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Can You Use Dog Dewormer On Cats? (NO! But Why?)

May 3, 2023

Dog Dewormer vs Cat Dewormer

After giving a dewormer treatment to your dog, they are worm free, but your cat needs deworming too. If there is still a part of the treatment left you can be tempted to just give it to your cat. You may find that the ingredients of dog and cat wormer treatments are mostly the same. Active ingredients like praziquantel are currently available under many different brand names. They can be found in both dog deworming and cat deworming treatments.

So, can you give cats dog dewormer? The short answer is NO.

Can I Use Dog Dewormer on Cats?

Just because the active ingredient is the same does not mean that it is a good idea to give your cat your dog’s deworming treatment or vice versa. You can use cat worming treatment as a dog dewormer but not dog worming for cats. Not a good idea. The difference is in the amount of each ingredient used. The dosing amount also depends on the size and weight of the cat or dog.

There are a wide array of preventative treatments available for worms for dogs and cats. But while dogs can be treated with the aid of an injection once they are infected, cats cannot be treated the same way if they get worms.

There are certain cases, where the treatment that is effective on dogs can be poisonous for cats. So, it is always the better option to let your veterinarian suggest worming treatments for your dog and cat rather than treating them yourself.

natural dewormer for dogs

Worming treatments for kitties are available online or at your vet, but remember heartworm treatment is a different ball game altogether. Remember, prevention is better than cure. The treatment not only is very tedious but also quite expensive.

It is also very important to understand that there are different intestinal worms that can affect your dog and cat.

So, never give one treatment that is specifically for treating a particular worm for another type of worm. For example; if your kitty has roundworms and your dog has tapeworms, never give the treatment that works to eradicate roundworms to treat tapeworms. Hence, before getting a deworming treatment, consult with your veterinarian who would determine the type of worm that has affected your pet, and then provide appropriate treatment and advice on dosage amounts.

The best possible way to counter the worm problem in dogs and cats is by taking preventative measures to keep them from getting any type of worm in the first place. Remember, kittens and puppies can be born with worms. They get it from their mothers when they nurse. That is the reason routine veterinary puppy and kitten care includes worm treatment.

After a year, ask your veterinarian to test your dog or cat’s stool to ensure that there is no presence of worms or parasites. Also ensure that they do not eat birds, mice or other animals that could be carrying worms. Also, get rid of fleas because that is the first big step to preventing worms in dogs and cats.

Are Worms Dangerous to Cats?

There are different types of worms that can infect your cat. Some cats may not show signs. But most of them will become sick. However, some species are life-threatening to cats. It can make your cat sick but it all depends on the severity of the worms.

Intestinal worms are most dangerous to kittens. Why? This is because kittens are young and they can cause developmental issues. With that, your cat can also fall into other diseases like anemia, and intestinal obstructions. It all depends on the type of worms they have. Some worms threaten cats of all ages. The most prominent one is heartworms. They can cause damage to their heart and lungs.


Top Dog Dewormers


If you want to consider preventative options so that your dog does not get parasitic worms, please consider :

Texas Pet Company Dog Wormer Soft Chews

Natural and effective dog dewormer without Rx. Treat & control roundworms, hookworms or tapeworms in your dog with these bacon-flavored treats for dogs.
Keep your dog healthy and worm-free with Worm Defender for dogs.

Natural and effective dog dewormer without Rx. Treat & control roundworms, hookworms or tapeworms in your dog with these bacon-flavored treats for dogs.
Keep your dog healthy and worm-free with Worm Defender for dogs.

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