How often should your dog be wormed

Imagine you’re in your Dallas apartment, holding a tiny chewable worm preventative in one hand and your 6-month-old Corgi pup in the other—you pause, suddenly unsure: “Did I give this to her last month? Or was it two months ago?” If this mix-up feels familiar, you’re far from alone. Tons of new U.S. dog owners struggle with figuring out how often to worm their dogs, especially when life gets busy—whether you’re juggling walks to the community park or cleaning up after your pup in a small apartment. The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but it’s simple once you break down your dog’s age and lifestyle.

Let’s start with the basics: Worms (like roundworms, hookworms, or tapeworms) don’t just make your dog sick—they can spread to humans too, especially kids who play in grass where your pup poops. Puppies are extra at risk because their immune systems aren’t fully grown; they can even get worms from their mom at birth. Adult dogs still need protection, though—they pick up worm eggs from sniffing contaminated soil in Chicago park fields, eating fleas (a common tapeworm carrier), or drinking dirty puddles after rain. Worming works by killing these eggs or larvae before they grow, so timing matters—skip a dose, and you leave your pup unprotected. My neighbor in Austin learned this the hard way: She waited 6 months to worm her Lab, and he ended up with a mild roundworm infection that needed extra meds.

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown for U.S. owners. For puppies (2–6 months old): Most vets recommend worming every 4 weeks. Their tiny bodies can’t fight off worms easily, and monthly doses keep up with their fast growth. Once they hit 6 months (adult size for small breeds like Chihuahuas) or 12 months (for large breeds like Great Danes), switch to every 3 months—this covers most adult dogs who go on regular walks, play in parks, or interact with other dogs. If your dog is a senior (8+ years) or has health issues (like kidney problems), ask your vet—they might suggest every 2 months to be safe. Pro tip: Mark worming dates in your phone’s calendar or stick a note on your fridge (next to your pup’s food!)—I do this for my Shih Tzu, and it never slips my mind.

Don’t forget U.S. rules and community norms that tie into worming. First, every state requires you to keep records of your dog’s worming and vaccines—some public parks or doggy daycares will ask to see these before letting your pup in (I saw a dad turned away from a Denver park last week because he forgot his dog’s papers). Always carry waste bags on walks: Picking up your pup’s poop right away isn’t just polite—it’s illegal to leave it in most neighborhoods (fines start at $30!) and stops worm eggs from spreading to other dogs or kids. If you live in an apartment, vacuum your pup’s bed and play area weekly—small spaces let worm eggs linger longer than yards. Most importantly, never punish your dog if they get worms (it’s not their fault!)—yelling or tapping their nose goes against U.S. animal welfare standards (the ASPCA calls this “harmful to trust”). Instead, reward them with a tiny treat after their worming chew—turning it into a happy routine they’ll look forward to.

If you’re ever unsure, just call your vet—they’ll tailor a schedule to your dog’s size, age, and lifestyle. With a little consistency, you’ll keep your pup healthy and skip the stress of last-minute “did I remember?” panics.