Deworming Dogs and Cats: How Often, and Which Dewormer

Worms are near-universal in Indian pets, and most infestations show no obvious sign until they are heavy. Deworming is preventive, not a treatment you start after spotting something.

Frequency

Puppies and kittens: every 2 weeks from 2 weeks old until 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months. Adults: every 3 months as a baseline. Dogs that scavenge, hunt or spend time on the street may need it more often — ask your vet.

Choosing a dewormer

A broad-spectrum product covering roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm is the sensible default. Dose strictly by current body weight, not by the weight written on the last prescription — an underdose does very little.

Signs of a heavy burden

A pot belly with a thin body, dull coat, scooting, visible rice-like segments near the tail, or a puppy that eats well but does not gain weight. Any of those warrant a faecal test rather than guesswork.

A note on human risk

Roundworm and hookworm can infect people, children especially. Regular deworming plus picking up faeces promptly protects your family as much as your pet.