How Much Does It Cost to Deworm a Dog?

Deworming your dog is an essential part of responsible pet care. Understanding the costs involved can help you plan and budget for this important preventative treatment. This article explores the key factors that influence deworming costs, and the different types of dewormers, and provides useful tips to keep your dog parasite-free on a budget.

The cost to deworm a dog can range quite a bit based on several key factors. Elements like the type of medication, whether it's an over-the-counter or prescription dewormer, dosages based on your dog's weight, extra tests and vet exams, and your geographic location all impact the final price tag for deworming.

Highlights

• Expect to spend $60 (≈4 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour)-250 annually for deworming alone. Veterinary exam fees, diagnostic testing, heartworm prevention, and medication costs add up.
• Preventative care saves money compared to treating active worm infections. Stick to a schedule.
• Convenient combination products offer heartworm AND deworming protection in one monthly treatment.
• Over-the-counter dewormers are more affordable but may require repeat dosing. Check with your vet.
• Prioritize your dog's health over cost when making deworming decisions. Shop around for the best value.

How Much Does It Cost to Deworm a Dog?

Veterinary Fees are one of the biggest contributors to deworming costs. Exam and consultation fees, diagnostic tests like fecal samples, and medication administration can all add up quickly. Expect to pay $45 (≈3 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job)-125 per vet visit on top of the price of deworming products. Fecal tests to identify parasites run $25 (≈1.7 hours of labor required at $15/hour)-50.

Medication Type makes a big difference too. Over-the-counter dewormers tend to be less expensive, in the $10 (≈40 minutes working at a $15/hour wage)-25 range per dose. But they may require more frequent dosing. Prescription dewormers are more powerful, longer-lasting, and cost $25 (≈1.7 hours of labor required at $15/hour)-60 per dose. Additional Tests like fecal samples to diagnose parasites can add $25 (≈1.7 hours of labor required at $15/hour)-50 per test. Heartworm tests are also often recommended, at $45 (≈3 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job)-65 each. Preventative care without testing is most cost-effective.

Types of Dewormers: Oral, Topical, Injectable

There are several types of deworming medications, which also impact cost:

• Oral dewormers like tablets, chews, or pastes are the most common. They cost between $10 (≈40 minutes working at a $15/hour wage)-60 per dose.
• Topical dewormers applied to the skin typically run between $20 (≈1.3 hours of your life traded for $15/hour)-45.
• Injectable dewormers tend to be the most powerful but also priciest, from $60 (≈4 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour)-150 per injection.
• Many all-in-one heartworm & deworming preventatives combine oral/topical parasite protection for $80 (≈5.3 hours of your workday at a $15/hour wage)-150 annually.
• Over-the-counter dewormers are affordable at $10 (≈40 minutes working at a $15/hour wage)-25 but may require more frequent dosing.
• Prescription dewormers provide longer-lasting protection, for $25 (≈1.7 hours of labor required at $15/hour)-60 per dose.

According to Petco, the price for Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer Tablets for Dogs is $29.48 (≈2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour), and the price for HomeoPet Wrm Clear Drops for Dogs is $59 (≈3.9 hours of labor required at $15/hour).

On ThePetVaccinationCompany, the price for deworming a dog varies depending on the type of wormer and the package. For example, the price for Pyrantel is $10 (≈40 minutes working at a $15/hour wage) per dose, and the price for an Annual Package (Rabies, DHPP-Lepto, Bord., Heartworm Test) is $85 (≈5.7 hours of your life traded for $15/hour).

Finally, TractorSupplyRX offers a variety of dewormers for dogs, including topical and oral options, injections, chews, granules, tablets, and homeopathic treatments.

Deworming Cost Factors

The specific deworming needs of your dog also impact costs.

• Dog Size & Weight determines proper dosing and medication amounts. Larger dogs require more dewormer, driving costs up.
• Worm Type - treating tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms or whipworms requires different dewormers. Multi-spectrum is ideal but costs more.
• Geographic Location - Heartworm preventatives are crucial in warm southern climates where parasites thrive, adding expense.

Your vet can make deworming recommendations based on your dog’s unique needs and risks. Diagnostic fecal tests help identify which parasites are present.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a vet farm call, flea extermination, or dog dew claw removal.

Scheduled Deworming & Combination Products

Preventative care is ideal for both your dog's health and your wallet.

• Scheduled Deworming every 6-12 months prevents infestations before they start. Preemptive care is cheaper than treating active infections.
• Combination Heartworm & Deworming Products offer convenient parasite protection in one monthly treatment for $80 (≈5.3 hours of your workday at a $15/hour wage)-150 annually.

Work with your vet to tailor a deworming plan for your dog. Preventative care greatly reduces the need for expensive medication and treatment down the road.

Vets, Pet Clinics, Pharmacies & Pet Stores

When exploring deworming options, it’s helpful to understand the related businesses and organizations involved:

• Veterinarians & Pet Clinics provide medical guidance, prescriptions, and administer treatments.
• Veterinary Pharmacies fill prescription deworming medications prescribed by your vet.
• Pet Stores offer some over-the-counter deworming products. Staff can provide general guidance.
• Animal Shelters & Rescues treat and deworm adopted pets prior to placement.
• Online Pharmacies offer discounted pet medication with a valid prescription.

Research trusted, accredited options when selecting deworming products and care for your dog.

Final Words

Deworming your dog regularly is a fundamental part of responsible pet care. While costs can vary widely, there are affordable options to keep your pup protected. Talk to your vet and pet care providers to find the optimal deworming plan for your budget and needs. Your dog's good health is priceless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deworm my dog without going to the vet?

Yes, you can deworm your dog without going to the vet by using over-the-counter dewormers purchased at pet supply stores and retailers like Amazon. Many popular OTC brands of oral and topical dewormers are available without a prescription for treating common parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.

Always follow label instructions carefully based on your dog's weight. OTC dewormers tend to be broad spectrum to target a range of worms but may require repeat dosing. Check with your vet first if your dog has chronic parasites or you suspect a heavy infestation.

Prescription medications are stronger and may be needed. Routine vet visits allow examination and fecal testing to identify parasites and ensure proper deworming. But occasional OTC use is fine for healthy dogs when paired with vet care.

What happens if you never worm your dog?

If you never deworm your dog, worms can multiply and infest your dog's intestines, leading to serious health issues. Parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms feed off your dog's system and can cause malnutrition, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, dull coat, and lethargy.

Worm larvae can migrate to other organs like the lungs, eyes or heart. A heavy worm burden can obstruct intestines or bile ducts, sometimes fatally. Puppies are especially vulnerable. Worms can stunt growth, impede development, and be fatal in severe infestations. Deworming removes parasites before they multiply and prevents potential health complications.

Also, worms and their eggs are contagious to other pets and humans in some cases. Regular deworming keeps your dog healthy and reduces environmental contamination. Don't wait to treat until your dog shows symptoms. Consistent preventative deworming is crucial.

What are signs your dog has worms?

Some common signs your dog may have intestinal worms include:

• Visible worms in vomit or stool
• Bloated or pot-bellied appearance
• Coughing (from larval migration to lungs)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Dull coat
• Scooting rear on ground
• Increased appetite without weight gain
• Fatigue and lethargy

Puppies may show slowed growth and development. Worms can cause rectal itching, so dog may scoot bottom on ground. Bloated belly is common with roundworms. Vomiting and diarrhea can occur as worms irritate the intestinal tract.

Weight loss from lack of nutrition. Dull coat from deficiencies. Coughing from larval migration to lungs. But dogs can harbor worms without obvious symptoms, so deworm routinely. Diagnostic fecal test can identify worm eggs and species. Contact your vet if you notice any of these signs. Consistent deworming prevents worm infections in dogs.