How often should I worm my adult dog?

Most adult dogs need worming every one to three months depending on lifestyle. Dogs that hunt, eat raw food, or live with young children may need monthly 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 can acquire roundworms from their mother before birth.

Do I need lungworm prevention?

Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) has spread across much of the UK. Vets now recommend monthly lungworm prevention for most UK dogs — ask your vet about local risk.

Can I buy dog wormers from a supermarket?

Some products are sold over the counter, but many are less effective or do not cover lungworm. Your vet can prescribe licensed products matched to your dog's needs and local parasite risks.

Dog Health

How Often Should I Worm My Dog UK?

Quick answer

Most UK adult dogs need **[worming](/glossary/worming) every one to three months** — monthly if they hunt, eat raw food, or live with young children. Puppies need treatment **every two weeks from two weeks old**. Use **vet-prescribed products** that cover lungworm. Ask your vet for a schedule matched to your dog's lifestyle.

Key takeaways

Most adult dogs need worming every one to three months depending on lifestyle. Dogs that hunt, eat raw food, or live with young children may need monthly treatment. Follow your vet's recommendation.
From two weeks of age, every two weeks until twelve weeks, then monthly until six months. Puppies can acquire roundworms from their mother before birth.
Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) has spread across much of the UK. Vets now recommend monthly lungworm prevention for most UK dogs — ask your vet about local risk.

The full picture

Causes, home monitoring, treatment options and the exact signs that mean call your vet — in the complete guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I worm my adult dog?: Most adult dogs need worming every one to three months depending on lifestyle. Dogs that hunt, eat raw food, or live with young children may need monthly 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 can acquire roundworms from their mother before birth.
Do I need lungworm prevention?: Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) has spread across much of the UK. Vets now recommend monthly lungworm prevention for most UK dogs — ask your vet about local risk.
Can I buy dog wormers from a supermarket?: Some products are sold over the counter, but many are less effective or do not cover lungworm. Your vet can prescribe licensed products matched to your dog's needs and local parasite risks.

Reviewed 2026-07-19 against UK veterinary guidance · Information only — not a substitute for seeing your vet.