No dog owner wants to find worms in their pet’s poop. But it’s an unfortunate occurrence many face. Worm infestations are common and can pose health risks to both your dog and your family. While these parasites often go unnoticed, spotting them in your dog’s stool is a clear sign of an issue that needs addressing.
Understanding the signs of worms in your dog’s poop and knowing how to treat and prevent these infestations is crucial for maintaining your dog’s health and well-being.
This article explains the signs of worms in dog poop, how to identify different types of worms, how dogs get worms, and what to do if you find worms in your dog’s poop.
How Do Dogs Get Worms In Their Poop?
Dogs poop can get worms through several different ways. One common way is by eating infected stool. Worms are usually spread through a fecal-oral route. It means a dog comes into contact with tiny parasitic eggs in feces and accidentally eats them. Puppies poop can also get worms from their mother, either through the placenta before they are born or through their mother’s milk when nursing.
Another way dogs poop can get worms is by eating raw meat or prey animals. A few worms, like tapeworms and flukes, form cysts in the muscle tissue of animals, which become active and multiply when consumed by a dog.
Worms can also be transmitted through external parasites, such as fleas. For example, tapeworms live inside fleas, so when a dog accidentally eats fleas, it becomes infected with the parasite. Additionally, dogs can get hookworms through skin contact with stool-containing larvae. The hookworms can burrow into the skin and infect the dog.
What Do Worms Look Like in Dog Poop?
Most intestinal worms are not visible in a dog’s poop unless there is a large number of them, an illness called ‘heavy worm burden.
Tapeworms are the exception, as they shed egg packets that look like rice grains in the stool. Other worms, like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, stay in the digestive tract and shed microscopic eggs that you can’t even see with the naked eye.
However, once your dog has been dewormed, you might see adult worms in your dog’s stool. This is a sign that the treatment is working. Some parasites, like heartworms or worms in the eyes or skin, affect other parts of the body and need different treatments.
It’s also important to note that flies and insects lay eggs in dog feces outdoors. These eggs hatch into larvae that can be mistaken for intestinal worms. Intestinal worms are usually not visible in dog stools. If you see worms in fresh poops, they likely came from the intestines. Worms or maggots in old feces are most probably from the environment.
Types of Worms Commonly Affect Dogs
In dog poop, worms can be of four primary types: whipworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Let’s cover each of the worms one by one;
Roundworms
Roundworms are most common in puppies but can also be found in adult large dogs. These worms live in the intestines and eat the nutrients your dog takes in. If your dog’s poop has roundworms, it can cause weight loss. For some, it can also make it hard for them to gain weight.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that live in a dog’s intestines and absorb nutrients. They shed segments that might look like tiny moving worms at first. These segments dry out and release eggs to continue their life cycle. Tapeworms are usually spread by fleas carrying the parasite. They don’t cause serious health problems in dogs except itching and irritation.
Hookworms
Hookworms are usually thin worms compared to others that are less than an inch long. They attach to the intestinal wall and feed on the dog’s blood and tissue, which can cause anemia and blood in the stool. The larvae can also burrow into the skin, causing irritated areas.
Whipworms
Whipworms can grow up to three inches long and have a whip-like tail. They attach to the dog’s intestinal wall and feed on blood, which can lead to anemia and blood in the feces. In some cases, whipworms can cause a severe condition called pseudo hypoadrenocorticism, which results in vomiting, weakness, electrolyte imbalances, and diarrhea in dogs.
Symptoms
You might also notice other unusual signs if you see worms in your dog’s stool. Dogs with worms may not always show clear symptoms, but here are some things to look out for;
- Diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus)
- Vomiting
- Changes in appetite
- Weight loss or not gaining weight
- Swollen belly (potbelly)
- Poor condition or their coat
- Pale gums
- Coughing or gagging
The appearance of the worm and the symptoms your dog shows may help you identify the type of worm it contains. Sometimes, harmless worms can pass through your dog’s stool after eating. However, we recommend talking to your vet. They can check a stool sample to identify the type of worm and give you the best guidance.
How Worms in Dog’s Poop Treated?
Worms can be diagnosed in sick dogs, puppies, or even those with no symptoms during routine checkups. A stool test is very important for identifying worms, so it’s often recommended during checkups.
If your dog is diagnosed with worms, your vet will prescribe a deworming medication based on the type of parasite. It’s crucial to follow the directions for the dewormer, as different dewormers work for different parasites. Most treatments must be repeated at specific intervals (usually every 2-3 weeks) to ensure all the worms are gone.
Once the treatment is complete, your veterinarians will perform the final testing and conduct another stool check to ensure the worms have been completely eliminated.
How Can I Prevent My Dog From Getting Worms?
To prevent your dog from getting worms, you must use a worm prevention method all year round. However, many worm preventives also contain dewormers for intestinal worms. So, consult veterinarians in this regard. Your vet can recommend the best options based on the types of worms common in your area and your dog’s lifestyle.
Certain habits can help prevent worm infestations;
- Pick up and dispose of your dog’s waste immediately. It reduces the risk of worm eggs contaminating your yard.
- Avoid areas with high levels of dog, cat, or wild animal feces, and go to clear, well-managed parks, trails, and beaches.
- Regular vet care is crucial, including stool checks and parasite prevention. As mentioned, puppies are more susceptible to worms and can become very ill if not treated promptly. Keep up with vaccines and dewormers to ensure their health.
When you follow these practices, you can help prevent worms and maintain a “worm-free zone” for pets in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to handle dog poop with worms?
It’s important to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling dog poop with worms to prevent transmission.
2. How often should I deworm my dog?
Deworming frequency depends on your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors. Consult your veterinarian for a tailored deworming schedule.
3. What do worms in dog poop look like?
Worms can look like spaghetti (roundworms), rice grains (tapeworms), or small, thread-like strands (hookworms).
4. Are worms in dog poop dangerous?
Yes, worms can cause health issues in dogs, such as weight loss, diarrhea, and anemia, and some can be transmitted to humans.
5. How do I treat worms in my dog?
Consult your veterinarian for deworming medications that target the specific type of worm your dog has.
6. Can I prevent worms in my dog?
Regular deworming, flea control, and avoiding contact with infected feces can help prevent worms.
7. Should I be worried if I see worms in my dog’s poop?
Yes, if you see worms in your dog’s poop, contact your veterinarian for treatment and advice.
8. How long does it take to get rid of worms in dogs?
The duration of treatment varies depending on the type of worm and medication used, but it typically takes a few weeks.
9. Can worms in dog poop be transmitted to other pets?
Yes, some types of worms can spread to other pets through contaminated feces or soil.
Conclusion
Worm infestation is common and can cause various health issues in dogs. Knowing the signs of worms in dog poop and understanding the different types can help you take quick action to treat and prevent infestation. Routine checkups, deworming, proper cleanliness, and preventive measures can significantly reduce the chances of worm infestation. Or, if the situation is not in your control, consult your vet for a proper diagnosis and customized treatment plan.
All these efforts will help keep your little dog healthy and happy.
