Pet Worming Schedule
Stay on top of worming dates by age, lifestyle and last dose.
Worms — round, hook, whip, tape and lung — are common, often invisible, and some (like roundworm) are zoonotic (transferable to humans, especially children). Puppies and kittens need worming every 2–3 weeks until 12 weeks; adults vary from quarterly to monthly depending on lifestyle. This calculator works out your pet's next due date.
How this calculator works
Recommended frequency:
- Puppies & kittens: every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months
- Adult dogs (standard lifestyle): every 3 months
- Hunters, scavengers, raw-fed pets: monthly
- Households with young children: monthly to reduce zoonotic risk
- Indoor cats: every 6 months minimum
Tapeworm protection is often combined with flea control — fleas are the main tapeworm vector.
Frequently asked questions
Are over-the-counter wormers as good as prescription?
Most pet shop wormers cover round and tapeworms only. Prescription products are broader-spectrum (including hook, whip and lungworm). For dogs in lungworm areas, prescription is essential.
How do I know if my pet has worms?
Visible worms or rice-like segments in stool/around the anus, scooting, weight loss despite good appetite, dull coat, pot belly in puppies. Many infections show no signs at all — that's why regular preventive worming matters.
Can humans catch worms from pets?
Yes — roundworm and hookworm are zoonotic, especially risky for children who put hands in mouths after touching contaminated soil or stool. Regular worming and good hygiene prevent it.