Worming treatment (dog)
Typical UK price: £12–£35
What is worming treatment (dog)?
Regular worming treats and prevents internal parasites including roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and hookworms. Dogs that eat grass, scavenge, hunt, or mix with other dogs are at higher risk. Prescription wormers such as Milbemax or Drontal Plus cover a broad spectrum of parasites. Lungworm prevention (Advocate, Nexgard Spectra) is increasingly important for dogs in affected areas of the UK.
Why do prices vary between vets?
- Dog weight — products are weight-banded, with larger dogs requiring larger doses
- Product spectrum — broad-spectrum products covering lungworm cost more than basic roundworm/tapeworm treatments
- Whether the product covers lungworm — Advocate and similar products require a higher-cost prescription
- Purchase channel — using a written prescription at an online pharmacy reduces costs for repeat treatments
Frequently asked questions
How often should I worm my dog?
Most adult dogs should be wormed every 3 months. Dogs at higher risk — those that scavenge, live with young children, hunt, or in lungworm-endemic areas — may benefit from monthly treatment. Puppies need worming every 2 weeks from 2–12 weeks, then monthly to 6 months.
What is lungworm and does my dog need protecting?
Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is a potentially fatal parasite spread by eating infected slugs, snails, or their slime. It is now established across much of England and Wales. Standard wormers do not protect against lungworm — you need a product specifically labelled for it (such as Advocate or Nexgard Spectra), available only on prescription.
Can children catch worms from dogs?
Yes — dog roundworm (Toxocara canis) is zoonotic and can infect humans, particularly children, causing toxocariasis. Regular worming of your dog, prompt removal of dog faeces, and thorough hand washing after garden play significantly reduce the risk.
CMA Veterinary Market Investigation Order
From September 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) requires all UK vet practices to publish prices for this procedure on their website. VetPricelist aggregates these published prices so you can compare them in one place.