Deworming day (09/17/23)! This is one of the most important parts of pit bull puppyhood. Pit Bull puppies are prone to parasites and deworming is the best way to prevent them. Sadly, deworming is often overlooked by most breeders and this process should be a top priority. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at our deworming process with TCK Buddha x BadtotheBone Wild Child Puppies at 16 Days Old.
*Deworming Green Female - TCK Buddha x BadtotheBone Wild Child - 16 Days Old*
*Deworming Red Male - TCK Buddha x BadtotheBone Wild Child - 16 Days Old*
Why Worms Are a Threat
Did you know that worms can make their way into a pit bull puppies' belly without showing any signs? Hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms can cause lots of issues in pit bull puppies. Over time, these pests can rob pit bull puppies of nutrients and lead to trouble in ways of malnutrition, diarrhea, and other health issues. If left unchecked, worms can be fatal in very severe cases. Regular deworming helps keep our pit bull puppies healthy and happy.
Why Early Intervention is Important
Starting deworming early is crucial. Puppies can get worms from their mothers or get them from the environment. Our first deworming session starts at 2 weeks old and continues every 2 weeks until the pups go home. Usually our puppies go home at 8 weeks old, so we deworm at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks. Deworming every 2 weeks helps prevent re-infestation.
Proper Dosage of Deworming Medicine
To give our pit bull puppies the proper amount of deworming medication, we first get their current weight. The dewormer that we use (NEMEX-2) requires a dosage of 5mL per 10 lbs of body weight. Purple collar female from TCK Buddha x BadtotheBone Wild Child was 3.8 lbs at 2 weeks old. We gave her about 2 mL of NEMEX-2 dewormer using a syringe. If you are unsure about how much dewormer to give your puppies, consult your veterinarian.
*Weighing Purple Female - TCK Buddha x BadtotheBone Wild Child - 3.8 lbs 16 Days Old*
*Deworming Purple Female - TCK Buddha x BadtotheBone Wild Child - 16 Days Old*
Health Benefits of Deworming
Deworming is a proactive step that has so many benefits for pit bull puppies. Deworming ensures that pit bull puppies receive maximum nutrients from their food, which in turn promotes healthy growth and development. When parasites don't rob your pit bull puppy of nutrients, he or she is able to thrive.
A well-nourished puppy is more likely to have a stronger immune system. Deworming helps develop immunity to a number of diseases, which keeps pit bull puppies healthier in the long-run.
Worms can make puppies uncomfortable. Deworming can lead to noticeable improvement in behavior in puppies, which makes them more relaxed and friendly.
What Happens After Deworming
After deworming is done, some pit bull puppies may feel a bit tired. Deworming meds can sometimes cause drowsiness as a side effect. Just like in humans, certain medications can have a calming or sedative effect on dogs.
Some puppies can also experience some mild stress or anxiety related to the deworming process. The stress response can look like tiredness once the deworming process is complete. Like any medical procedure, deworming can put minor stress on a puppy's body. Afterwards, pit bull puppies may need some time to recover, similar to how humans might feel after a doctor's appointment.
*Red Male - TCK Buddha x BadtotheBone Wild Child - 16 Days Old Taking a Snooze*
*Holding Purple Female After Deworming - TCK Buddha x BadtotheBone Wild Child - 16 Days Old*
Ending Note
Deworming may seem like a small task, but it's a huge step in pit bull puppy health and development. The journey doesn't end with a deworming session. Regular check-ups with your vet help ensure your pit bull puppies are growing and thriving. Thank you for joining us and we hope you enjoyed this blog post! Leave a comment if you wish :)