Worms, Ticks, and Fleas? Oh My!

Jaime Ward
Jun 22
2 min read

Tiny pup, big voice! This little poodle is letting the world know exactly how he feels about fleas, ticks, and worms—adorable and dramatic all at once. — Tiny pup, big voice! This little poodle is letting the world know exactly how they feel—adorable and dramatic all at once.

Let’s be real—dogs are adorable, but they also have some pretty gross habits. Whether it’s gulping pond water, chomping on critters, or rolling in mysterious “treasures,” they’re bound to run into things that make pet parents cringe. Unfortunately, that includes parasites like worms, fleas, ticks, and pesky protozoans like giardia and coccidia.

Don’t worry—if your dog ends up with any of these, it’s not a sign you’re doing something wrong. It just means… you have a dog.

🦠 Where Do These Parasites Come From?

Parasites are sneaky and often come from:

Contaminated water
Wildlife like mice or rabbits
Flea or tick bites
Contact with other dogs, parks, or shared potty areas

One surprisingly common chain of events?Mice often carry fleas, and fleas often carry tapeworm eggs. If your pup catches or eats a mouse, they might end up ingesting the eggs—and boom, tapeworms.

🧫 The Most Common Culprits

The two most common parasites we see in dogs are:

1. Giardia

A protozoan infection that causes diarrhea, weight loss, and upset stomach. It spreads through infected water or contaminated surfaces (like puddles or communal bowls).

2. Tapeworms

Flat worms that often come from ingesting fleas. You might even spot tiny “grains of rice” near your pup’s rear—those are tapeworm segments. Gross, but treatable! 🌿 Treating Giardia Naturally

If you prefer a natural remedy, we recommend using MOOM:A homeopathic solution made with high-quality oregano essential oil diluted in extra virgin olive oil.

It’s gentle, safe, and effective—plus, it’s hard to overdose with this combo. We’ve included a downloadable PDF guidewith exact instructions on how to use it.

💡 Always talk to your vet before starting any natural treatment, especially for young puppies.

💊 Treating Tapeworms (DIY Option)

For tapeworms, we use Merck Safeguard Goat Dewormer (fenbendazole).It’s safe, easy to find at farm supply stores like Tractor Supply, and used by breeders and vets alike.

How to use it:

Give it for 3 consecutive days
Wait 2 weeks
Repeat for another 3 days

Note: Always check with your vet before beginning any treatment plan, even if it's over-the-counter.

🐾 Monthly Parasite Prevention

Prevention really is easier than treatment. That’s why we recommend a regular monthly routine to keep your dog protected from:

Fleas
Ticks
Heartworms
Intestinal parasites

What we use at By Design Poodles:

NexGard – for fleas and ticks
Interceptor – for heartworms and internal worms

There are other great options too—just ask your vet what’s best for your pup’s lifestyle and region.

🐕 Final Thoughts

Parasites are just part of dog life—but the good news is, with the right tools and some proactive care, they don’t have to be a problem. Whether you go natural, use conventional dewormers, or combine both approaches, staying ahead of infestations is key.