Deworming: A Small Step with a Big Impact

When it comes to animal care, we tend to focus on what we can see: Shiny coats, healthy hooves, steady weight, bright eyes. But real health? That starts where we can’t see. One of the most overlooked yet essential parts of a solid care routine: deworming.

Whether you’ve got a whole barn full of horses, a flock of chickens, a herd of cattle, or just a scrappy barn cat that’s taken up residence on your porch, internal parasites are the kind of threat that flies under the radar – until they don’t. Dewormers are one of the simplest and most effective tools we have to keep our animals healthy and thriving.

What You Can’t See Can Hurt Them

Internal parasites (yep, we’re talking worms) quietly wreak havoc behind the scenes. They can cause weight loss, mess with digestion, and chip away at your animal’s immune system. And they’re sneaky. Most of the time, you won’t know they’re there until symptoms start showing – and by then, the damage has begun.

These freeloaders make themselves at home in the digestive tracts of livestock and pets alike: horses, chickens, cows, sheep, goats, dogs, cats – you name it. They can enter through contaminated pasture, water, feces, or even grooming if you’ve got animals living in close quarters. Once they’re in, they start robbing your animals of nutrients, damaging internal tissue, and laying eggs that get passed back into the environment to keep the cycle going.

Why It Matters

You might not notice parasite problems right away, but left unchecked, they’ll show up loud and clear. Common signs include:

• Weight loss or slow weight gain
• A dull or rough-looking coat
• Digestive issues: colic, diarrhea, bloating
• Lethargy or just “off” behavior
• A weakened immune system

And in severe cases, death

In livestock, this means lower productivity and profit. In pets, it means discomfort and a lower quality of life. In horses, it can compromise performance and long-term well-being.

Bottom line? Deworming isn’t just a box to check. It’s part of doing right by your animals.

Horses

Horses do best with a strategic deworming plan, often based on fecal egg counts. Rotating dewormers (like ivermectin, moxidectin, fenbendazole, and praziquantel) helps prevent resistance. Spring and fall are common times for treatment, but it really depends on age, pasture conditions, and overall health.

Here’s what we recommend for your horses:

• First Companion Ivermax Ivermectin Equine Paste – A broad-spectrum dewormer with 1.87% ivermectin to tackle internal parasites, including bots and the arterial stages of Strongylus vulgaris. Plus, it’s apple-flavored—so it’s easier to give and more palatable for your horse.
• Merck Safe-Guard Dewormer for Horses – Contains 10% fenbendazole to cover a wide range of equine parasites. The apple-cinnamon flavor helps with acceptance, making this a solid pick for rotational use and long-term parasite control.

• Pfizer Quest Plus Gel Dewormer for Horses – Combines moxidectin and praziquantel in an easy-to-use gel to handle a broad range of parasites—including tapeworms and encysted small strongyles. One dose provides up to 84 days of protection and is safe for horses six months and older.

Poultry

Even your backyard flock isn’t off the hook. Chickens can pick up roundworms and cecal worms, especially if they’re raised on the same patch of ground. Deworming is usually done as needed. Look for signs like weight loss, pale combs, or a drop in egg production.

Good coop hygiene, rotating pasture areas, and periodic fecal checks go a long way in keeping your birds parasite-free.

• Merck Safe-Guard Aquasol Dewormer for Chickens – A water-soluble dewormer that targets gastrointestinal parasites, including roundworms. We love it because it’s stress-free: Just mix it into their drinking water for easy, flock-wide treatment.

Dogs

Deworming starts in puppyhood, but it doesn’t stop there. Many heartworm and flea preventatives also guard against intestinal worms, but your dog’s lifestyle, age, and environment all factor into what they need, and when.

Even healthy adult dogs benefit from regular vet visits and occasional fecal testing to catch any issues early.

• Merck Safe-Guard Canine Dewormer for Dogs – Comes in pre-measured pouches based on your dog’s weight. It’s safe for puppies, pregnant dogs, and seniors, making it a reliable choice across the board.

Livestock (Cattle, Goats & More)

Parasite resistance is a real issue in livestock. It’s critical to use the right dose, based on weight, and avoid overuse. Target young stock at key growth stages, rotate pastures, and consider natural methods like multi-species grazing to help manage parasite populations.

At Elston’s, we’ve got reliable deworming options for your cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and more. If it lives in your pasture, we can help keep it protected.

Signs to Watch For

Even with the best prevention, parasites can still sneak in. Stay alert for:

• Dull coat or poor body condition
• Unexplained changes in appetite
• Loose stool or diarrhea
• Coughing or respiratory symptoms
• Visible worms in feces (especially in younger animals)

Tail rubbing or scooting (common in dogs)

These signs might seem subtle, but they matter. The earlier you catch them, the easier the treatment, and the quicker the recovery.

Consistency Is Key

Deworming isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s part of a year-round approach that goes beyond just products. Keep parasites at bay with:

• Clean stall and pasture management
• Rotated grazing areas
• Proper manure disposal
• Clean feed and water systems
• Routine veterinary check-ins and fecal testing

And of course, choosing the right dewormer at the right time

We’re Here to Help

At Elston’s, we know there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to parasite control. But there are tried-and-true tools and routines that make a real difference. We’re proud to carry the dewormers you trust – no fluff, just what works.

Need help choosing the right product or figuring out a plan? Just ask. We’re here with practical, personalized advice. Rooted in experience and focused on the health of every animal you care for.

Ready to get ahead of parasites? Let’s build your deworming plan today.

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Elston Hay & Grain

For over 55 years, Elston’s has been San Diego’s go-to for animal care and rural living. We proudly support generations of horse lovers, livestock caretakers, pet owners, and home growers with top-notch hay, feed, and supplies. Rooted in ranching and built on friendly know-how, we’re here to help you care for your animals with confidence. Whether you’re raising chickens, feeding a stable, or spoiling your pup, here at Elston’s we’ve got what you need.

Shop online or swing by our Ramona and Poway locations: https://elstonhayandgrain.etailpet.com/products/shop/