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

Most adult dogs are wormed every one to three months. Monthly treatment is the usual starting point if they hunt, scavenge, eat raw food, live with young children, or need lungworm prevention. Your vet should match the product to weight and local risk.

Do indoor cats still need worming?

Yes. Roundworm eggs hitch a ride on shoes and clothing, and fleas carry tapeworm. Indoor cats are typically wormed every 1–3 months; hunters and cats in homes with young children often need monthly treatment.

Does a supermarket wormer cover lungworm?

Often not. Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs) has spread across much of the UK. Ask your vet whether monthly prevention is needed — and check the label covers lungworm, not only roundworm.

Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ suggests a cadence from species, age and lifestyle: puppies and kittens need frequent early doses; most adults every 1–3 months; hunters, raw-fed dogs and homes with young children often monthly, plus year-round fleas. Confirm products with your vet — this is not a prescription.

UK worming & flea schedule

Lifestyle changes how often UK dogs and cats need worming. This checker suggests a cadence from PDSA, Blue Cross, BVA and ESCCAP UK guidance — your vet still chooses the product.

Read the full guides: how often to worm a dog, cat worming schedule and lungworm in dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I worm my adult dog in the UK?: Most adult dogs are wormed every one to three months. Monthly treatment is the usual starting point if they hunt, scavenge, eat raw food, live with young children, or need lungworm prevention. Your vet should match the product to weight and local risk.
Do indoor cats still need worming?: Yes. Roundworm eggs hitch a ride on shoes and clothing, and fleas carry tapeworm. Indoor cats are typically wormed every 1–3 months; hunters and cats in homes with young children often need monthly treatment.
Does a supermarket wormer cover lungworm?: Often not. Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs) has spread across much of the UK. Ask your vet whether monthly prevention is needed — and check the label covers lungworm, not only roundworm.