How Often Should You Worm Your Dog? A Dosing Schedule by Age

Knowing the right worming schedule for your dog is one of the simplest ways to protect them from intestinal parasites that can cause serious health issues. Whether you have a brand-new puppy or a senior companion, the frequency of treatment changes as your dog grows. Here's a clear, age-based guide so you always know when the next dose is due.

Why Regular Worming Matters

Intestinal worms — including roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm — can live inside your dog without obvious symptoms for weeks or even months. Left untreated, a heavy worm burden may lead to weight loss, diarrhoea, a dull coat, and lethargy.

Puppies are especially vulnerable because they can pick up worms from their mother before birth or through her milk. A consistent dosing routine eliminates existing parasites and helps prevent re-infection between treatments.

Worms aren't just a pet health issue either. Some species are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans — another strong reason to stay on top of your dog's flea, tick, and worm prevention.

How Often to Worm a Puppy

Figuring out how often to worm your puppy is straightforward once you know the age milestones. Because puppies are born with a high risk of roundworm exposure, they need more frequent treatments in the early weeks.

• 2 weeks old: First worming treatment.
• 2–12 weeks: Worm every 2 weeks.
• 12 weeks – 6 months: Worm once a month.
• 6 months onwards: Transition to an adult schedule (typically every 3 months).

Starting early is critical. Many breeders will begin the first round before handover, so always ask what has already been given and when the next dose is due.

Adult Dog Worming Schedule

For most adult dogs over six months of age, a worming schedule of once every three months (four times a year) is the widely recommended standard. Quarterly dosing keeps the lifecycle of common intestinal worms disrupted so they never establish a significant burden.

Some owners find it easiest to align treatments with the change of each season — a simple trick that makes the routine almost automatic. Pick the first day of each new season and treat on or around that date.

If your dog regularly eats raw meat, scavenges on walks, or lives alongside young children, you may choose to worm monthly instead. More frequent exposure to potential parasite sources justifies a tighter dosing interval.

Senior Dogs & High-Risk Cases

Older dogs should continue on at least a quarterly schedule. Ageing immune systems can be less efficient at keeping low-level infections in check, so skipping treatments is never a good idea.

Certain situations also call for additional vigilance:

• Pregnant or nursing dogs — may need treatment timed around whelping to reduce transmission to puppies.
• Dogs in multi-pet households — higher environmental contamination means a stricter routine pays off.
• Dogs with a history of tapeworm — flea control is essential alongside worming, because fleas carry tapeworm larvae. Browse our full range of flea, tick, and worm products for dogs to cover both bases.

Choosing the Right Wormer

Not all wormers target every species of intestinal parasite. Look for a broad-spectrum product that covers roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm in a single tablet or chew. Drontal is one of the most trusted veterinary-grade options and is available in formulations for both puppies and adult dogs.

When selecting a product, match it to your dog's current body weight — not an estimate from months ago. An under-dosed treatment may not fully clear an infection, while the correct dose ensures reliable protection.

Combination products that also address heartworm or external parasites can simplify your routine further. If you're unsure which format suits your dog best — tablet, chew, or spot-on — our dog parasite prevention category makes it easy to compare options side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I worm my puppy too often?

Following the recommended fortnightly-to-monthly puppy schedule is safe and necessary. Modern broad-spectrum wormers are well tolerated, and the risk of leaving a young puppy unprotected far outweighs any concern about over-treatment. Simply stick to the intervals outlined above.

What are the signs my dog might have worms?

Common indicators include a pot-bellied appearance (especially in puppies), scooting, visible worm segments in faeces, diarrhoea, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss. However, many dogs carry worms with no visible symptoms at all, which is exactly why a preventative schedule is so important.

Do I still need to worm my dog if they're on a monthly heartworm preventative?

It depends on the product. Some heartworm preventatives also cover certain intestinal worms, but not all of them — tapeworm, for instance, is often excluded. Check the label of your current product and add a dedicated intestinal wormer like Drontal if any gaps exist.

Staying on top of your dog's worming schedule doesn't have to be complicated. Pick a quality broad-spectrum wormer, set your reminders, and adjust frequency to your dog's age and lifestyle. If your dog has complex health needs, a quick chat with your vet can help tailor the plan. Ready to stock up? Shop our full range of dog worming and parasite prevention products and never miss a dose.