Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Imagine hundreds of small creatures crawling around inside of your body. Disgusting, isn’t it? That’s exactly what happens when we don’t treat our dogs with dewormers. Dogs like to get into what they can, and most will eat anything from any place they can find it. Other times, they could get bit by an infected insect. It doesn’t matter how your dog ended up with worms, but it does matter that you take care of the problem right away so that they don’t end up affecting your dog’s overall health. These reviews are here to help you pick a reliable dog dewormer that could save your pet’s life and get them back to feeling their best.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Sentry Worm X Plus 7-Way Dewormer
Affordable
No prescription needed
Controls 7 different worm types
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Best Value
PetArmor 7-Way Dewormer
Chewable tablet
Works on 7 different worm species
Effective on dogs from 25 – 200 pounds
Check Price
Premium Choice
Heartgard Plus Chew for Dogs
Trusted brand
12-month supply
Effective heartworm prevention
Check Price
Best Dewormer for Puppies
Safe-Guard Canine Dewormer
Easy to administer
Lasts for 6 months
For use on puppies and small adult dogs
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Bayer Dewormer for Tapeworm
Trusted brand
Easy to administer
Helps to safely remove common tapeworms
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The 5 Best Dewormer for Dogs
If your dog has an upset stomach due to some nasty worms, then you’re probably desperately searching for the best overall dewormer for dogs. The Sentry 7-way dewormer is ideal for dogs from 12 weeks and older and that weigh between 6 to 25 pounds. You have the option of buying a packet of two or six pills as well, so that you can have a safe supply for future use. The tablets come in a tasty, chewable tablet, and a single pill keeps dogs protected for one month each. However, it doesn’t remove ringworms and isn’t safe for pregnant or nursing females.
Product form: Tablet
Health conditions: Roundworms, Hookworms, Tapeworms
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Pros
No prescription needed
Affordable
Cons
Doesn’t remove whipworms
Not suitable for pregnant or nursing dogs
Not good for dogs over 25 pounds
No prescription needed
Affordable
- No prescription needed
- Affordable
Doesn’t remove whipworms
Not suitable for pregnant or nursing dogs
Not good for dogs over 25 pounds
- Doesn’t remove whipworms
- Not suitable for pregnant or nursing dogs
- Not good for dogs over 25 pounds
We couldn’t deny that Pet Armor made one of the best dewormers for the money with their product that is effective against at least seven different types of tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms. Each pack comes with two easy-to-chew tablets that most dogs enjoy the taste of. For pickier eaters, you could mix it into their kibble at dinner time, and they wouldn’t even know.
Product form: Chewable tablet
Health conditions: Roundworms, Hookworms, Tapeworms
This dewormer is effective against at least two types of tapeworms, two types of roundworms, and three types of hookworms for the ultimate protection. They are effective for dogs from 25 to 200 pounds if you adjust the dosage size. The instructions also come with a chart printed directly on the package to make the process as simple as possible for you.
Pros
Affordable
Works on 7 different worm species
Chewable tablet
Effective on dogs from 25 – 200 pounds
Cons
Only comes with two tablets
While you know this is one of the brands most used by veterinarians, you also know that it comes with a price tag. Heartgard is a very well-trusted brand that lots of people trust for their pets. The container comes with 12 chewable tablets to last you 12 months, and the chews are easy to administer. Unfortunately, you will need a prescription for this brand. However, it is worth it for its effectiveness in preventing heartworm infestations.
Affordable
Works on 7 different worm species
Chewable tablet
Effective on dogs from 25 – 200 pounds
- Affordable
- Works on 7 different worm species
- Chewable tablet
- Effective on dogs from 25 – 200 pounds
Only comes with two tablets
- Only comes with two tablets
Product form: Chewable tablet
Health conditions: Heartworms, Roundworms, Hookworms
Pros
Trusted brand
Effective heartworm prevention
12-month supply
Cons
Require prescription
Expensive
4. Safe-Guard Canine Dewormer –Best Dewormer for Puppies
While not all dewormers are safe for young dogs, this is one that you can give to your puppies without needing a prescription. Safe-Guard is a veterinary-trusted brand that is easy to use and kills four different types of worms. All you have to do before buying it is weigh your dog and ensure that you give them the correct dosage. The brand sells different products for different breed sizes, so you’ll have to ensure that you purchase the proper one first.
Trusted brand
Effective heartworm prevention
12-month supply
- Trusted brand
- Effective heartworm prevention
- 12-month supply
Require prescription
Expensive
- Require prescription
- Expensive
Product form: Powder
Health conditions: Roundworms, Hookworms, Tapeworms, Whipworms
This dewormer comes in powder form that is easy to mix into many types of food. This is ideal for those who have dogs that refuse to swallow pills despite putting them inside some of their favorite snacks. Their brand is also safe for puppies over 6 weeks of age and dogs of all ages. It comes with three pouches to last you for up to six months.
Pros
Trusted brand
Easy to administer
Simple instructions
Lasts for 6 months
Kills 4 different worm types
Cons
Might cause diarrhea
While Bayer is a trusted and affordable dewormer brand, its medicine is only effective in getting rid of tapeworms. All dogs over the age of 4 weeks can take it safely. However, the capsule is not chewable and will need to be swallowed. While it is great for tapeworms, it is better to use a product that is going to kill all potential worm threats.
Trusted brand
Easy to administer
Simple instructions
Lasts for 6 months
Kills 4 different worm types
- Trusted brand
- Easy to administer
- Simple instructions
- Lasts for 6 months
- Kills 4 different worm types
Might cause diarrhea
- Might cause diarrhea
Product form: Capsules
Health conditions: Tapeworms
Pros
Affordable
Trusted brand
Cons
Must be swallowed
Only effective on tapeworms
Affordable
Trusted brand
- Affordable
- Trusted brand
Must be swallowed
Only effective on tapeworms
- Must be swallowed
- Only effective on tapeworms
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dewormer for Dogs
Who Should Buy Dog Dewormer Products?
It is very common for dogs to pick up internal parasites. Canines love to play in places where all sorts of worms could exist. They don’t do it on purpose; it’s just a regular part of a dog’s life. Different types of pests live in soil, fecal matter, and other things you might find outdoors. If your dog were to accidentally swallow any of these worms, or even get them from their mother when they were a puppy, then you’d want to get them treated to prevent them from getting ill. Prevention is always a smart idea, but many of these products will control and prevent at the same time.
All pet parents should be prepared to buy dewormers to protect their fur babies. Pay attention to your dog’s behavior and get them checked by the vet if you suspect that they have gotten worms. Those wanting to avoid them in the future need to prepare for the fact that they will have to have a steady supply of dewormer on hand.
Features to Consider Before Buying
Ingredients
There are a lot of ingredients listed for dewormer medicines. Not all of the formulas used work on the same types of worms. Do your research and make sure that your dewormer contains the active ingredients necessary to kill that type of worm you’re targeting. For example, the medicine should include piperazine for roundworms.
Parasites Targeted
Regardless of the dewormer brand you buy, each box should clearly list the parasites that the medicine is targeting. There is no point in giving your dog the pills if they don’t specifically target the specific type of worm that has infested them. Today, most of these medicines target various parasites, however making sure the product covers what you need is a must.
Number of Doses
Pay attention to whether your dewormer is in one-day or three-day doses. If you can’t commit to giving your dog the medicine for three days straight, then you’re better off buying a brand where you only have to administer one and forget about it.
Method of Administration
The method in which the medicine is administered is also important. Some dogs are very picky, and no matter how much your wrap the pill in deli meat, they’ll find a way to swallow the treat and spit out the pill. Pet parents should know which presentation to give to their pets for the easiest administration possible.
Side Effects
The last thing you want is to give your dog something that could negatively affect them. Look through the listed side effects before purchasing a dewormer. Most trusted brands are still easy on their digestive systems and are a bigger benefit to their quality of life with it than without it.
Like with any medication, please keep a close eye on your dog during the first 24 hours and call the vet if you notice any abnormal signs or side effects.
Age and Weight Requirements
Not all dewormers are made for every dog breed. You have to pay very close attention to the medicine that you’re buying. It should be specific for your dog’s breed size and weight. Follow all instructions labeled on the box to ensure they are getting the proper dosage.
Conclusion
After scrolling through endless reviews, we hope that this article has made the process of shopping for a canine dewormer a little easier. Our research has proven that Sentry 7-way dewormer is the best overall dewormer for dogs this year. The best dewormer for your money is the PetArmor 7-Way Dewormer, and the premium choice comes from the Heartgard Plus Chews for Dogs. You might need a prescription for some of these brands, but you can find comfort in the fact that all the creepy crawlies moving around inside your dog will soon be gone.
Featured Image Credit: ALPA PROD, Shutterstock
