is loss of appetite normal after dog deworming?

hi.. I dewormed my dog a few days ago, and since then she gets very choosy with food and lost her appetite. Is this normal? What should i do?

  • Vetinfo

    By: Julie Ann El Segundo, CA

    Replied on 04/19/2011

    There are a host of worming medications available.  Some are by prescription only by your veterinarian and many are sold over the counter.  The drug(s) they contain are effective for particular worms which should be listed on the label.  The effectiveness of the medication (what percentage of worms will be killed) also varies.

    Most commonly used worming medications would not be expected to cause a loss of appetite.  An exception could be if the pet had a very high number of roundworms which were killed by the medication and are now trying to pass through the intestines.  In such a case it is possible for them to become a large enough accumulation of them to cause an intestinal blockage.  Lack of appetite and repeated vomiting would occur in such a situation.

    It may be a coincidence that the medication was given and now your dog is not feeling well.  In general if a pet has a decreased appetite for 48 hrs. or refuses to eat for 24 hours it is time to seek veterinary care.

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