Worming refers to the process of giving medication to dogs to prevent or treat infestations of internal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. These parasites can cause a variety of health problems for dogs, ranging from mild digestive upset to more serious issues like anemia, weight loss, and even death in severe cases. Regular worming is essential to keep your dog healthy and prevent the spread of parasites to other animals and humans.

Puppies should be wormed every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then monthly until they are six months old, and then every three to six months thereafter. Adult dogs should be wormed every three months, although dogs that are regularly exposed to parasites (e.g., farm dogs, dogs that spend a lot of time outside) may need to be wormed more frequently.

There are several types of worming medications available for dogs, including tablets, chewable tablets, topical spot-on treatments and worming syrups. Some medications are broad-spectrum, meaning they target multiple types of parasites, while others are specific to certain types of worms.

Yes, you can worm your dog at home. A vet can also administer this medication if you are not confident giving your dog a tablet. Worming medications are available over-the-counter at pet stores, online pet stores and vets.

Side effects to worming medication treatment are not common, although they are possible. Some dogs may experience mild side effects from worming medication, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy. These symptoms usually resolve on their own within a day or two. In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, such as allergic reactions or neurologic symptoms.

While it's impossible to completely eliminate the risk of your dog getting worms, there are several steps you can take to minimise their risk of exposure. These include keeping your dog on a regular worming schedule, practising good hygiene (e.g., washing your hands after handling your dog's faeces), and minimising their exposure to other animals' faeces (e.g., picking up after your dog and avoiding areas where other dogs may have defecated).