Deworming Dogs & Cats 2025: Vet Approved Parasite Plans 🐶🐱

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Worms are gross—but they’re also dangerous. Many pet owners don’t realize how common intestinal parasites are in dogs and cats, or how easily they spread to humans.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. In this guide, I’ll explain how often to deworm your pets, what products work, how to prevent reinfection, and when to worry.

🧫 Common Worms in Dogs and Cats

• Roundworms: Most common; passed through soil, feces, or mother’s milk
• Hookworms: Attach to the intestine and cause blood loss
• Tapeworms: Transmitted via fleas; seen as “rice grains” near the anus
• Whipworms: Live in the large intestine; can cause chronic diarrhea
• Lungworms: Acquired by eating slugs/snails or drinking puddle water

📅 Deworming Schedule by Age & Risk

🐶 Puppies

• Every 2 weeks from 2 to 12 weeks of age
• Then monthly until 6 months
• Then every 3 months (or as advised by your vet)

🐱 Kittens

• Same as puppies: every 2 weeks until 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months
• Indoor cats should still be dewormed quarterly

🦴 Adult Dogs and Cats

• Every 3 months for most pets (4 times/year)
• Monthly for high-risk pets (hunters, raw-fed, outdoor access)

🔬 Symptoms of Worm Infestation

• Diarrhea, vomiting, or soft stools
• Pot-bellied appearance (especially in puppies)
• Weight loss or poor coat
• Dragging bottom (scooting)
• Visible worms in stool or near anus

💊 Best Deworming Products (By Category)

Over-the-Counter Options

• Pyrantel, fenbendazole (for roundworms and hookworms)
• Often limited spectrum — always check label

Prescription Dewormers

• Drontal, Milbemax, Interceptor Plus, Revolution Plus
• Often combine intestinal + external parasite protection

👨⚕️ Vet Tips for Deworming

• Weigh your pet before dosing — underdosing is ineffective
• Always treat all pets in the household at the same time
• Keep your pet on monthly flea control (especially for tapeworms)
• Worms are zoonotic — always wash your hands after cleaning up poop

🏡 Hygiene and Prevention

• Pick up poop promptly in yard and on walks
• Use poo bag dispensers with sanitizing wipes on outings
• Don’t let pets drink from puddles or stagnant water
• Wash bedding regularly

🔗 Tools from Ask A Vet

• Ask A Vet – Track your deworming schedule and get treatment reminders

📋 Summary Excerpt

Worms are common, dangerous, and easy to prevent. A veterinarian explains how often to deworm your pet, what products to use, and how to stop reinfection.

❓ FAQs

• Q: Can indoor cats get worms?
  A: Yes — from raw food, fleas, or tracked-in soil. Deworm quarterly just like dogs.
• Q: Are OTC wormers enough?
  A: Sometimes. But prescription products are more effective and broader spectrum.
• Q: Can my dog give me worms?
  A: Yes — some parasites are zoonotic. Always wash hands and deworm regularly.