Finding worms in dog poop is one of those moments that makes your stomach drop. You’re cleaning up after your pup, and suddenly you see something moving—or worse, something that looks like rice or spaghetti in their stool. It’s gross, it’s alarming, and you’re probably wondering if your dog is about to get really sick. Here’s the real talk: worms in dog poop are actually pretty common, especially in puppies and dogs who spend time outdoors. The good news? They’re treatable, and once you know what to look for, you can handle it like a pro.
I’ve been a vet tech for over a decade, and I’ve seen plenty of worried dog owners come in with photos of their dog’s stool. Most of the time, we can solve this problem quickly with the right treatment. But first, you need to understand what you’re dealing with and when to call your vet.
What Are Worms in Dog Poop?
Let’s start with the basics. Worms in your dog’s poop are parasites—living organisms that set up shop in your dog’s intestines and feed off the nutrients meant for your pup. Think of it like an unwanted roommate who eats your food, makes a mess, and doesn’t pay rent. Except this roommate is microscopic (or sometimes visible to the naked eye) and can cause real health problems.
Your dog’s digestive system is the worm’s home. They attach to the intestinal walls, reproduce, and then get passed out in your dog’s stool. Sometimes you’ll see them; sometimes you won’t. But either way, they’re a sign that your dog needs treatment.
The thing about worms in dog poop is that they’re not a sign of bad pet ownership. Puppies especially are born with worms sometimes, and outdoor dogs pick them up all the time. It’s just part of being a dog owner. The important part is recognizing the problem and dealing with it.
Common Types of Worms That Show Up in Dog Stool
Not all worms look or act the same. Here are the main culprits you might encounter:
- Roundworms (Ascarids): These are the most common parasites in dogs, especially puppies. They look like spaghetti in your dog’s poop—long, tan-colored, and sometimes still moving. Roundworms can grow 3-5 inches long, so they’re usually visible if they’re present in large numbers. According to the American Kennel Club, roundworms are so common that most puppies are treated for them as a matter of routine.
- Tapeworms (Cestodes): These look like rice grains or sesame seeds in the stool, and they often move around. You might also see them around your dog’s rear end or on their bedding. Tapeworms come from fleas, so if your dog has tapeworms, they probably have fleas too (or had them recently).
- Hookworms (Ancylostoma): These are smaller and harder to see without a microscope. They’re serious because they feed on blood, which can lead to anemia. You might not see them in the poop, but you’ll notice other symptoms like dark, tarry stools or lethargy.
- Whipworms (Trichuris): Also hard to spot without magnification. They cause inflammation in the colon and often result in diarrhea or mucus in the stool.
Each type of worm requires slightly different treatment, which is why a vet visit is important. You can’t just guess and hope a dewormer works.
How Dogs Get Worms
Understanding how your dog got worms helps you prevent them in the future. Here are the main routes of infection:
- From the environment: Worm eggs live in soil, grass, and water. Your dog sniffs something contaminated, and boom—they’re infected. This is especially common for dogs who dig, roll in grass, or drink from puddles.
- From other dogs: If your dog plays with an infected dog or shares toys, they can pick up worms. Dog parks are basically worm transmission hubs if you think about it.
- From fleas: Tapeworms specifically come from ingesting infected fleas. Your dog grooms themselves, swallows a flea that has tapeworm larvae, and now they have tapeworms.
- From prey: Hunting dogs or dogs who catch rodents can get worms from eating infected prey. It’s part of their natural behavior, but it comes with risks.
- From mother to puppies: Pregnant dogs can pass roundworms to their puppies before birth, and nursing puppies can get them through their mother’s milk.
The bottom line: worms are everywhere, and your dog doesn’t have to do anything “wrong” to get them. They’re just a normal part of the outdoor world.
How to Spot Worms in Dog Poop
Okay, this is the part where you need to look at your dog’s poop. I know it’s not fun, but it’s important. Here’s what to look for:
- Visible worms: Roundworms and tapeworms are sometimes visible to the naked eye. Roundworms look like spaghetti or cooked pasta. Tapeworms look like rice or sesame seeds, often in the stool or around the rear end.
- Movement: If you see something moving in the poop, that’s a pretty good sign it’s a worm. Worms don’t stay still.
- Consistency changes: Diarrhea, especially mucus-filled diarrhea, can indicate worms. Check out our guide on why your dog is having diarrhea for more details.
- Mucus or blood: Some worms cause inflammation that results in mucus or blood in the stool.
But here’s the catch: not all worms are visible. Hookworms and whipworms are microscopic, so you won’t see them in the poop. That’s why your vet does a fecal exam—they look under a microscope to spot the eggs or worms you can’t see.
If you suspect worms in dog poop but don’t see them, don’t assume your dog is fine. Watch for other signs like weight loss, a dull coat, a bloated belly, or excessive scooting on their rear end.
Health Risks and Why It Matters
So your dog has worms. How worried should you be? It depends on the type, the number of worms, and your dog’s overall health.
In puppies: Worms are a bigger deal because puppies are still developing. A heavy worm load can stunt growth, cause severe diarrhea, and lead to dehydration. Puppies with lots of roundworms sometimes have a bloated belly that looks like they swallowed a balloon.
In adult dogs: Most adult dogs can handle a light worm infection without obvious symptoms. But a heavy load causes weight loss, nutrient deficiencies, anemia (especially with hookworms), and chronic diarrhea.
The human angle: Some worms, particularly roundworms, can be transmitted to humans. Kids are especially at risk because they play in dirt and put their hands in their mouths. This is a real concern, not just scaremongering. According to the CDC, roundworm infection in humans is preventable through good hygiene and regular deworming of pets.
Long-term effects: Chronic worm infections can lead to malnutrition, a compromised immune system, and secondary infections. Your dog’s body is spending energy fighting parasites instead of staying healthy.
The bottom line: worms aren’t just gross—they’re a legitimate health issue that needs treatment.
Treatment Options for Worms in Dog Poop
Here’s where the good news comes in: treating worms in dog poop is straightforward and usually inexpensive.
Dewormers: Your vet will prescribe a dewormer based on the type of worm. Common options include:
- Pyrantel pamoate: Works against roundworms and hookworms. Usually given as a liquid or tablet.
- Praziquantel: Targets tapeworms. Often combined with other ingredients in broad-spectrum dewormers.
- Fenbendazole: A broad-spectrum dewormer that works against most intestinal worms. Given for several days.
- Ivermectin: Powerful against many parasites, but some dog breeds (like Collies) are sensitive to it, so your vet needs to know your dog’s breed.
Most dewormers are given orally, though some come as injections. Your vet might recommend a single dose or a series of doses spaced a few days or weeks apart. This is because dewormers kill adult worms but not always eggs, so a second dose catches worms that hatch after the first treatment.
What to expect: After deworming, you might see dead worms in your dog’s poop for a few days. This is normal and actually a good sign—it means the dewormer is working. Your dog should start feeling better within a few days: more energy, better appetite, and firmer stools.
Cost: Dewormers are usually cheap, especially if you get them from your vet. Over-the-counter options exist, but I always recommend talking to your vet first. They can confirm what type of worm you’re dealing with and recommend the right treatment. Guessing wrong means wasting money and your dog staying infected.
For related concerns, check out our article on how to tell if your dog has worms for a complete symptom breakdown.
Prevention Strategies That Actually Work
Once you’ve treated your dog for worms, you want to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Here’s what actually works:
- Regular deworming schedule: Puppies should be dewormed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months old. Adult dogs should be dewormed at least 1-2 times per year, more often if they’re outdoor dogs or hunt. Some vets recommend quarterly deworming for high-risk dogs.
- Flea prevention: Since tapeworms come from fleas, keeping your dog flea-free is crucial. Use a vet-approved flea preventative year-round. This is one of the best investments you can make for your dog’s health.
- Limit exposure: Avoid areas where you know infected dogs have been. Be cautious at dog parks, especially during peak seasons. Wash your dog’s paws when they come inside from playing outdoors.
- Clean up poop immediately: Don’t let poop sit in your yard. Worm eggs thrive in contaminated soil. Scoop daily and dispose of waste properly. If you need help with accidents inside, check out our guide on cleaning dog diarrhea from carpet.
- Provide clean water: Don’t let your dog drink from puddles or stagnant water. Worm eggs can survive in contaminated water sources.
- Good hygiene: Wash your hands after handling your dog or their poop. Wash your dog’s bedding regularly. Keep food and water bowls clean.
- Nutrition: A healthy, well-nourished dog has a better immune system and is more resistant to parasites. Make sure your dog is eating the right amount and quality of food. Need guidance? Check out how much your dog should eat.
Pro Tip: If you have multiple dogs, treat them all at the same time if one has worms. They’ve probably shared the infection, and treating just one leaves the others as a reinfection source.
When to Call Your Vet (Don’t Wait on These)
Most cases of worms in dog poop are straightforward and handled with a simple dewormer. But there are situations where you need to call your vet right away:
- Severe diarrhea or vomiting: If your dog is vomiting worms or has bloody diarrhea, that’s a sign of a heavy infection or a complication. Don’t wait.
- Signs of dehydration: Lethargy, dry gums, or sunken eyes mean your dog needs immediate attention.
- Abdominal pain: If your dog is hunched over, whining, or refusing to move, they might have a worm blockage or severe inflammation. This is an emergency.
- Visible worms but no other symptoms: Even if your dog seems fine, you still need to see a vet. A fecal exam confirms what you’re dealing with, and your vet can prescribe the right dewormer.
- Worms after treatment: If you’ve dewormed your dog and you’re still seeing worms a week later, call your vet. The treatment might not have worked, or your dog might need a different dewormer.
- Pregnant or nursing dogs: Deworming pregnant or nursing dogs requires special consideration. Your vet needs to choose a safe option.
- Very young puppies: Puppies under 6 weeks might need special treatment. Always check with your vet before deworming a very young pup.
The general rule: if your dog seems sick or you’re unsure, call your vet. It’s better to be safe, and most vets won’t charge for a quick phone consultation.
Safety Warning: Never use human medications or over-the-counter livestock dewormers on your dog. The dosing is different, and you could seriously hurt your dog. Always get medication from your vet or a licensed pharmacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I catch worms from my dog?
– Some worms, like roundworms, can be transmitted to humans, especially children. However, the risk is low if you practice good hygiene: wash your hands after handling your dog or their poop, don’t let your dog lick your face, and keep your dog dewormed regularly. The PetMD guide on parasites has more details on zoonotic transmission.
How long does it take for a dewormer to work?
– Most dewormers start working within 24-48 hours. You might see dead worms in the stool within a few days. However, some treatments require multiple doses spaced out over time to catch worms at different life stages. Your vet will tell you the exact schedule.
Do I need to take my dog to the vet, or can I just buy dewormer over the counter?
– A vet visit is best because they can identify which type of worm your dog has and recommend the right treatment. Over-the-counter dewormers are broad-spectrum and might work, but they’re not as targeted. Plus, your vet can rule out other causes of diarrhea or digestive issues. It’s worth the visit.
Can my dog get worms again after treatment?
– Absolutely. Deworming kills the current infection, but it doesn’t make your dog immune. Your dog can get worms again if they’re exposed to contaminated environments or infected animals. That’s why prevention is so important.
Are there any side effects to dewormers?
– Most dewormers are very safe, but some dogs experience mild side effects like nausea, diarrhea, or loss of appetite for a day or two. Rarely, a dog might have an allergic reaction. If your dog seems really sick after deworming, call your vet.
What if my dog won’t take the dewormer?
– Most dewormers come in forms that dogs will eat willingly, like flavored tablets or liquids you can mix into food. If your dog is stubborn, tell your vet—they might have an injectable option or a different formulation. Some vets also offer tips for giving pills; if you need help, check out our guide on giving medication to dogs for strategies.
Should I deworm my dog if they don’t have visible worms?
– Yes. Many worms aren’t visible, and regular deworming is part of standard preventive care. Puppies especially should be on a deworming schedule. Even if you don’t see worms, your dog could be infected.
