Pet parasite risk assessment
Worms, fleas, lungworm and ticks don’t all need the same plan. Answer a few questions about your dog or cat’s lifestyle and we’ll build a tailored protection plan — based on ESCCAP UK guidance and UK veterinary charity advice.
Tick everything that applies to your dog:
How parasite risk works
There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule. A pet that hunts, scavenges or is raw-fed needs more frequent worming than one that doesn’t; fleas need year-round cover for almost every UK pet; and lungworm and ticks depend on where and how your pet spends its time. This tool weighs those factors the way UK guidelines do — but it’s a starting point for a conversation with your vet, not a prescription.
Common questions
How often should I worm my dog or cat?
ESCCAP UK recommends treating for roundworm at least four times a year (every ~3 months) as a minimum for adult pets, and monthly where the risk is higher — for example pets that hunt, scavenge or are raw-fed, or homes with young children. Your vet can confirm the right interval for your pet.
Do indoor pets need parasite treatment?
Usually yes. Fleas can be carried indoors on clothing and other pets, and heated homes let them breed all year. Most indoor pets still need year-round flea protection, though worming frequency may be lower without outdoor exposure. Check with your vet.
What is lungworm and how do dogs catch it?
Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is a parasite dogs catch by eating slugs and snails — often accidentally from grass, toys, or water bowls left outside. It can be serious or fatal if untreated, and not every routine wormer covers it, so ask your vet for a lungworm-active product if your dog is at risk.
Does my pet need flea treatment in winter?
Yes — central heating keeps homes warm enough for fleas to breed throughout the year, so PDSA and ESCCAP UK advise year-round flea control rather than only in summer. Treat all pets in the household on the same schedule.
What worming do I need to travel abroad with my dog?
To re-enter Great Britain, dogs must be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus) by a vet between 24 and 120 hours (1–5 days) before arrival, and it must be recorded. Plan this appointment into your return journey and check the latest government pet travel rules before you go.
Sources
The recommendations in this tool are drawn from ESCCAP UK & Ireland guidance and established UK veterinary organisations. Always confirm a parasite plan with your own vet.