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Worms in Dogs and Cats: Types, Signs and Deworming Schedules

Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms: how pets get worms, the signs, how often to deworm puppies, kittens and adults, and the risk to people.

Updated October 2026 · 8 min read · By the Hushku editorial team · 2 sources

Short answer

Most puppies and kittens are born with or quickly pick up roundworms, so the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) recommends deworming from 2 weeks of age, every 2 weeks, then moving to a monthly parasite preventive. Adults should be on year-round monthly control, or dewormed four times a year, with stool tests at least twice a year.

Key facts

Puppies are often infected with roundworms before birth.
CAPC: deworm puppies and kittens from 2 weeks of age, every 2 weeks, then use monthly prevention.
Adults: year-round monthly control, or deworming 4 times a year, plus stool tests twice a year.
Roundworm eggs in soil can infect children; pick up faeces and wash hands.

Definition

Intestinal worms are parasites that live in the gut of dogs and cats. The main types are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms (dogs) and tapeworms. Some can also infect people, especially children.

Worms are extremely common, especially in young animals. Roundworm larvae lie dormant in an adult dog's tissues and reactivate late in pregnancy, so puppies are often infected before they're even born. Kittens pick them up from their environment, from prey and, if the mother is infected while nursing, through milk.

Many infected pets show no signs, which is why vets recommend regular deworming and stool tests rather than waiting for symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

A pot-bellied appearance in puppies and kittens
Diarrhoea, sometimes with blood or mucus
Vomiting, sometimes with worms visible
Weight loss or poor growth
A dull coat
Rice-like segments around the bottom (tapeworm)
Scooting
Pale gums from blood loss (hookworm)

Causes and risk factors

Passed from mother to young before birth or through milk
Swallowing eggs from contaminated soil, grass or faeces
Eating infected prey such as mice and birds
Swallowing fleas while grooming (flea tapeworm)
Hookworm larvae burrowing through the skin

Treatment

A dewormer prescribed for the worms found or likely
Repeat doses, as many dewormers don't kill immature stages
Flea control alongside tapeworm treatment
Stool tests to confirm treatment worked

Prevention

Puppies and kittens: deworm from 2 weeks, every 2 weeks, then monthly prevention
Adults: year-round monthly parasite control, or deworming 4 times a year
Stool tests at least 4 times in the first year and twice a year in adults
Pick up faeces promptly and wash hands
Year-round flea control

The risk to people

Roundworm eggs can survive in soil for years. Children who swallow eggs, for example from sandpits or playgrounds, can develop toxocariasis, which rarely affects the eyes or organs. Hookworm larvae can cause itchy skin tracks. Regular deworming, picking up after pets and handwashing protect your family.

Why a 'natural' approach isn't enough

Garlic, pumpkin seeds and other home remedies haven't been shown to clear worms reliably, and garlic is toxic to pets. Use a vet-recommended product.

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Sources

We check guides against veterinary sources and update them when guidance changes. How we write and review.

Questions.

How do I know if my dog or cat has worms?

Often you won't: many pets have no signs. A stool test at your vet is the reliable way to check, alongside regular preventive treatment.

Can I catch worms from my pet?

Some, such as roundworm and hookworm, can infect people, particularly children. Regular deworming, picking up faeces promptly and washing hands greatly reduce the risk.

How often should I deworm my adult dog or cat?

CAPC recommends year-round monthly parasite control that covers roundworms, or deworming at least four times a year if that isn't possible. Your vet may tailor this to your pet's lifestyle.