After a Doberman puppy is born, it may become infected with parasites through suckling, licking its own coat, and licking the ground. Some internal parasites, such as roundworms, can even be transmitted through the placenta and remain inside the body. Because puppies are physically weak and their intestinal cavity is narrow, severe parasitic infection may lead to parasitic enteritis, which can show as alternating diarrhea and constipation, thin stool with mucus, bloody or greasy stool, vomiting, poor appetite, depression, pale mucous membranes, weight loss, and anemia.
Parasitic disease in puppies is mainly caused by roundworms, hookworms, coccidia, tapeworms, and flukes. However, if infestation is not severe, there may be no obvious clinical symptoms. Adult Dobermans have fewer parasite infections, which is related to their stronger body condition and better immunity. Regular deworming is therefore an effective way to prevent parasitic infection, and it may be done orally or by injection.
At present, a common practice is to begin deworming at about two months of age, usually at the same time as the first vaccination. After that, the timing should be adjusted according to physical examination findings, stool testing, and the dog’s general condition. It is worth noting that if a puppy already has severe parasitic enteritis, supportive nutrition such as intravenous fluids should be provided before the deworming treatment is started. Deworming must be performed regularly rather than just once.
Strictly speaking, from birth to three months old, deworming should be done about once every two weeks. From three months to one year old, it should be done every three months, and after that about every five to six months. For female dogs, deworming is often recommended before mating and again about one month after giving birth. This is not only necessary for dogs that eat raw or mixed food. Even Dobermans that eat only dog food can still need deworming, because commercial dog food is usually processed with high-temperature short-time methods that may still allow some parasite eggs to remain.
If a family member is planning pregnancy, following the deworming schedule strictly is especially appropriate. Human antiparasitic drugs must never be used on the dog. Injectable deworming also carries relatively higher risk, because the quality of veterinary practice and drug use may vary. For safety reasons, very young Dobermans generally should not receive deworming injections casually.