Missed worming dose: what to do now

Introduction

It happens. You notice the box in the cupboard and realise you are late. The fix is simple: dose today, reset your reminders, and check whether heartworm testing is needed before you restart some products.

What to do today

• Give the missed dose now. Use a registered product matched to your pet’s species, age, and weight.

• Dogs and heartworm: if you have missed monthly heartworm prevention, ask your vet if a heartworm test is needed before restarting.

• Do not double-dose unless your vet tells you to.

• Treat every pet in the home to avoid gaps.

Reset your schedule

• Set a repeating phone reminder from today’s date.

• Tie dose day to something you always do, like the first weekend of the month.

• Keep the box near the food bowl as a visual cue.

Puppies and kittens

Young pets need more frequent worming. Puppies and kittens are usually every 2 weeks to 12 weeks, then monthly to 6 months, then move to the adult plan. Weigh often and choose the correct weight band each time.

House hygiene that helps

Pick up dog poo daily. Clean litter trays often. Wash hands after gardening or handling soil and keep sandpits covered.

Safety you should always check

• Match species, weight band, and minimum age every time.

• Do not stack different wormers unless your vet says to.

• Ask your vet before dosing if your pet is pregnant, breeding, or unwell.

Products we trust

• Dogs: Simparica Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs — monthly chew with heartworm prevention and common intestinal worms, plus fleas and ticks when used as directed.

• Cats: Revolution Plus Spot-On for Cats — monthly spot-on that covers roundworm and hookworm in cats, with fleas, ticks and mites when used as directed.

• Cats: Revolution Topical Solution for Cats — monthly spot-on with heartworm prevention, fleas and mites. Pair with a tapeworm tablet if your vet advises.

FAQ

I missed by a couple of weeks. Is that a big problem?
Give the dose today and reset your reminder. Refresh house hygiene. Ask your vet about testing if you lapsed on monthly heartworm prevention for your dog.

My pet vomited after I dosed late. Should I re-dose?
Do not re-dose unless your vet says it is safe. Call your vet if vomiting repeats or your pet seems unwell.

Can I align worming with my flea and tick day now?
Yes. Many families pick one day each month to keep things simple.

Need help rebuilding a schedule after a long lapse?
Tell us your pet’s age, weight, and routine and we’ll map it out with you — contact us.