How Often Do I Worm My Dog

How Often Do I Worm My Dog

Worming your dog regularly is a key part of keeping them healthy and protected from internal parasites. Worms can cause a range of issues—from mild discomfort to serious health problems—so it’s important to stay on top of a proper worming schedule. But how often do you need to do it? The answer depends on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and health.

From the energetic puppy chewing everything in sight to the older dog that enjoys a good roll in the grass, every dog is at risk of picking up worms. Regular treatment keeps your dog, your household, and even your family safe.

A Guide to Worming Frequency in the UK

In the UK, the general recommendation is to worm adult dogs every three months. However, in some cases—such as dogs that scavenge, live in multi-pet households, or are around children—monthly worming may be advised.

The exact schedule may vary based on your vet’s advice, the type of wormer you’re using, and your dog’s specific risk factors. Not all worming treatments are the same, so always follow product guidelines and consult your vet when starting or changing a worming routine.

Puppy Worming Schedule

Puppies are more vulnerable to worms, particularly roundworms, which they can pick up from their mother before birth or through nursing. Because of this, worming starts early and happens more frequently than with adult dogs.

The typical puppy worming schedule is:

• Every 2 weeks from 2 to 12 weeks old
• Then monthly until they’re 6 months old
• After 6 months, most dogs move to an adult worming routine—usually every 3 months

Puppies should be weighed regularly to ensure the correct dosage. Giving too much or too little can either harm your puppy or leave them unprotected.

Dog Worming Treatments

Worming treatments come in various forms, including tablets, liquids, pastes, and spot-on treatments. Some protect against just intestinal worms, while others cover fleas and worms in one. Most commonly used products protect against:Roundworms, Tapeworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, Lungworms (with some specialised products)

It’s important to choose the right wormer for your dog’s needs. Lungworm, for example, can be deadly and isn’t covered by all standard wormers. Dogs that eat slugs, snails, or drink from puddles may be at greater risk and need monthly lungworm protection.

Four Reasons Why Regular Worming Matters

1. Protects your dog’s health: Worms can cause weight loss, diarrhoea, vomiting, and even organ damage in severe cases.
2. Prevents spread to humans: Some worms, like roundworm and tapeworm, can pass from pets to people—especially children.
3. Reduces reinfection risk: Dogs can re-pick up worms from outdoor environments or by grooming themselves after exposure.
4. Keeps your home safer: Regular worming lowers the chance of contamination in your home, garden, or on your dog’s bedding.

What If a Worming Treatment Is Missed?

If you miss a dose, don’t panic—but act quickly. Give the next dose as soon as you remember, then reset your schedule from that point. A one-off delay won’t usually cause serious harm, but repeated missed doses can leave your dog vulnerable and allow worms to multiply.

Dogs that are overdue for worming may start to show subtle signs like scooting, a bloated belly, weight loss, or dull coat. More severe cases can involve visible worms in stools or vomiting.

What Happens If a Dog Isn’t Wormed?

Without routine worming, dogs can become infected with parasites that damage their health over time. Untreated worms can cause nutritional deficiencies, digestive issues, and more serious conditions like anaemia or intestinal blockages. Lungworm, in particular, can lead to respiratory distress or internal bleeding and can be fatal if not treated in time.

Even if your dog seems fine, parasites can be present without obvious symptoms. Routine worming is the best defence.

Some Dogs Need Monthly Worming, Not Quarterly

While every 3 months is standard advice, certain dogs need monthly worming, including:

• Dogs that scavenge or eat faeces
• Dogs that live with young children or vulnerable adults (to reduce zoonotic risk)
• Dogs that spend lots of time off-lead or in woodland
• Dogs at risk of lungworm (common in the UK and transmitted by slugs/snails)

If in doubt, vets often recommend a more cautious, monthly approach for higher-risk dogs. This is especially true in multi-dog households or rural settings.

Lungworm Requires Specific Treatment and Timing

Standard wormers don’t always protect against lungworm. Brands like Advocate or Milbemax cover it, but not all do—so check the packaging or ask your vet.

Also worth noting:lungworm treatment must be given monthly to be effective. If your dog is at risk and you’re only worming quarterly, they’re unprotected. This is a common mistake.

Natural Worming Remedies: Helpful or Harmful?

Some owners ask about natural alternatives to worming, like pumpkin seeds, garlic (not safe), or herbal blends. These might have some antiparasitic properties, but they are not a reliable replacement for veterinary-approved medication.

Vets advise against using natural methods alone, as they don’t kill worms effectively and can give a false sense of security. If someone wants to go this route, it should be discussed with a vet and paired with regular faecal testing.

You Can Get a Faecal Worm Count

Instead of routine worming, some owners opt for a worm egg count (also called a faecal test). These tests check for worm eggs in your dog’s poo and can help avoid unnecessary treatments. They’re often used by natural pet owners or breeders.

However, they only detect current infestations—not all types of worms—and won’t prevent future exposure. So they’re not a complete alternative to worming but can be part of a targeted prevention strategy.

Worming and Flea Treatment Often Go Hand-in-Hand

Many pet owners give worming and flea treatments together, especially with combo products. But not all of them sync up in timing. For example:

• Some flea treatments are monthly, while worming is every 3 months
• Lungworm protection requires monthly worming, while tapeworm may only need quarterly treatment

It’s important to get clarity on what each product covers and whether you need separate treatments to cover all risks.

Summary

Most adult dogs in the UK should be wormed every three months, while puppies need worming more frequently from as early as two weeks old. Lifestyle and risk level may mean some dogs need monthly protection, especially against lungworm. Regular worming keeps your dog healthy, prevents the spread of parasites, and protects your family too. Speak to your vet about the right worming plan for your dogand stay consistent to keep those unwanted guests at bay.