Knowing the right worming schedule for your dog is one of the simplest ways to protect them from nasty intestinal parasites year-round. Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs all have different needs — and in Australia's warm, humid climate, worms thrive almost every season. Below, we break down exactly how often you should worm your dog at every life stage so you never miss a dose.
Why Regular Worming Matters in Australia
Australian dogs face exposure to roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm throughout the year. Unlike cooler climates where parasite activity dips in winter, much of Australia — from coastal Queensland to suburban Sydney — stays warm enough for worm larvae to survive in soil and grass almost year-round.
Left untreated, intestinal worms can cause weight loss, diarrhoea, anaemia, and in severe cases, life-threatening illness in puppies. A consistent dosing schedule is your best line of defence.
How Often to Worm a Puppy
Puppies can pick up worms from their mother before they're even born, which is why worming needs to start early. Understanding how often to worm a puppy is critical because their immature immune systems make them especially vulnerable to heavy parasite loads.
Here's the general guideline most Australian vets follow:
- 2–12 weeks old: Worm every 2 weeks.
- 12 weeks – 6 months old: Worm once a month.
- 6 months and older: Transition to the adult schedule (every 3 months).
Starting at two weeks of age and maintaining this frequency ensures larvae are dealt with before they mature into egg-laying adults. If you've just brought home a new pup, check whether the breeder or rescue organisation has already begun a puppy worming routine, and continue from where they left off.
Quick tip: Set a recurring reminder on your phone for each worming date. It's easy to lose track — especially during those hectic early puppy months — and even a short gap can give worms a chance to take hold.
Worming Schedule for Adult Dogs
Once your dog reaches six months of age, you can generally move to a quarterly worming schedule — that's once every three months, or four times a year. This is the standard recommendation for most healthy adult dogs across Australia.
A simple way to remember: worm at the start of every new season. Summer, autumn, winter, spring — four seasons, four doses. This approach keeps protection consistent, especially in regions like the Northern Territory or Far North Queensland where warm, wet conditions accelerate parasite life cycles.
If you're already using a monthly all-in-one flea, tick, and worm protection product, check whether it covers intestinal worms as well. Some monthly treatments handle the lot, while others only target specific parasites.
Dogs That May Need More Frequent Worming
Not every dog fits neatly into the standard quarterly schedule. Some situations call for more frequent treatment:
- Hunting or raw-fed dogs: Dogs that eat raw meat, offal, or catch prey (including rodents and lizards) face higher exposure to tapeworm and hydatid worm.
- Dogs in multi-pet households: More animals in shared spaces means a greater chance of re-infection through contaminated faeces.
- Dogs around young children: Some roundworm species are zoonotic, meaning they can pass to humans. Monthly worming may be recommended when young kids share the home.
- Dogs with a flea problem: Fleas carry tapeworm larvae. If your dog has had a recent flea infestation, a tapeworm dose is a smart follow-up.
In these scenarios, monthly intestinal worming rather than quarterly can provide an extra margin of safety for your dog and your family.
Choosing the Right Worming Product
The best wormer is one that covers all four major intestinal worm types — roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm — and is appropriate for your dog's weight. Tablets, chews, and spot-on treatments are all available, so you can pick the format your dog tolerates best.
Trusted broad-spectrum options like those in the Drontal range are a popular choice among Australian pet owners for good reason: they target all key intestinal worms in a single dose. Whether you prefer a palatable chew your dog takes as a treat or a traditional tablet, there's a format to suit fussy eaters and easy-going dogs alike.
When buying, always double-check the product label for the correct weight range. Under-dosing won't provide full protection, and it's one of the most common mistakes pet owners make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I worm my puppy and give flea treatment at the same time?
In most cases, yes — separate worming tablets and topical flea treatments can be given on the same day. However, always read the label of each product to confirm compatibility. Some combination products handle both in one dose, simplifying your routine.
What are the signs my dog has worms?
Common signs include scooting, a pot-bellied appearance (especially in puppies), visible worm segments in faeces, weight loss, and diarrhoea. Keep in mind that many dogs with worms show no obvious symptoms at all, which is exactly why sticking to a preventative schedule is so important.
Is it possible to over-worm my dog?
When used according to the manufacturer's directions and at the correct weight-based dose, modern wormers are very well tolerated. That said, there's no benefit to worming more frequently than recommended unless your dog falls into a higher-risk category. Following the schedule outlined above strikes the right balance between protection and practicality.
Keeping your dog on a consistent worming routine doesn't have to be complicated. Browse our full range of dog flea, tick, and worm products to find the right protection for your pet — and if you're unsure which product suits your dog's specific needs, have a quick chat to your vet for personalised advice.