The BSAVA recommends that, for the control of roundworms, worming of puppies should begin at two weeks of age, in order to prevent egg-shedding as Toxocara canis infection becomes patent. Thereafter, treatments should be repeated according to manufacturers’ recommendations until pups are 12-14 weeks of age so as to prevent egg laying by late maturing roundworms. Thereafter, a benefit/risk assessment of each individual case should determine both choice of anthelmintic, spectrum of anthelmintic activity and frequency of administration. In cases of high risk or where there is increased zoonotic potential, maximum control according to the manufacturers recommendation is recommended. In other cases, the risk of re-infection may be so low as to recommend intermittent anthelmintic therapy with longer inter-treatment intervals. Local risk information should determine the spectrum of anthelmintic used e.g. anthelmintics for heartworm or lungworm prevention. BSAVA strongly encourages further valid scientific research into the epidemiology, control and prevention of all parasitic infections of dogs in the UK (in particular those with zoonotic potential), and publication of such research so that it can be used by veterinary surgeons in decision-making.
For dogs entering the UK after travel, a treatment for tapeworms containing praziquantel is essential 24-48 hrs before entry to comply with the UK derogation to the EU Pet Passport legislation.

Guidelines and explanatory notes for veterinary surgeons

Guidelines for both veterinary and owner information have been prepared by Maggie Fisher for BSAVA and are available here. Guidelines include decision tree on risk assessment, spectrum of anthelmintic activity of available drugs and detailed information on the biology, diagnosis and treatment of canine helminth infections

Approval:  BSAVA Council as Policy Statement No. 33 (Use of anthelmintics in dogs) 2004.
Recent update: May 2006