How often should I worm my adult dog in the UK?

Most adult dogs need worming every one to three months depending on the product and lifestyle. Dogs that hunt, eat raw meat or spend time with children may need more frequent treatment. Follow your vet's recommendation.

When should puppies be wormed?

From two weeks of age, every two weeks until twelve weeks, then monthly until six months. Puppies are born with roundworms and need regular treatment from early life.

Do UK dogs need lungworm prevention?

Yes in affected areas. Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is spread by slugs and snails and is increasingly found across the UK. Monthly preventive worming is recommended — ask your vet if your area is endemic.

A–Z topic · W

Worming schedules

Quick answer

UK dogs need **regular worming tailored to age and lifestyle**. Puppies require frequent treatment from two weeks old. Adults typically need worming every 1–3 months. **Lungworm prevention** is essential in affected UK areas. Use vet-prescribed products — many supermarket wormers are ineffective.

Key takeaways

Most adult dogs need worming every one to three months depending on the product and lifestyle. Dogs that hunt, eat raw meat or spend time with children may need more frequent treatment. Follow your vet's recommendation.
From two weeks of age, every two weeks until twelve weeks, then monthly until six months. Puppies are born with roundworms and need regular treatment from early life.
Yes in affected areas. Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is spread by slugs and snails and is increasingly found across the UK. Monthly preventive worming is recommended — ask your vet if your area is endemic.

The full guide

Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.

Read: Dog Worming Schedule UK Check symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I worm my adult dog in the UK?: Most adult dogs need worming every one to three months depending on the product and lifestyle. Dogs that hunt, eat raw meat or spend time with children may need more frequent treatment. Follow your vet's recommendation.
When should puppies be wormed?: From two weeks of age, every two weeks until twelve weeks, then monthly until six months. Puppies are born with roundworms and need regular treatment from early life.
Do UK dogs need lungworm prevention?: Yes in affected areas. Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is spread by slugs and snails and is increasingly found across the UK. Monthly preventive worming is recommended — ask your vet if your area is endemic.