Updated July 12, 2026·5 minper ESCCAPAnswer — in the first paragraph ↓
DOG · DEWORMING
An adult dog is dewormed on average every 3 months — the minimum ESCCAP recommends for a dog with ordinary walks. Less often, 1–2 times a year, applies only to an indoor dog with little contact with soil and no raw meat. More often, up to monthly, applies to hunting dogs, a raw diet and homes with small children. Puppies are dewormed far more often than adults.
01How often — by lifestyle
Dog
How often
Note
Indoor, no hunting
1–2 times a year
or a fecal test instead
Ordinary walks
every 3 months
baseline minimum per ESCCAP
Children at home, frequent walks
every 2–3 months
roundworms are a human risk
Hunting, raw meat (BARF)
monthly
or based on a fecal test
Instead of treating on a schedule, ESCCAP allows regular fecal testing — about four times a year. If the result is negative, no treatment is needed; if parasites are found, the dog is dewormed. Which path to take is decided with your vet based on the dog’s lifestyle.
02Puppies — a separate schedule
Puppies pick up roundworms before birth, through the placenta, so deworming starts early. From 2 weeks it repeats every 2 weeks until 8 weeks of age, then monthly until six months, and only then switches to the adult routine. The mother is dewormed at the same time as the litter.
03Why year-round
Unlike flea and tick control, deworming does not depend on the season. Roundworm and whipworm eggs survive in soil for years in any climate, and infection is possible indoors too. Flea control helps as well: fleas carry the tapeworm Dipylidium, so protecting against fleas lowers the risk of that worm.
Platera reminds you when it is time to deworm
An interval by your dog’s lifestyle, and a nudge when it is due.
Platera9:00 AM
Mia’s booster shot is tomorrow — clinic at 12:00
04Frequently asked
Do I have to deworm right before a vaccination?
There is no mandatory “10–14 days before the shot” rule: routine deworming and vaccination can be planned even on the same day. See the article on deworming before vaccination for more.
Does an indoor dog need deworming?
Yes, but less often — usually 1–2 times a year. Even without hunting a dog meets soil on walks, and parasite eggs get carried indoors on shoes. Your vet will suggest the exact frequency by lifestyle.
What happens if I miss a treatment?
A single delay is not dangerous but raises the infection risk — especially for dogs with frequent walks or a raw diet. Just treat your pet when you remember and return to your interval. Regularity matters more than the exact date.
Sources
ESCCAP Guideline 01: Worm Control in Dogs and Cats↗
