How often to deworm an adult dog according to risk (ESCCAP)
Family with two children aged 2 and 5 and a 3-year-old Golden Retriever that walks daily in playgrounds and eats whatever it finds. They deworm it "once a year, with the vaccine".
Which internal deworming recommendation is most appropriate?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. Monthly against roundworms (or monthly faecal tests), because of the close contact with young children
Correct. ESCCAP recommends monthly treatment (or monthly faecal tests) in dogs with a high risk of transmission to people, such as those living with young children or immunocompromised people and visiting parks. This stops Toxocara from reaching egg-laying.
B. Once a year, at vaccination
Studies show that deworming 1–2 times a year does not significantly reduce egg shedding in the dog population.
C. Only when worms are seen in the faeces
Most infections in adult dogs are subclinical and no worms are seen in the faeces, even though thousands of eggs are being shed.
D. Every 6 months, because an adult dog is already immune to Toxocara
The relative immunity of adults reduces patent infections but does not prevent them: adult dogs can shed eggs, especially if they eat prey or faeces.
lightbulb Key takeaway
If individual risk has not been assessed, ESCCAP recommends at least 4 treatments a year. For dogs with a high risk of transmission to people, monthly. A valid alternative is regular faecal testing at the same frequency.
References: ESCCAP Guideline 01: Worm Control in Dogs and Cats (6.ª ed., 2021)
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.