Dog Worming Treatments
64 productsFind the right worming treatment for your dog, whether you want a routine all-wormer tablet or an all-in-one chew that covers fleas and ticks as well.[more] Browse worming tablets, chews, spot-ons and puppy syrups from Drontal, Milbemax and Simparica Trio, part of our vet-recommended dog flea, tick and worming treatments range.
Why every dog needs regular worming
Intestinal worms are one of the most common health problems in dogs, and most of the time you will not see any sign of them until an infestation is well established. Puppies are often born with worms, and adult dogs pick them up from the environment, other animals, fleas and raw food. Some, like roundworm, can also spread to people. That is why worming is a routine you keep up rather than something you reach for once there is a problem: a regular worming tablet clears the worms before they build up and do harm.
Which worms do dogs get?
Dogs get four main intestinal worms, and a good all-wormer covers all of them in one dose:
- Roundworm: the most common, especially in puppies, and the one that can spread to people.
- Hookworm: attaches to the gut wall and feeds on blood, which can be serious in young dogs.
- Whipworm: lives in the large intestine and can be stubborn to clear.
- Tapeworm: usually picked up from fleas or scavenging; the segments look like grains of rice around your dog's rear.
Heartworm is a separate, mosquito-borne worm that a standard wormer does not cover, which is worth understanding before you choose a product.
All-wormer tablets vs single wormers
Most dogs are wormed with an all-wormer, often labelled 3-in-1 or all-in-one, a single tablet that treats roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm together. Brands like Drontal and Milpro make all-wormer tablets in sizes across the range. A single-target wormer is only used on your vet's advice for a specific worm, so for routine care a broad all-wormer is the simpler choice. If your dog is also due for flea and tick cover, an all-in-one monthly chew like Simparica Trio handles worms and other parasites in one go.
Intestinal worming and heartworm are not the same
This is the most common worming mix-up, so worth being clear: a worming tablet treats intestinal worms in the gut, but it does not prevent heartworm. Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes and affects the heart and lungs, and it needs its own heartworm prevention, given as a monthly dose or a yearly injection through your vet. Many all-in-one chews cover both intestinal worms and heartworm, but if you use a basic all-wormer, check that heartworm is handled separately.
How often should I worm my dog?
Most adult dogs need worming every three months, while puppies need it far more often because they are more vulnerable. Use this as a guide only, and always follow the dosing instructions on the pack:
Keep every dog in the home on the same schedule, as worms spread easily between pets.
Choosing a format: tablets, chews, spot-ons and syrups
Worming treatments come in a few formats, so pick the one your dog will take without a fuss:
- Tablets are the classic all-wormer, given with food; Drontal and Milpro are the common choices.
- Worming chews are palatable and easy for fussy dogs, and many all-in-one chews include worm cover.
- Spot-ons such as Advocate cover intestinal worms alongside fleas, useful for dogs who will not take a tablet.
- Syrups make dosing a young puppy far easier than a tablet.
Trusted worming brands
Australia's leading dog wormers differ mainly in the format and the extra cover they add:
- Drontal: all-wormer tablets and chews covering the four intestinal worms, in sizes from puppy to large dog.
- Milbemax and Milpro by Virbac: small film-coated all-wormer tablets, easy to give to small dogs and puppies.
- Simparica Trio and NexGard Spectra: monthly all-in-one chews that add flea, tick and heartworm cover.
- Advocate: a monthly spot-on covering intestinal worms, fleas and heartworm (not tapeworm or ticks).
Want to learn more?
- Not sure which worms to treat? Our vets explain the signs in Worms in Dogs.
- Need flea and tick cover too? See dog flea, tick and worming treatments.
- Sort out mosquito-borne worms with heartworm prevention.
- Worming a cat too? See cat worming treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can sometimes see worms in a dog's poo, most often tapeworm segments that look like grains of rice around the rear or in the stool, or spaghetti-like roundworm after a heavy burden. Many worms stay invisible, though, so a clear stool does not mean your dog is worm-free. Our dog poo chart shows what else your dog's stool can tell you, and any blood, mucus or ongoing diarrhoea warrants a vet visit.
Some dog worms can spread to humans, with roundworm the main concern, particularly for young children who play where dogs toilet. The risk is low with good hygiene and regular worming, so worm your dog on schedule, pick up droppings promptly and wash hands after handling pets. Speak to your doctor if anyone in the home has symptoms you are worried about.
A good worming tablet is a broad all-wormer that covers roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm, dosed to your dog's weight, from a registered veterinary brand. Decide whether you also need heartworm, flea or tick cover, as an all-in-one chew may suit better than a standalone wormer. Your vet can help you match the right dog wormer to your dog's age and lifestyle.
Some all-in-one chews cover worms and some do not, so it always pays to check the label. Products like Simparica Trio and NexGard Spectra add intestinal worm and heartworm cover to flea and tick protection, while flea-and-tick-only chews do not treat worms at all. If your chew does not cover worms, pair it with a separate all-wormer.
Yes, indoor dogs still need regular worming, because worm eggs are carried inside on shoes, fleas and other pets, and dogs groom and sniff their way into contact with them. Indoor dogs generally need the same routine worming as any other dog, though your vet may adjust it for a very low-risk lifestyle. Worming every dog in the home keeps the whole household protected.
