Dog & Cat Deworming Schedule Calculator
Enter your pet's species and birth date (or current age) to see an intestinal-parasite deworming schedule with due-date windows — based on CAPC and AAHA guidelines.
Looking for flea, tick, or heartworm prevention?
This calculator covers intestinal worms (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms) on the puppy/kitten biweekly-then-monthly schedule. Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention runs on a continuous monthly cadence for life and involves different products — that's a separate tool. If your monthly heartworm preventive already includes intestinal dewormer coverage (many do — check the label), mention that to your vet so they can adjust your plan accordingly.
Awaiting Details
Enter your pet's birth date or current age to generate their deworming schedule.
How It Works & The Deworming Schedule Formula
The CAPC (Companion Animal Parasite Council) recommends deworming puppies and kittens starting at 2 weeks of age, then every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months old. This aggressive early schedule is necessary because roundworms and hookworms are transmitted from mother to offspring in utero and through nursing milk — almost all puppies and kittens are infected at birth regardless of the mother's deworming history. This tool calculates each window by adding the CAPC day-offsets to your pet's birth date:
How to interpret the schedule: Each row shows the recommended treatment window — aim to deworm within that window, not just on the earliest date. The first highlighted item is your most immediately due event. For adult pets (over 6 months), the schedule switches to monthly reminders and a prompt for fecal exams 2–4 times per year, as recommended by CAPC for ongoing parasite surveillance. If your pet is already on a monthly heartworm preventive that includes intestinal dewormer coverage (many do), mention this to your vet — they may already be covered for the monthly maintenance phase, and your vet can confirm based on the specific product label.
Sources & References
- Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), Roundworm (Toxocara) Guidelines and Hookworm (Ancylostoma) Guidelines — puppy/kitten deworming frequency (every 2 weeks starting at 2 weeks, then monthly to 6 months), and year-round adult monthly parasite control recommendation.
- Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), Parasite Prevention and Control Recommendations — minimum fecal exam frequency (2–4 times per year) for all adult dogs and cats.
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), Parasite and Vector-borne Disease Management Guidelines — integration of intestinal parasite control into preventive care protocols and the bundling of dewormers in monthly preventives.
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Intestinal Parasites client resources — public health context for zoonotic roundworms and hookworms, and general deworming guidance for pet owners.
For a complete list of our data sources across all calculators, see our full sources & citations page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do puppies and kittens need deworming every two weeks?
Roundworms (Toxocara canis in dogs, Toxocara cati in cats) and hookworms (Ancylostoma species) are transmitted from mother to offspring in utero and through nursing milk. Nearly all puppies and kittens are born with or acquire these parasites within days of birth. The CAPC recommends deworming every 2 weeks starting at 2 weeks old because dewormers kill adult worms but not migrating larvae — the repeated doses catch each new wave of larvae as they mature.
What's the difference between this calculator and a flea/tick/heartworm prevention tool?
This tool covers intestinal worms (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms) on the puppy/kitten biweekly-then-monthly series schedule. Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention involves external parasites and a filarial worm transmitted by mosquitoes — those run on a continuous monthly cadence year-round for life and are typically managed with separate or combination products. Many monthly heartworm preventives also include intestinal dewormers, which is noted in this tool, but heartworm prevention itself is a different clinical topic.
Do adult dogs and cats still need regular deworming?
Yes. The CAPC recommends year-round monthly broad-spectrum parasite control as the ideal for all adult dogs and cats. At a minimum, they recommend 2–4 fecal exams per year with deworming as indicated. Many pets on a monthly heartworm + flea preventive that includes pyrantel or milbemycin are already receiving intestinal dewormer coverage — check your product's label with your vet.
Can I get intestinal worms from my pet?
Yes — Toxocara roundworms and some hookworm species are zoonotic, meaning they can infect humans, particularly children. This is a major public health reason CAPC recommends the aggressive puppy/kitten deworming schedule and year-round parasite control. Always wash hands after handling pets or soil, and promptly pick up and dispose of pet feces.
Which deworming products are recommended?
This tool does not recommend specific products — that is your veterinarian's role based on your pet's parasite risk, health status, and local prevalence. Common broad-spectrum options include pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole, praziquantel, and milbemycin oxime, often in combination. Many monthly heartworm preventives (e.g. Heartgard Plus, Interceptor Plus) include intestinal parasite coverage. Always use a veterinary-approved product at the correct dose for your pet's weight.
Medical Disclaimer
This tool provides general, educational estimates and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Parasite product selection, dosing, and scheduling must be determined by a licensed veterinarian based on your pet's weight, health status, local parasite prevalence, and any concurrent medications. Never use a dewormer intended for another species or at an incorrect dose. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs before making changes to their diet, water intake, or care routine.
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