Should you give your dog worm prevention

Imagine you’re in your Los Angeles apartment, watching your 6-month-old Corgi pup sniff every patch of grass during your evening walk—they stop to lick a puddle, then try to nibble something in the dirt, and suddenly you’re panicking: “Could that give them worms?” If this anxiety feels familiar, you’re one of millions of new U.S. dog owners who’ve wondered if worm prevention is really necessary. Spoiler: It’s not just “nice to have”—it’s a key part of keeping your pup healthy, especially when you’re navigating apartment life or community park trips.

Let’s break down the science simply: Dogs pick up worms (like roundworms, hookworms, or tapeworms) super easily—from contaminated soil in your neighborhood park, fleas they catch from other dogs, or even drinking dirty rainwater. Puppies are extra at risk because their immune systems aren’t fully grown, but adult dogs aren’t safe either—worms can cause diarrhea, weight loss, and even serious organ damage if left untreated. Worm prevention works by stopping tiny worm larvae from growing into full, harmful worms, which is way easier (and cheaper!) than treating an infestation later. My friend in Chicago learned this the hard way: She skipped prevention, and her Lab needed expensive meds to clear a roundworm infection—now she never misses a dose.

So, should you do it? Absolutely—and here’s how to start. First, visit a vet (not just buy over-the-counter meds!)—they’ll pick a prevention plan that fits your dog’s age, size, and lifestyle (like a chewable treat for apartment pups who hate pills). Stick to the schedule: Most preventatives are monthly, and skipping even one dose can leave your dog unprotected. Add small daily habits too: Wipe your pup’s paws with a pet-safe wipe after walks (to remove soil with worm eggs) and avoid letting them eat trash or poop from other dogs (gross, but a common worm source!). If you have a yard, pick up your dog’s poop daily—this stops worm eggs from spreading to your pup or neighborhood kids.

Don’t forget U.S. rules and community norms. Every state requires you to keep records of your dog’s preventive care—some parks or doggy daycares will ask to see them before letting your pup in. Always carry waste bags: Leaving poop behind isn’t just rude—it’s illegal in most cities (I saw a mom get a $45 ticket in Austin for this last week!) and lets worm eggs contaminate public spaces. In apartments, clean your pup’s bed and toys weekly with a pet-safe disinfectant—small spaces mean worm eggs can linger longer. Most importantly, never use “homemade” worm remedies (like garlic or essential oils)—they’re unsafe and don’t work. And never punish your pup if they get worms—yelling or hitting goes against U.S. animal welfare standards (the ASPCA calls this “harmful to trust”). Instead, reward them with a tiny treat after their monthly preventative—turning it into a happy routine.

Worm prevention might feel like one more thing on your to-do list, but it’s worth it. With a vet’s help and simple daily steps, you’ll keep your pup healthy—and skip the stress of dealing with an infestation.