Characterization of deworming practices against gastrointestinal parasites in dogs from veterinary clinics in Santa Anita, Lima, Peru

Bacilio Arbañil A.J.M.; Chuquizuta-Ramos C.A. · Revista Veterinaria (2026) · DOI: 10.30972/vet.3719052

Resumen

Internal deworming is essential for maintaining animal health and preventing zoonotic diseases, with veterinarians (DVMs) playing a key role in its correct implementation. This study aimed to describe the deworming practices adopted by DVMs in the district of Santa Anita, Lima. A survey was administered to 36 licensed and accredited DVMs working in local veterinary clinics between October and December 2023. Most respondents reported that the first deworming in puppies should be performed at four weeks of age, following a protocol of 4, 8, and 12 weeks. For adult dogs, 41.67% recommend deworming every two months, and 38.89% every three months. The most commonly cited criteria for deworming were professional experience (91.67%) and the dosage indicated in the product leaflet (77.78%). Only 5.56% of the DVMs always performed fecal examinations, and 19.44% considered all relevant host factors when deciding on deworming. The most frequently used active ingredients in puppies were pyrantel pamoate/praziquantel (16.67%) and oxibendazole/praziquantel (16.67%), while in adult dogs fenbendazole/pyrantel pamoate/praziquantel (19.44%) and febantel/pyrantel pamoate/praziquantel (16.67%) were predominant. The study reveals considerable variability in deworming protocols, emphasizing the need for improved communication on best practices and the promotion of continuous veterinary education. © (2026), (Universidad Nacional de Nordeste (UNNE)). All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad Científica del Sur