Knowing the right worming schedule for your dog is one of the simplest ways to protect them from dangerous intestinal parasites. Whether you've just brought home a new puppy or you're caring for a senior, how often you worm them changes with age. This guide breaks down exactly when and how frequently to deworm at every life stage.
Why Regular Worming Matters
Dogs pick up intestinal worms from contaminated soil, feces, prey animals, and even fleas. Common culprits include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms — all of which can cause weight loss, diarrhea, lethargy, and a dull coat.
Some worms are also zoonotic, meaning they can pass to humans. Children and immunocompromised individuals are especially vulnerable. Sticking to a consistent deworming routine protects your whole household, not just your dog.
Worm infestations don't always show obvious symptoms. By the time you notice something is wrong, the parasite burden may already be significant. Prevention on a reliable schedule is far easier — and cheaper — than treating a heavy infestation after the fact.
How Often to Worm a Puppy
Puppies are especially susceptible to worms because they can contract roundworms from their mother in the womb or through nursing. That's why worming a puppy needs to start early and happen frequently.
Here's the generally recommended timeline for how often to worm your puppy:
- 2 weeks old: First deworming dose
- Every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age
- Once a month from 12 weeks until 6 months of age
- Every 3 months from 6 months onward (transitioning to the adult schedule)
This frequent early dosing is critical because puppies can harbor large worm burdens that interfere with growth and nutrient absorption. Missing even one dose during those first few months can leave your puppy vulnerable.
Quick tip: Mark your puppy's deworming dates on a calendar or set phone reminders. It's easy to lose track during the fortnightly dosing phase, and consistency is key to breaking the parasite lifecycle.
Worming Schedule for Adult Dogs
Once your dog reaches six months of age, most dogs transition to a worming schedule of once every three months — that's four times a year. This frequency targets the lifecycle of common intestinal worms before they can mature and start shedding eggs.
An easy way to remember: deworm at the start of each season. Spring, summer, fall, winter — dose and done.
Keeping up with quarterly treatments is especially important because adult dogs are constantly re-exposed to parasites through their environment. Even well-kept dogs that spend most of their time indoors can pick up worm eggs on walks or from fleas that carry tapeworm larvae.
Dogs That May Need More Frequent Worming
Some dogs face higher parasite exposure and may benefit from monthly worming rather than quarterly. Consider more frequent deworming if your dog fits any of the following profiles:
- Hunting or working dogs that eat raw prey or carcasses
- Dogs in multi-pet households or shared yards
- Dogs that live with young children (to reduce zoonotic risk)
- Dogs with a history of heavy worm burdens
- Dogs that frequently scavenge or eat feces
If your dog regularly catches and eats rodents or rabbits, they're at elevated risk for tapeworms in particular. Flea control also plays a role here — dogs with flea infestations are far more likely to contract tapeworms from ingesting infected fleas during grooming.
A combined approach to flea, tick, and worm prevention gives your dog the most complete protection against parasites year-round.
Choosing the Right Wormer
Not all dewormers cover the same parasites. Look for a broad-spectrum wormer that targets roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms in a single dose. This simplifies your routine and ensures nothing slips through the gaps.
Trusted broad-spectrum options like Drontal are popular with dog owners because they cover all major intestinal worm species in one tablet. Chewable and tablet formulations are available to suit fussy and easy-going dogs alike.
Always choose the correct product size for your dog's weight. Underdosing won't fully clear parasites, and most products come in weight-range variants for small, medium, and large breeds. Weigh your dog before purchasing if you're unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see worms if my dog has them?
Sometimes, but not always. You may spot roundworms (resembling spaghetti) or tapeworm segments (small rice-like pieces) in your dog's stool or around their rear end. However, many infestations show no visible signs, which is why preventive scheduling is so important.
What happens if I miss a worming dose?
Give the next dose as soon as you remember, then resume the regular schedule from that date. A missed dose means parasites have extra time to mature and reproduce, so getting back on track quickly limits the potential damage.
Can I worm my dog more often than every three months?
Yes. Monthly worming is safe with most broad-spectrum products and is recommended for high-risk dogs. If you're unsure whether your dog qualifies as high-risk, a quick chat with your vet can help you decide on the right frequency.
Ready to stock up on your dog's next deworming treatment? Browse our full range of affordable flea, tick, and worm products for dogs and never miss a dose again.