The frequency of deworming a dog depends on its age, lifestyle, and risk factors:
- Puppies: Deworming should start at 2 weeks of age and be repeated every two weeks until about 12 weeks old. After that, puppies should be dewormed monthly until they reach 6 months of age due to their higher susceptibility to worms, often contracted from their mother
- Adult dogs: Generally, adult dogs should be dewormed at least twice a year, or every 3 to 4 months. Dogs with higher exposure to other animals, outdoor environments, or at higher risk of infection may require more frequent deworming, such as every 3 months or even monthly during certain seasons
- Senior dogs: Follow the adult schedule but consult a veterinarian to adjust based on health and immune status
Veterinarians often recommend tailoring the deworming schedule to the individual dog's needs, including lifestyle and local parasite risks. Regular fecal testing can help determine if deworming is necessary. Additionally, many heartworm preventatives also cover some intestinal worms, which can influence the deworming frequency
. Typical Deworming Schedule Summary:
Age Group| Deworming Frequency
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Puppies (2-8 weeks)| Every 2 weeks
Puppies (3-6 months)| Monthly
Adult dogs (>6 months)| Every 3 to 4 months (at least twice a year)
High-risk adult dogs| Possibly monthly or every 3 months
Consult your veterinarian for a schedule tailored to your dog's specific needs and local parasite risks
