Keeping up with a proper worming schedule for your dog is one of the simplest things you can do to protect their health. Whether you've just brought home an eight-week-old puppy or you have a senior dog lounging on the back deck, intestinal worms are an ongoing risk across every life stage — especially in Australia's warm, humid climate. Knowing how often to worm your puppy and adult dog takes the guesswork out of prevention.
Why Regular Worming Matters in Australia
Australia's temperate-to-tropical conditions create an ideal breeding ground for intestinal parasites year-round. Unlike cooler climates where worm activity drops in winter, most regions across NSW, Queensland, and WA see consistent parasite pressure from season to season.
Left untreated, worms can cause weight loss, diarrhoea, a dull coat, and in severe cases, life-threatening illness — particularly in young puppies. Some species, like roundworm and hookworm, are also zoonotic, meaning they can be passed to humans.
A consistent worming routine is your best defence. Pair it with a comprehensive flea, tick, and worm prevention plan and you'll cover the main external and internal parasites in one go.
How Often to Worm a Puppy
Puppies are especially vulnerable because they can contract worms from their mother — in utero, through her milk, or from contaminated environments. That's why the worming frequency for puppies is much higher than for adults.
Here's a general puppy worming timeline:
- 2 weeks of age: First worming treatment (usually administered by the breeder).
- Every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age.
- Monthly from 12 weeks until 6 months of age.
- Every 3 months from 6 months onward (transitioning to the adult schedule).
If you're wondering how often you should worm a new puppy you've just brought home at eight or ten weeks, check when the breeder last treated them and continue on a fortnightly cycle until they hit the 12-week mark. Missing a dose during this critical window can let a worm burden build up quickly.
Quick tip: Mark worming due dates in your phone calendar with a recurring reminder. It's the easiest way to stay on track — especially during those hectic first months with a new pup.
Worming Schedule for Adult Dogs
Once your dog reaches six months of age, the standard recommendation is to worm every three months — that's four times a year. This quarterly schedule is widely accepted as the baseline for dogs across Australia.
However, some dogs may benefit from more frequent treatment. Consider worming monthly if your dog:
- Lives in a household with young children (to reduce zoonotic risk).
- Hunts or scavenges wildlife, rodents, or raw offal.
- Lives in a high-density environment such as a boarding kennel or multi-dog household.
- Has regular contact with livestock.
Staying consistent with a worming schedule for your dog is more effective than treating reactively once symptoms appear. By that stage, the worm burden may already be significant.
Common Worms Found in Australian Dogs
Understanding the types of worms helps you choose a product that covers all relevant species. The main intestinal worms affecting dogs in Australia are:
- Roundworm — Extremely common in puppies; transmitted via the mother or contaminated soil.
- Hookworm — Prevalent in warm, sandy environments; larvae can penetrate the skin.
- Whipworm — Found in soil and difficult to eliminate from the environment.
- Tapeworm — Often contracted through fleas or eating raw meat and offal.
Hydatid tapeworm is a particular concern in rural areas where dogs have access to livestock carcasses. Heartworm, while technically a different category, also requires separate preventative treatment in many parts of Australia — especially along the eastern seaboard and across the Top End.
Choosing the Right Worming Product
The best wormer is one that covers all four major intestinal worm types and is easy for you to administer consistently. Products come in tablets, chews, spot-ons, and liquid suspensions for puppies.
Trusted brands like Drontal offer broad-spectrum formulas designed to target roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm in a single dose. Look for an all-wormer rather than a single-species product to keep things simple.
When selecting a wormer, always match the product to your dog's current weight. Under-dosing reduces effectiveness, and weight can change rapidly in growing puppies — so weigh them before each treatment.
If your dog is also on a flea and tick preventative, check whether it includes a worming component. Some combination products handle multiple parasites, which can simplify your overall schedule. Browse our full dog flea, tick, and worm range to compare options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I worm my puppy too often?
Following the recommended schedule — fortnightly until 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months — is safe and necessary. Modern wormers are well-tolerated, and the risk of under-worming a young puppy is far greater than over-worming one. Stick to the label directions and dose by weight.
What are the signs my dog has worms?
Common signs include a pot-bellied appearance (especially in puppies), weight loss, scooting, visible worm segments in faeces, diarrhoea, and a dull coat. However, many dogs carry worms without showing obvious symptoms, which is why preventative worming on schedule is so important.
Do I still need to worm my dog in winter?
Yes. While parasite activity can slow slightly in cooler months in southern states like Victoria and Tasmania, worm eggs and larvae can survive in the environment for extended periods. Maintaining a year-round quarterly schedule ensures there are no gaps in protection.
Keeping your dog on a consistent worming schedule doesn't have to be complicated. Grab everything you need from our flea, tick, and worm collection and take the guesswork out of parasite prevention — if you're ever unsure about the right product or timing, have a quick chat with your vet.