Worms. There’s nothing quite as disconcerting as finding out your beloved dog as worms. What’s worse, many pet owners don’t realize that their dog or puppy is struggling from an infestation until the damage is done.
When you’re recommended a deworming medication, you’re probably feeling a mix of concern and urgency. You want to help your dog recover quickly. That is key. However, you also want to know that what you are giving your pet is safe and effective.
As one of the leading treatments on the market, Strongid-T has become an effective way for pet owners to help get rid of worms in dogs. How do you know if it’s the right treatment for your pup?
What Are Worms?
If your veterinarian is recommending Strongid-T, they’re likely targeting two specific types of intestinal parasites that affect dogs: roundworms and hookworms. These unwanted – and tiny – invaders cause severe issues for your pet’s health if not addressed quickly with the right treatment.
What Are Roundworms?
Roundworms are often described as “tiny spaghetti” parasites that take up residence in your dog’s intestines. They’re the most common parasite in dogs. To the surprise of pet owners, many are born with them! Roundworms can be passed down from their mothers. They absorb the nutrients meant for your dog. The parasites feed off of them and multiply.
Hookworms
While smaller than roundworms, hookworms are more aggressive parasites. They actually attach to your dog’s intestinal wall and feed on their blood. This can quickly lead to serious health issues, particularly in puppies or smaller dogs. Even a mild hookworm infection can cause anemia. Hookworms can also enter your dog’s skin through their paws when walking on contaminated soil.
What is Strongid-T?
Strongid-T (pyrantel pamoate) is a veterinary deworming medication designed to combat these two nasty parasites. They work as an internal cleanup crew – working to kill and eliminate hookworms and roundworms at the source.
When Do Dogs Need Strongid-T?
Just like humans need regular health checkups, dogs need routine parasite prevention throughout their lives. Often, a worm infestation can spring up despite your best efforts to keep your pet safe.
There are a few times when a veterinarian might recommend Strongid-T:
- As a puppy, starting as young as 2 weeks old
- When worm infections are diagnosed through fecal testing
- After exposure to environments where parasites are common (dog parks, kennels)
These timing windows are important because parasites can attack at any life stage – making prevention easier than treating an established infection.
How Does Strongid-T Work?
When you give your dog Strongid-T, it begins working quickly to target those unwanted parasites. The medication works through a specific process that’s both effective and gentle on your pet:
- The medication acts as a paralyzing agent – freezing the worms in your dog’s intestines
- This paralysis prevents the worms from attaching to the intestinal walls
- As they can’t move and evade your dog’s system, the worms are naturally eliminated through digestion and defecation
This process is fast, too – often starting to act within hours of administration.
What Are The Risks of Skipping Deworming Treatments?
Some pet owners wonder if regular deworming is really necessary – especially if their dog appears healthy on the outside. But therein lies the risk – when you skip deworming, the most severe implications may not appear until it’s almost too late.
Though you may not see it at first, an infestation leads to:
- Malnutrition (worms steal nutrients from your dog)
- Weight loss and poor coat condition
- Lethargy and decreased energy
- In puppies, stunted growth
- In severe cases, anemia or intestinal blockages
These health risks are entirely preventable with regular deworming treatment. That makes a treatment like Strongid-T an investment in your pet’s long-term health and wellbeing – just like you would treat regular vaccinations or dental care.
How Do You Give Strongid-T to Your Dog?
Strongid-T comes in a liquid form that (as most pet owners will be relieved to hear) most dogs accept easily. Your veterinarian will give the specific dosing instructions for your size of dog, but here are some of the general guidelines you’ll want to follow:
Proper Dosing of Strongid-T
The standard dose is typically 1 milliliter (ml) per 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight. Again, always follow your veterinarian’s specific instructions – because this may need to be adjusted based on your pet’s particular situation and health status.
When to Administer Strongid-T
For puppies:
- Start as young as 2 weeks of age
- Repeat every 3-4 weeks until 12 weeks old
- Then monthly until 6 months of age
For adult dogs:
- Annually for prevention
- More frequently if your dog is at higher risk (hunting dogs, farm dogs, or those frequently boarding)
As always, rely on the instructions from your veterinarian before attempting to administer Strongid-T or any other deworming treatment to any pet or animal.
Special Considerations & Safety Tips for Strongid-T
While Strongid-T is scientifically tested and approved as a very safe treatment method, there are some key things to keep in mind when it comes to administering the medication to your pet:
- Always give the exact prescribed dose
- Keep a record of when you administer the medication
- Continue the full course as recommended by your vet
- Store the medication at room temperature, away from direct sunlight
- Keep out of reach of children and other pets – as it can be dangerous if ingested
How Do You Know If Strongid-T is Working?
After administering Strongid-T, you’ll want to keep an eye on your pet to track their response and how the treatment might be working. While you may not see drastic changes, over the next few weeks post-treatment, you’ll start to see:
- Improved energy levels within a few days
- Better appetite
- Healthier-looking coat
- Weight gain in previously affected dogs
- Dead worms in feces
While side effects are rare with Strongid-T, contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these potentially dangerous side effects.
- Vomiting shortly after administration
- Diarrhea that persists more than 24 hours
- Any unusual behavior or symptoms
- No improvement in symptoms after completing the treatment
TCAP Is Your Partner In Whole-Life Pet Health
While Strongid-T is available from various sources, working with a qualified veterinary provider is the best way to make sure your pet receives the right dose and proper prevention schedule.
Here at Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP), we know that keeping your pet healthy is important – and that seeking proper care for animals shouldn’t be inaccessible. That’s why we make it our mission to help provide affordable, high-quality parasite prevention as part of our comprehensive pet wellness services.
Since 2002, TCAP has helped prevent over 20.5 million potential litters and provided essential wellness care to hundreds of thousands of pets across North Texas, including parasite prevention. Our team of veterinarians and technicians can help you develop a deworming schedule that’s right for your pet – with services costing up to 87% less than traditional veterinary clinics.
Don’t wait until you see signs of parasites to take action. Preventive care is always more effective – and less expensive – than treating an established infection. Visit any of our eight convenient North Texas locations or call us to learn more!
Remember: A worm-free pet is a happier, healthier pet. Let TCAP help you keep your furry family member protected.
