One of the most common questions we get is: How often should I worm my pet? And can you worm them too little — or even too much?

If your dog or cat goes outdoors, hunts, eats raw meat or offal, or occasionally snacks on other animals’ poo (yep, it happens!), regular worming is essential for their health.

Unlike flea and tick preventatives, worming treatments don’t prevent worms — they only treat active infections. These medications kill any worms currently in your pet’s system, but they don’t provide ongoing protection against future infestations.

Puppies and kittens should be wormed every two weeks until 12 weeks of age, as their developing immune systems and curious habits (licking, chewing, eating everything!) make them especially vulnerable.

Adult pets should be wormed every three months. This timing aligns with the typical life cycle of most intestinal worms — from egg to adult — and helps break the cycle before worms can multiply.

If you spot signs of worms between scheduled treatments, ask yourself:

• Could it be something else? (Scooting or itchiness isn’t always caused by worms.)

• Is the treatment effective against all common worm types, including tapeworm?

• Are you using the correct dose for your pet’s current weight?

While it’s technically possible to worm more frequently than every three months, it’s usually unnecessary. Over-worming isn’t immediately dangerous, but repeated overuse can lead to reduced effectiveness over time due to treatment resistance.

Sticking to the three-month schedule is a safe, proven approach. But if you notice anything unusual or suspect a worm problem, don’t wait — give us a call. We’re here to help!