medications given to aid against worms in your dog.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)—Pyrantel Pamoate
• Which Worms it Takes Care of—Pinworms, Roundworms, Hookworms
• Medication Form—Liquid
• Safe for all Ages—Yes
• Guarantee or Warranty—No

Pyrantel Pamoate works by paralyzing the worms in your dog as they are passed through your dog’s feces. So, as gross as it sounds, the best way to know if Pyrantel Pamoate is doing its job is to check your dog’s stool for non-moving worms.

If they are not moving then you are taking care of the worm issue! The most common dosage for Pyrantel Pamoate is 2.5mg/lb. given every two or three weeks.

It is super important to keep up with the dosage on the schedule you have picked otherwise the earlier given dewormers will no longer be effective. But since it is a liquid it should be easy to give to your dog via syringe directly into their mouth.

All it takes to remove the worms from your dog is a consistent dosage of Apexa Pyrantel Pamoate and before you know it, no more worms.

10. PETARMOR

PETARMOR takes care of many types of worms in your dog all through a simple pill.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)—Pyrantel Pamoate, Praziquantel
• Which Worms it Takes Care of—Tapeworms, Roundworms, Hookworms
• Medication Form—Tablet
• Safe for all Ages—Yes
• Guarantee or Warranty—No

This dewormer takes care of seven worms at once: two types of tapeworms, two types of roundworms, and three types of hookworms. This particular dewormer is only effective on dogs over 25lbs, but there are options for smaller dogs. You can use the sizing chart on the back to determine how many of the two tablets to give your dog, depending on your dog’s weight.

The pill can be easily administered to your dog via directly, mixed in with your dog’s food, or hidden in your dog’s favorite treat. After your dog eats the pill keep a close eye on them in case they were to throw up the pill.

If the pill is thrown up the dewormer will no longer work, so try to keep your dog calm for a couple of hours to give the pill time to be absorbed into your dog’s system.

PETARMOR puts your dog’s health first and works effectively against removing worms in your dog before it becomes a serious health concern.

11. Quad Dewormer

Bayer Quad Dewormer is a broad-spectrum antihelminthic that takes care of worms for you with no extra effort on your part.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)—Praziquantel, Pyrantel Pamoate, Febantel
• Which Worms it Takes Care of—Tapeworms, Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms
• Medication Form—Tablet
• Safe for all Ages—For dogs older than 3 weeks of age
• Guarantee or Warranty—No

You get two chewable tablets in this package that is ideal for dogs weighing between 26-60lbs. But Bayer does also sell dewormers for dogs of all weights. The pills are scored for easy administration, in case you have to cut the pill.

A weight chart is included on the back of the package so you will know just how much to give your dog. This dewormer has an ideal blend of common dewormer medications so with a single dose you should start to see no more worms passing through your dog’s stool.

If you do plan on using this dewormer for a puppy make sure the puppy weighs more than two pounds.

Your dog will love this beef-flavored chew and you will love that Bayer Quad Dewormer is getting rid of the worms inside your dog.

12. ProSense

In only a few days of treatment with the ProSense and worms will quickly become a thing of the past.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)—Fenbendazole Granules
• Which Worms it Takes Care of—Tapeworms, Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms
• Medication Form—Powder
• Safe for all Ages—Dogs over 6 weeks of age
• Guarantee or Warranty—No

This particular dewormer works in only three days. Follow the sizing chart on the box to determine how many grams to give to your dog. In this box, you get three 4 gram packets to give your dogs.

Depending on the size of your dog you should ideally have enough packets for the three-day dosages. But if you need to, you can easily combine multiple packets to get the appropriate doses.

It is important to keep up with the three days doses otherwise the dewormer will not have the full effect on your dog.

Just add ProSense to your dog’s food for an easier dosage and quicker way to get rid of those annoying worms.

13. Durvet

If your dog does not like to take pills you can use Durvet 2x Liquid Wormer to easily give them the deworming medication that they need.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)—Pyrantel Pamoate
• Which Worms it Takes Care of—Hookworms, Roundworms
• Medication Form—Liquid
• Safe for all Ages—Yes
• Guarantee or Warranty—No

While some dewormers are not safe to give to nursing puppies this one actually is, which is great to prevent puppies from getting worms during such a sensitive time of their lives.

With this deworming medicine you can treat puppies practically every week until they reach ten weeks of age and adult dogs can be treated monthly if you happen to live in an area heavily prone to worms. Make sure to weigh your dog accurately and give 5mL for every ten pounds your dog weighs.

You can also use Durvet 2xLiquid Wormer to prevent re-infestation as much as monthly if need be with no fear of harming your dog.

14. Excel 8in1

Excel 8in1 Safe-Guard Canine Dewormer works fast and lasts longer to make sure your dog does not suffer from pesky worms.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)—Fenbendazole Granules
• Which Worms it Takes Care of—Tapeworms, Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms
• Medication Form—Powder
• Safe for all Ages—For dogs over 6 weeks of age
• Guarantee or Warranty—No

This package contains three, four-gram pouches that should be enough for a three-day treatment if your dog weighs forty pounds or less. If your dog happens to weigh more you may have to combine packages.

It is safe for dogs over six weeks of age, pregnant dogs, and even dogs with heartworms. Just mix the granules into your dog’s food and you are good to go. You will have to make sure you administer the treatment for the three needed days or else the dewormer will not have an effect on your dog.

For a safe, over the counter option that helps treat your dog’s worms consider using the Excel 8in1 Safe-Guard Canine Dewormer.

15. PETARMOR Sure Shot

PETARMOR Sure Shot is one of the easiest dewormers you can give to your dog.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)—Pyrantel Pamoate
• Which Worms it Takes Care of—Hookworms, Roundworms
• Medication Form—Liquid
• Safe for all Ages—Yes
• Guarantee or Warranty—No

This dewormer takes care of four different worms: two types of roundworms and two types of hookworms. Dogs of any size and age can be safely given this dewormer, which is great if you want to prevent worms in puppies.

Make sure to weigh your dog accurately and administer 5 mL of the dewormer for every ten pounds of your dog’s weight. Add it to your dog’s food and they will not even know that they are taking medicine for worms.

Just make sure your dog eats all of their food so they have a full stomach and full dosage of the dewormer. This dewormer is also safe to be given monthly if need be.

Deworming your dog is very important to prevent any serious health issues, and PETARMOR Sure Shot does its job to protect your dog.

16. Sentry Worm X

Treating and controlling worms in your dog is as simple as giving them Sentry HC 7 mixed in with their food.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)—Pyrantel Pamoate, Praziquantel
• Which Worms it Takes Care of—Tapeworms, Roundworms, Hookworms
• Medication Form—Tablets
• Safe for all Ages—For dogs over 12 weeks of age
• Guarantee or Warranty—No

This deworming pill for dogs takes care of seven types of worms in total for an ideal range of coverage. You get six flavored, chewable tablets in this box that deworm dogs weighing between 6-25 pounds.

Each tablet treats up to twelve pounds so, depending on your dog’s weight you’ll need to determine how many tablets you will need to give your dog. One dose should be enough to start working to remove the worms from your dog’s body.

If you do not have time to go to the vet for a dewormer, no problem. You can buy Sentry HC 7 over the counter without needing a vet’s prescription.

17. Earth Animal

Earth Animal gives you a safer and more natural dewormer medication that works just as well as the leading dewormer pill.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)—Black Walnut Hulls, Wormwood, Cloves, Quassia, Rue, Garlic, Oregon Grape Root
• Which Worms it Takes Care of—Broad Spectrum
• Medication Form—Liquid
• Safe for all Ages—Yes
• Guarantee or Warranty—No

This organic herbal blend cleanses your dog’s intestines to flush out worms and make it a less inhabitable place for worms to grow and feed off of. It can also help regulate normal gastrointestinal health and function.

The herb blend can also effectively prevent other parasites from developing inside of your dog. Administering this dewormer is simple, just make sure to follow the weight chart on the bottle to administer the right amount of drops. Give it to your dog twice daily for as long as you need to either get rid of the worms or to act as a preventative against your dog getting worms.

All it takes is a couple of drops of Earth Animal in your dog’s mouth or water to start getting rid and preventing worms in your dog.

18. OmegaPet

Dosing your dog for worms is as easy as adding a few drops of OmegaPet for Dogs directly into your dog’s food.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient(s)—Black Walnut Hull, Orange Peel, Lavender Flower, European Pennyroyal Herb, Clove Bud, Gentian Root, Wormwood Leaf/Stem, Tansy Herb
• Which Worms it Takes Care of—A Broad Spectrum
• Medication Form—Liquid
• Safe for all Ages—Yes
• Guarantee or Warranty—No

Since this dewormer contains all-natural ingredients your dog will not suffer any side effects that may be common in chemical-heavy dewormers. Dogs of any age and size can use this dewormer easily and can even work faster than pill dewormers.

All you have to do is follow the suggested dropper amount according to your dog’s weight. You can use this daily to prevent worms in your dog, or you can do two yearly treatments as a cleanser.

If you are looking for a natural alternative dewormer that still works, OmegaPet for Dogs is just the product you are looking for.

Key Information About Worms & Dogs

What are the Symptoms of Worms in Dogs?

There are several symptoms to look out for if you believe that your dog may have worms. The least common symptoms are:

• Coughing
• Low Energy
• Dull Coat
• Itching and Skin Irritation

These symptoms can be confused with symptoms of other illnesses so it can be harder to link these symptoms to worms.

The following symptoms are the most common for worms in your dog:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pot Bellied Appearance
• Change in Appetite
• Weight Loss
• Rubbing Bottom on Ground (Scooting)
• Visible Worms in Dog’s Stool

If your dog has two or more of these symptoms consider getting them tested for worms; there is a high chance that your dog may have worms.

Should I be Worried if my Dog Has Worms?

You should be concerned if you notice that your dog has worms. If left untreated the worms can continue to feast off of your dog and seriously affect their health. Worms can quickly reproduce and spread out all over inside of your dog and when it gets to that point it can be harder or near impossible to remove the worms. If you think your dog has worms treat them quickly to avoid any serious health concerns or even death.

What Types of Worms are there?

There are five types of worms that your dog may contract that affect your dog differently.

Roundworms

Roundworms are the most common worms your dog can contract. They can either be contracted when your dog comes in contact with infected stool or puppies can be born with them or get them from their mother’s milk. They feed off of your dog’s intestinal tract and can cause serious organ damage.

Hookworms

Hookworms enter your dog through their mouth or skin and can cause skin irritation. They feed on your dog’s blood through the intestines and can become deadly if left untreated.

Heartworms

Dogs can contract heartworms if they are bitten by an infected mosquito. You may not even know your dog has heartworms since it takes six months for your dog to develop symptoms. They are preventable but can be fatal if not treated in time.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are contracted through fleas, lice, and rodents. They do not typically harm dogs and feed off the nutrients your dog consumes. These are the worms you would most commonly see in your dog’s stool due to their long, flat, white body.

Whipworms

Whipworms are the least common worms contracted since your dog can only catch them if they come in contact with soil that has had stool infected with the worms buried in it. They can be hard to diagnose but do not usually harm your dog. They can cause diarrhea, so if your dog has excessive diarrhea they can be safely given a whipworm dewormer as a precaution against whipworms.

Best Ways to Deworm a Dog

The way to deworm a dog depends on what type of worm your dog has. Some worms can only be treated with pills while others need a liquid to remove them. Before picking which wormer for dogs to use make sure you know which worm you are treating for otherwise, the worms will remain in your dog’s body.

And finally, in our romp through the world of best canine dewormers preparations, keep in mind the following:

• Different products contain different active ingredients and may not work against all worm species

• Sometimes fecal analysis is necessary in order to identify the worms’ species and therefore which product will work best

• When buying a product online always check the security seals are intact and haven’t been tampered with, and that the product is stamped with an expiration date.
• Always weigh your dog and dose accurately

Most important of all know that worms cause illness from ill thrift right through to bloody diarrhea, so regular deworming is essential to keep your pet fit and healthy.

Bottom Line

It can be pretty scary when you discover that your dog has worms. It is not the most pleasant of illnesses and can be easily transmitted to other dogs in the home. But treating for worms is fast. The best dog dewormer starts working as soon as you administer the dewormer to your dog.

You can go to a vet to get your dog tested for worms, but that can be costly and most often the vet will administer medications that can counter against most of the possible worms.

To save yourself time and money, you can try one of the over the counter worming medications for dogs. These medications are typically safe for dogs and treat a wide range of worms. To better narrow down the type of worm medication to use you can use the symptoms your dog is showing to better have an idea of what worm you are dealing with.

Within a week or two of a consistent deworming medicine, your dog will be worm free and you will be worry-free. Read our comprehensive guide on Dog Medication here.