As vets, we’re often asked about how often a dog guardian should worm their dog.
Worming can be an annoying and difficult process for some dogs, though for many, it is as simple as a small pipette of liquid that is squeezed out onto their shoulder blades!
In this article, our Chief Veterinarian and Omni Co-Founder, Dr. Guy MRCVS, explains how often you ought to de-worm your dog.
How Often Should You Worm Your Dog?
The frequency with which you should apply worming treatment to your dog varies based on a number of factors.
How Your Dog’s Age Impacts Worming Frequency
Younger dogs, particularly puppies, need to have worming treatment far more frequently than most dogs.
Puppies can pick up worms either from their mother through nursing or else from the environment or other dogs they may meet, as they have a less well-developed immune system at that age.
Similarly, older dogs who have weakened immune systems may also require more worming more frequently.
How Your Dog’s Weight Impacts Worming Frequency
Most worming medication has guidance on the back that shows how much dosage to give dogs of different sizes.
Because worming medication works by entering the bloodstream and transporting the medication around the body, larger-bodied dogs need a stronger dosage to successfully eradicate the worms from their bodies than smaller dogs do.
It is therefore very important that you account for your dog’s weight when considering how strong a dose to give them when treating worms.
Our vets also recommend that you weigh your puppy frequently to not only monitor their healthy growth as they develop into full-size dogs, but also so you can apply the correct dosage of worming medication every two to three weeks throughout the early months of their lives.
How Your Local Area Impacts How Often You Should Worm
Your local vet is the best person to talk to about this.
Some areas are more high-risk than others, and this particularly affects dogs who scavenge more. More scavenging means more chance of coming across parasitic worms in the “wild” - even if that’s just in your neighbour’s bins!
In a rural area, you may find that you are at higher risk of worm infestations from farming or gardening waste. More wildlife (such as foxes, rodents and deer) can also mean more worms lurking in the undergrowth ready for your dog to accidentally eat.
Dogs in rural areas therefore may need more frequent worming.
Dogs in urban areas may still need more worming if they often (too many frequentlies) visit the dog park or areas with a high concentration of dogs, as they can easily pass worms between each other. This is also true for dogs who live in urban environments but frequently travel out of town.
As well as this, you should consider whether you live in a warm, humid climate or a cold, dry one. Warm and humid climates are more worm-friendly, allowing parasites to thrive in nutrient-rich soils, meaning you may want to apply worming treatment to your dog more frequently than if you lived in a cold, dry environment where worms struggle to survive.
If Your Dog Spends Time With Elderly People or Children…
Then you may want to worm more frequently.
The risk here isn’t purely to your dog, as there is a risk of your dog giving worms to people with weakened immune systems, as well as worms going the other way!
In this case, you may want to be more vigilant with worming your dog more regularly - within the limits of the product you are using and your vet’s advice - in order to ensure worms and worm eggs aren’t being unwittingly passed around the house.
How Does Worming Treatment Work for Dogs?
Many worming treatments are either a liquid that you place into the space between a dog’s shoulder blades or a tablet that they eat (usually alongside food or a treat).
In either case, the medication is usually absorbed into their bloodstream and transported through their entire bodies.
When the active ingredients of the medication encounter a parasitic worm, they act in such a way as to either kill or inactivate the parasite, causing them to get excreted as waste.
Why Are There Worms In My Dog’s Poop?
Usually this is because you have given your dog worming treatment and you are seeing the worms get excreted. This is nothing to worry about - just a case of the medication doing its job!
However, if you have not applied any medication to your dog, and nor has your vet, then it is a sign that your dog has worms and you should consult with a vet to find out the best course of action.
In any case, make sure to pick up your dog’s poops quickly and dispose of them hygienically in order to prevent worms from spreading around your house or garden.
When to Contact a Vet
You should contact a vet if:
- Your dog is vomiting, having diarrhoea, or showing symptoms of toxicity after having had a worming treatment.
- Your dog is expressing a large quantity of worms in their stools, especially if they have not received worming treatment.
- Your dog is losing weight rapidly despite eating enough food.
If you’re worried about your dog’s health, it’s always best to get professional advice. Book a free consultation with our vet team at Omni for expert guidance on worming treatment plans.
Thoughts from Dr Guy MRCVS
As dog lovers and guardians, it’s natural to worry about our furry friends, especially when they display abnormal symptoms that can’t be easily explained. That’s why, when I founded Omni, I knew that I wanted to keep vet consultation free and accessible at the heart of the business.
If you’re understandably worried about your dog, but you don’t think you need to take them to the vets urgently, I highly recommend getting some friendly, professional advice from one of our team.
Got a question for the Ask a Vet team?
Submit your question via email to woof@omni.pet. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can, and, if suitable, post the response here to help others, too!
Disclaimer: Our Video Vet Consultation service is limited because we are unable to perform a full physical examination of your pet. Our vets have no responsibility for the examination or other medical services provided during the Consultation.
Please note that our Video Vet Consultations do not replace traditional veterinary care, but can provide additional support. Based on the information you have provided and the symptoms you have described, the Vet will give you advice and an ongoing plan. Without a physical examination, we cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. If you are worried that your dog's condition is worsening, or you need additional support, please schedule another consultation, or see your registered vet.
