You’re already taking great care of your dog by regularly worming them—so why would you need to do a worm count test as well? It’s a common question and one that many dog owners wonder about. After all, if you’re following a prevention routine, shouldn’t that be enough?
The short answer is: Not necessarily.
Worming treatments of some sorts or at some point will be essential, but they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. In this post, we’ll explain why worm count tests are just as important as regular worming treatments—and how they can help ensure your dog stays healthy and protected.
Worming Isn’t Foolproof
First, it’s important to understand that no worming treatment, whether you choose a chemical or natural wormer for your dog, is 100% foolproof. While these treatments work well to kill off worms your dog may already have, they don’t prevent re-infestation. Depending on your dog’s lifestyle—whether they’re regularly outside, interacting with other dogs, or exposed to contaminated environments—they can easily pick up worms again.
Worm count tests give you a more accurate picture of your dog’s intestinal health. It’s possible for a dog to pick up worms even after a recent worming treatment, especially if the dosage or type of treatment wasn’t quite right. Testing can help you catch these issues early before they become a bigger health problem for your dog.
Some Worms Don’t Show Symptoms
One of the trickiest things about worms is that dogs often don’t show any visible symptoms. You might expect obvious signs like scooting, visible worms in their stool, or a change in appetite, but many times, worm infestations go completely unnoticed.
A worm count test is the only way to know for sure whether your dog is worm-free. Relying solely on physical symptoms can lead to undetected infestations that may affect your dog’s health over time. Regular testing ensures you aren’t leaving anything to chance.
Are Your Worming Treatments Working?
It’s not just about whether your dog has worms; it’s also about ensuring that your chosen worming method is working over time. There are various worming treatments on the market—both chemical and natural—and not all of them work equally well for every dog. A worm count kit is an easy way confirm if your prevention routine is doing its job. If worms are detected, it might be time to reassess your dog’s treatment plan and switch to something more effective.
Regular Testing is Key
Think of worm count tests as a health check-up for your dog’s digestive system. Even if your dog is wormed regularly, testing gives you peace of mind that their treatment is effective and that your dog is in the clear. It also helps you adjust your prevention strategy if needed.
We recommend worm count testing at least four times a year, even if you’re confident in your dog’s worming routine. For dogs with high exposure to other animals, wildlife, or outdoor environments, more frequent testing might be necessary to catch infestations early.
You can "set and forget" this regular worm count test by joining our Subscribe & Save service and we will send then out at the regular intervals that you choose.
Why Should You Do a Worm Count Test?
Worming treatments are a crucial part of keeping your dog healthy, but they aren’t the full picture. A worm count test provides that extra layer of reassurance, helping you confirm that your prevention methods are working and that your dog isn’t silently suffering from a worm infestation. By testing regularly, you’re ensuring your dog’s digestive health stays in top shape—no guesswork involved.
If you haven’t already added worm count tests to your dog’s healthcare routine, now is the time. It’s a simple and effective way to stay on top of your dog’s health and prevent future problems before they start.