Regular worming is essential for all dogs in the UK. Intestinal worms (roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms) and lungworm can cause serious illness. Here is a guide to the most effective worming treatments available, with up-to-date UK pricing.

How Often Should You Worm

The general recommendation for adult dogs is every 3 months for intestinal worms. Dogs at higher risk (those that eat raw meat, scavenge, or live in lungworm areas) may need monthly treatment. Puppies need worming more frequently — every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months old.

Prescription Wormers

These require a vet prescription but offer the broadest coverage:

  • Milbemax (milbemycin oxime + praziquantel): £6–£12 per dose from a vet, £4–£8 online. Covers roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, and prevents lungworm and heartworm. The most comprehensive single worming tablet.
  • Milpro (milbemycin oxime + praziquantel): £4–£8 per dose. Generic equivalent of Milbemax. Same coverage at lower cost.
  • Nexgard Spectra (afoxolaner + milbemycin oxime): £12–£20 per monthly dose. Combines flea, tick, and worm treatment in one chewable tablet. Does not cover tapeworms.

Non-Prescription Wormers

Available from pet shops, supermarkets, and online without a prescription:

  • Drontal (febantel + pyrantel + praziquantel): £4–£9 per dose. Covers roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Does NOT cover lungworm. The most popular non-prescription wormer.
  • Prazitel Plus (same ingredients as Drontal): £2–£5 per dose. Generic equivalent of Drontal. Same coverage, substantially cheaper.
  • Panacur (fenbendazole): £5–£10 per course (3–5 days). Effective against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and some tapeworms. Often used for puppies and pregnant dogs.

Lungworm Considerations

Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is potentially fatal and is now found across much of the UK. Standard wormers like Drontal do NOT prevent lungworm. If your dog is at risk (eats slugs, snails, or grass; drinks from puddles), you need either:

  • Milbemax/Milpro given monthly (instead of quarterly)
  • Advocate spot-on (monthly) — covers lungworm plus fleas
  • Nexgard Spectra (monthly) — covers lungworm plus fleas and ticks

Annual Cost Comparison

For an adult medium-sized dog wormed quarterly:

  • Prazitel Plus: £8–£20/year (cheapest)
  • Drontal: £16–£36/year
  • Milbemax: £24–£48/year from vet, £16–£32 online
  • Milpro: £16–£32/year

For monthly dosing (if lungworm prevention needed), multiply by 3.

Tips for Saving

  • Generic versions (Prazitel Plus, Milpro) contain the same active ingredients at lower cost
  • Buy multipacks — most products are cheaper per dose in packs of 4 or more
  • Get a written prescription for Milbemax/Milpro and buy from an online pharmacy
  • Weigh your dog accurately — underdosing is ineffective, overdosing wastes money

Last updated: March 2026. Prices based on UK veterinary and retail data. Consult your vet about the right worming protocol for your dog.