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How do dog worming pills actually get rid of internal worms?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | spayed

How do worming tablets work in dogs?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 31, 2016

That would depend on the type of worming tablet. Usually wormers will enter the intestine and either damage the worms' nervous system so they starve to death or the wormer is toxic to the worms and will kill them right away. Oral wormers will usually stay in the intestine and will not be absorbed.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Dewormers "paralyze" intestinal parasites so they cannot hold on to (or release their hold) the lining of your pet's intestine. They are then excreted. Most dewormers will not affect circulating larvae which is why multiple doses are frequently required to clear infection.

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