Worming Schedule for Puppies, Kittens, Cats & Dogs

Worms can be one of the most common and frustrating ailments of puppies and kittens but sometimes it can be the easiest to fix. Hookworms and roundworms are by far the most common worms found in puppies and kittens. Roundworms compete with your pet for food and can cause malnutrition or intestinal obstruction. Hookworms live on intestinal blood and can cause anemia.

Strategic Deworming Guidelines

Strategic deworming is a practice recommended by the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Puppies
• Every 2 weeks until 3 months of age, starting at 2 weeks old.
• Once a month from 3 to 6 months of age
• After 6 months, follow adult recommendations. Also after six months, use a heartworm preventative medication that is effective against hookworms and roundworms.

Kittens
• Every 2 weeks until 3 months of age, starting at 3 weeks old.
• Once a month from 3 to 6 months of age.
• After 6 months, follow adult recommendations.

Adult Dogs and Cats
• Treat regularly, considering potential exposure to parasites (example: four times a year)
• A continued surveillance of parasite prevalence in your area is recommended.

Bitches and Queens
• Once prior to mating
• Once at birthing
• Lactating bitches and queens should be treated concurrently with puppies and kittens.


Newly Acquired Animals
Note: Obtain the deworming history of the new pet from previous owner.
• Worm Immediately; then repeat after 2 weeks, then follow guidelines above.

The first indication that a dog or cat is infected with some type of parasite is, very often, the presence of "something" in the dog's or cat's feces. If your dog or cat (or other pet) passes anything unusual in its feces, SAVE IT! Your veterinarian will usually find it more helpful to "see" what was in your pet's feces than to listen to your description of it. The best way to save such specimens is to pick them out of your pet's feces and put them into a container containing some alcohol (rubbing alcohol works fine). The alcohol will kill and preserve the specimen.

Round and Hookworms
Evict
Nemex Tabs

Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms & Tapeworms from rodents
Panacur C Canine Dewormer

Tape Worms
Tradewinds Tapeworm Tabs

Tapeworm, Roundworm & Hookworms
Drontal for Cats

The materials, information and answers provided through this website are not intended to replace the medical advice or services of a qualified veterinarian or other pet health care professional. Consult your own veterinarian for answers to specific medical questions, including diagnosis, treatment, therapy or medical attention.

Return to Articles