How often do dogs need worm treatment?

every three months

Proper treatment for worms in dogs is an essential part of pet ownership, as many canine worms are zoonotic and can be passed on to humans. It is important to understand the different types of worms, what to look out for, and how often worm treatments should be administered to ensure that our pets stay healthy and happy. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of worms, the symptoms of worm infestations, and how often dogs need worm treatment. We’ll also discuss the importance of taking preventative measures to reduce the risk of worm infestations in your pet. We hope that you find this information useful and that it helps you to keep your pet safe and healthy.

5 Vitally important facts about worming your dog

1. The treatment (eradication) of worms in dogs is very effective with dog worming medication. Dog worming medication does not prevent worms.

2. A dog may receive a worming on a Monday, become worm-free by Tuesday, and become infected again by Thursday.

3. Regular deworming increases the likelihood that your dogs will be worm-free. But even if your dog was recently dewormed, it is still possible for them to get worms again if you suspect they have them.

4. If you take your dog back to the places where they first got worms, they might get them again.

5. Roundworms, tapeworms and lungworms all do different types of harm. Consult your veterinarian about the specific anti-worm medication they suggest and learn which worms it is intended to combat.

There is a widespread misconception that treating worms in puppies will prevent the dog from needing ongoing worming as it ages, despite the fact that worms typically tend to be more prevalent in younger animals. The truth is that worms can infect and re-infect a dog at any time. So even a recently wormed dog still risks reinfection within a few days, if not a few weeks.

Zoonotic diseases are those that humans can contract from animals. They may even result in blindness in the most severe circumstances.

To find out more about the most common types of dog worms and how they can affect a dogs health, we spoke with Dr Sue Huggett, who holds a PhD in parasitic worms and is the Business Manager for Beaphar UK, a pet healthcare and pharmaceutical manufacturer whose product range includes wormers, fleas treatments and other healthcare products for cats, dogs, small animals and birds.

How often do dogs need worm treatment?

Worms. I think we can all agree they’re icky.

But here’s a surprise: You will need to consider it as a new puppy owner.

Despite having been domesticated for thousands of years, dogs still enjoy scavenging for food on anything they can get their paws on. The implication of this is that occasionally we may have to deal with parasites like worms.

You’ll know a lot more about dog worms and how to worm a puppy after reading this article.

Your veterinarian will most likely give you a wormer once you have your puppy at home. After weekly worming them until they are twelve weeks old, you should worm them once a month until they are six months old, and then every three to six months after that.

It may sound like a lot of worming, but it will be done. Whoops, worth* it.

Puppy’s Age How often should they be wormed?
3-12 weeks Weekly
12 weeks – 6 months Monthly
Over 6 months Every 3- 6 Months

The following additional symptoms may indicate that your dog has a worm infestation:

  • Weight loss
  • Cough
  • Dry, coarse coat
  • Diarrhoea or vomiting
  • Change in appetite. Roundworms feed off your dog’s stomach contents causing an increased appetite. Worms can equally make them feel bloated and uncomfortable, leading to loss of appetite.
  • Blood in their poo
  • A pot-bellied appearance
  • Contact your veterinarian if your dog exhibits any of these signs. Take along a sample of their waste or any worms you find, if you can, so your veterinarian can identify the worm. This will enable them to suggest the appropriate course of action and restore that tail-wagging behavior!

    FAQ

    Do dogs need worming every month?

    Up until the age of six months, pets should have monthly wormings, and then 4 times a year for both roundworm and tapeworm after that. Lungworm treatment for dogs needs to be done monthly. Worming treatments can be administered either at home or in the office by the veterinarian. Treatment is either via a tablet or a spot on.

    How often should I deworm my dog?

    Routine worming treatments for puppies can easily control common worms. From twelve weeks of age until six months of age, they should be dewormed every two weeks. For effective protection, all dogs after six months must be wormed every three months. Learn more about worms and your dog.

    How many treatments does a dog need for worms?

    An adult worming schedule can be started for puppies once they are six months old. For optimal defense, adult dogs must receive worming treatments every three months.

    How often should I flea and worm my dog?

    You should de-flea and worm your pet once a month. Not only will this keep them from suffering from either condition’s side effects, but it will also give your pet complete protection and freedom from pain.