Worming schedule by age
| Age | Deworming frequency |
|---|---|
| 2–12 weeks (puppy/kitten) | Every 2 weeks |
| 3–6 months | Once a month |
| 6 months & older (adult) | Every 3 months (4×/year) |
| Hunters, scavengers, homes with young kids | Monthly may be advised |
| Pregnant/nursing mothers | As directed by your vet |
Flea, tick & heartworm prevention
| Protection | Typical interval |
|---|---|
| Monthly spot-on / chew (fleas + ticks) | Every 30 days |
| Long-acting flea/tick collar | Every 3–8 months (per product) |
| Long-acting injectable/chew | Every 3–6 months (per product) |
| Heartworm prevention | Every month, year-round |
In warm climates, protect year-round. In colder regions, many vets still advise year-round cover because parasites survive indoors and winters are milder than they used to be.
Smart habits
- Set a monthly reminder (phone calendar) so you never miss a dose — lapses are when infestations start.
- Treat all pets in the home at the same time, or fleas just bounce between them.
- Use species-correct products — some dog flea treatments (with permethrin) are deadly to cats. Never share.
- Check for ticks after walks in grass or woods; remove promptly with a tick tool.
- Wash bedding and vacuum regularly during a flea problem.
⚠️ Products and intervals vary, and some are species- or weight-specific. Never use a dog product on a cat. Confirm the right product and schedule with your veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a dog flea treatment on my cat?
No — several dog products contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats and can be fatal. Always use a product labelled for your specific species and weight.
My pet still has fleas after treatment — why?
Most flea eggs live in your home, not on your pet. Treat every pet, wash bedding, vacuum thoroughly, and keep treating monthly for a few months to break the cycle.
Do I really need year-round prevention?
In most regions, yes. Fleas survive indoors all winter, ticks are active whenever it's above freezing, and heartworm prevention works best given continuously.
Related: puppy vaccination schedule · kitten vaccination schedule · common pet conditions.