Dog Wormer Comparisons

Most dogs are infected by parasitic worms, ticks, fleas or mites at some point in their lives. Young puppies are particularly vulnerable to parasites and are almost always infested with ascarids, also known as roundworms. There is no single medication that can kill all species of worms, but some medications are more effective against a particular type of parasite. A veterinarian should test for internal parasites prior to deworming to help you choose the best dog wormer for your pet.

Revolution is an FDA-approved, topically applied medication that can be used against some of the most common internal and external parasites. When applied on a monthly basis, it can prevent heartworm disease in dogs and in puppies as young as 6 weeks. Heartworms are transmitted via mosquito bites and can cause fatal heart failure in dogs if left untreated. Revolution also treats and prevents flea, mite and tick infestations. This medication requires a prescription from a veterinarian and does not treat roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms or whipworms. Selamectin is the primary active ingredient in Revolution.

Sentinel Spectrum is a soft, chewable tablet administered to dogs on a monthly basis. This prescription-only wormer protects dogs from the most common parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms and heartworms. Sentinel Spectrum also treats and controls flea infestation. Active ingredients in Sentinel Spectrum include milbemycin oxime, lufenuron and praziquantel.

HEARTGARD Plus is a chewable tablet made with beef. The active ingredients, ivermectin and pyrantel, prevent canine heartworm disease and treat and control roundworms and hookworms. This prescription-only medication is administered once per month and approved for use on puppies as young as 6 weeks. HEARTGARD Plus is also safe for pregnant or breeding female dogs and stud dogs.

Safe-Guard's canine dewormer is a granular medication that can be poured directly on your dog’s regular food. Its active ingredient, fenbendazole, protects against roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms. Safe-Guard can be safely administered to puppies that are at least six week of age. Dosage depends on the age and circumstances of the dog. You do need a prescription for Safe-Guard Granules, but it should be administered under the direction of a veterinarian.