What type of parasite is treated with dewormers?

Dewormers are specifically designed to target helminths, which are parasitic worms that live in the intestines of their hosts. Helminths include various types of roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes. These parasites can cause a range of health issues in animals, including nutritional deficiencies and gastrointestinal disturbances. The action of dewormers works by either killing these worms or preventing them from reproducing, facilitating their elimination from the host's body.

Fleas, ticks, and mites are classified as ectoparasites, which live on the surface of the host and have different treatment protocols. Ectoparasites are typically managed with topical treatments, systemic insecticides, or specific antiparasitic medications formulated to target their life cycles and feeding habits. Thus, they do not respond to deworming medications, which are specifically designed for internal parasites.