If you are wondering how often to give your dog worming tablets, you are not alone. Intestinal worms such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworm are common parasites that are easily contracted by dogs through contaminated faeces, soil and dead wildlife.
In Australia, our warm climate creates ideal conditions for worms to thrive year-round. In most cases, you may not be able to tell if your dog has worms. Adult dogs tend not to become unwell from small numbers of worms, however it is common for puppies to experience problems such as diarrhoea, anaemia and intestinal blockage. Regular worming is essential for every Australian dog owner.
How Often Do Puppies Need Worming Tablets?
- Puppies require much more frequent worming than adult dogs. This is because they are highly susceptible to worm infections from birth.
Puppies require more frequent worming, usually at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age, due to in utero and milk transmission of roundworms.
Puppy worming schedule:
- 2 weeks old: First dose
- 4 weeks old: Second dose
- 6 weeks old: Third dose
- 8 weeks old: Fourth dose
- After eight weeks, administer worming tablets every month until six months old, then every three months thereafter.
It has been estimated that over 30% of puppies less than 6 months of age shed roundworm eggs. This frequent worming schedule helps break the worm lifecycle and protects both your puppy and your family.
How Often Do Adult Dogs Need Worming Tablets?
Once your dog reaches six months of age, the worming schedule becomes less intensive but remains essential.
Adult dogs should be wormed every 3 months.
Adult dog worming schedule:
- Every 3 months (quarterly) for most dogs
- Dogs that are regularly exposed to parasites, such as farm dogs or dogs that spend a lot of time outside, may need to be wormed more frequently.
- Dogs in hydatid tapeworm areas should be wormed every 6 weeks
Some dog owners prefer monthly all-in-one treatments that combine flea, tick, heartworm and intestinal worm protection. Products like NexGard Spectra or Simparica Trio simplify the routine while providing comprehensive coverage.
What Types of Worms Affect Dogs in Australia?
In Australia, the most common worms are hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, flea tapeworms, hydatid tapeworms and heartworms. Understanding each type helps you choose the right dog worming tablets.
Roundworms
Adult roundworms are long, white and spaghetti-like, and live in the intestinal tract. They are extremely common in puppies and can cause a pot-bellied appearance, stunted growth, and diarrhoea.
Puppies can get roundworms from their mother prior to birth in the womb or soon after birth via the milk. Roundworms are also zoonotic, meaning they can infect humans, particularly children.
Hookworms
Hookworms are the most common intestinal worm to affect dogs in Australia. They are particularly dangerous because they feed on blood.
Hookworms are much shorter than roundworms and have sharp, biting mouthparts which they use to attach to the intestinal wall to feed on blood. In severe infestations, the level of blood loss can be fatal.
Hookworms can be contracted through a wider range of possibilities, like penetrating through their skin, including a dog's paws. This means dogs can become infected simply by walking on contaminated soil.
Whipworms
Whipworms are an important cause of disease, even in older dogs. Adult whipworms live in the large intestine where their thin head burrows into the intestinal wall. They can cause diarrhoea with mucus and are notoriously difficult to diagnose.
Tapeworms
The flea tapeworm is the most common tapeworm infesting dogs in Australia and is transmitted by fleas. If your dog has fleas, they are at risk of tapeworm. You may notice rice-like segments in their faeces or around their bottom.
What Are the Signs My Dog Has Worms?
Many dogs with worms show no symptoms at all, which is why regular dog worming tablets are so important. However, watch for these warning signs:
Common symptoms of worm infestation:
- Diarrhoea (sometimes bloody or with mucus)
- Vomiting
- Weight loss despite normal appetite
- Pot-bellied appearance (especially in puppies)'
- Dull, poor coat condition
- Scooting or licking bottom
- Visible worms in faeces
- Lethargy and weakness
Signs include poor coat condition, weight loss, diarrhoea, vomiting, or visible worms in faeces. However, many dogs show no symptoms, so routine worming is essential.
Can Dog Worms Infect Humans?
Yes, and this is a significant reason to maintain a regular worming schedule.
Roundworms and hookworms are zoonotic. Regular worming and prompt removal of dog faeces reduce human infection risk.
Dog hookworms can be caught through the skin. This commonly happens by being barefoot outdoors and coming into contact with larval hookworms in soil or sand contaminated with stool from an infected dog.
Children are particularly at risk because they play in areas where dogs may have toileted. Keep sandpits covered when not in use, pick up dog faeces promptly, and maintain your dog's worming schedule to protect your whole family.
What Should I Look for in Dog Worming Tablets?
When choosing dog worming tablets, consider which worms the product treats, your dog's weight, and ease of administration.
Most wormers cover roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Some products also include heartworm protection.
Types of worming treatments:
Chewable tablets: Palatable and easy to give with food
Standard tablets: Can be hidden in food or given directly
Spot-on treatments: Applied to the skin, useful for dogs who refuse tablet
All-in-one products: Combine worming with flea, tick, and heartworm protection
When choosing any kind of worm medicine, it is essential to know your dog's weight, as the dosage will depend on it. Always select the correct weight range for effective treatment.
Popular Australian brands include Drontal, Milbemax, ParaGard, and combination products like NexGard Spectra and Simparica Trio.
Keep Your Dog Protected Year-Round
Regular dog worming tablets are a simple but essential part of responsible pet ownership in Australia. Whether you choose a quarterly wormer or a monthly all-in-one treatment, consistency is key to keeping your dog healthy and your family safe.
At LifePaws, we stock a range of health essentials for Australian dogs. Browse our Health & Wellness collection for digestive support and overall wellbeing products that complement your dog's regular parasite prevention routine.
Protect your dog from worms all year round. Shop health essentials at LifePaws today.