Should pet dogs be given parasite prevention

If you’ve debated skipping that monthly deworming pill for your dog—thinking “they’re indoor-only, so they’re safe”—you’re not alone. First-time U.S. pet owners often question if worm prevention is necessary, but when my friend’s 6-month-old Pug, Buddy, developed roundworms despite rarely going outside, it was a wake-up call. Those worms stunted his growth and made him lethargic, and treating them cost three times more than a month of prevention. The short answer? Yes—worm prevention is non-negotiable, even for “low-risk” dogs, because the risks to their health (and yours) are too high.

Worms aren’t just a “gross” nuisance—they’re dangerous. Roundworms and hookworms steal nutrients, causing weight loss and anemia; heartworms (spread by mosquitoes) can kill adult dogs within months; and tapeworms (carried by fleas) make dogs itchy and uncomfortable. Even indoor dogs aren’t safe: fleas can hitch a ride on your shoes, and soil tracked in on boots may have worm eggs. Puppies are extra vulnerable—they can get roundworms from their mother’s milk, even if she seems healthy. Buddy’s case? He picked up fleas from a guest’s jacket, and those fleas gave him tapeworms. Worm prevention breaks this cycle by killing larvae before they mature into harmful adults.

The first step is to talk to your vet—they’ll recommend a plan based on your dog’s age, size, and lifestyle. For puppies, deworming starts at 2–3 weeks old (every 2 weeks until 16 weeks) because their immune systems are weak. Adult dogs usually need monthly or quarterly prevention—many options combine worm protection with flea/tick meds, which saves time. For apartment dwellers, pair meds with regular cleaning: vacuum floors weekly (worm eggs stick to carpets) and wipe your dog’s paws with pet wipes after walks to remove soil. Always pick up your dog’s poop within 10 minutes—worm eggs become infectious in as little as 24 hours, putting other pets at risk.

Never scold your dog if they get worms—this violates U.S. animal welfare norms and doesn’t fix the problem. Instead, praise them when they take their prevention meds (hide pills in peanut butter to make it easy). Stay compliant with local laws: Keep your dog’s rabies vaccine up to date (required nationwide) and always carry waste bags—cities like New York fine up to $250 for not cleaning up after your pet, and leaving poop spreads worm eggs in parks. At dog parks, avoid letting your dog sniff other pets’ waste, and use positive reinforcement (a treat for coming when called) to keep them away from high-risk areas.

Worm prevention is cheaper, easier, and less stressful than treating an infestation. With a vet-approved plan and simple hygiene habits, you’ll keep your dog healthy—and avoid the heartache of watching them suffer from a preventable problem.