Why Are There Worms in My Dog’s Poop?

Discovering worms in your dog’s poop can be alarming, but it is a common issue that many pet owners face. Parasitic worms can affect dogs of all ages and breeds, often going unnoticed until they are visible in stool. These parasites can impact your dog’s health, causing discomfort and potential complications if left untreated. This blog will help you understand why worms appear in your dog’s feces, how they are transmitted, and what steps to take next can help protect your pet’s well-being. If you’ve noticed worms in your dog’s poop, scheduling a veterinary visit is essential. Call Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic at (574) 256-1871 to book an appointment today.

Types of Worms Commonly Found in Dog Poop

Different types of intestinal parasites can be found in dog feces, and identifying them can help determine the right course of action. The most common worms found in dog poop include:

Roundworms

Roundworms are one of the most frequently encountered parasites in dogs. They resemble spaghetti and can grow several inches long. These worms are often visible in a dog’s stool or vomit and can cause digestive upset, bloating, and a dull coat. Puppies are particularly susceptible, as they can contract roundworms from their mother’s milk or through the environment.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are segmented parasites that often appear as small, rice-like pieces in dog feces. Dogs typically acquire tapeworms by ingesting infected fleas or consuming raw meat containing tapeworm larvae. Though they rarely cause severe illness, they can lead to weight loss, irritation, and increased appetite.

Hookworms

Hookworms are tiny but dangerous parasites that attach to the lining of a dog’s intestines, feeding on blood and causing anemia. Unlike roundworms and tapeworms, hookworms are rarely seen in stool, but their microscopic eggs can be detected through a fecal test. Symptoms of a hookworm infection include pale gums, lethargy, and black, tarry stools.

Whipworms

Whipworms are thin and thread-like, making them difficult to spot in stool. Whipworms reside in the large intestine and can cause diarrhea, weight loss, and general discomfort. These worms are contracted through contaminated soil, food, or water.

Heartworm Microfilariae

While heartworms primarily reside in the heart and lungs, microfilariae (immature heartworms) can sometimes be found in a dog’s blood. Unlike other intestinal parasites, heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites rather than direct ingestion of eggs or larvae. Heartworm disease can be life-threatening, making prevention critical.

How Dogs Get Worms

Understanding how dogs contract worms can help prevent future infestations. Parasites are commonly transmitted through various sources, including:

Ingesting Contaminated Feces or Soil

Many dogs become infected with worms by consuming contaminated feces, soil, or water. Eggs and larvae can survive in the environment for extended periods, making parks, yards, and communal dog areas potential hotspots for infection.

Flea Infestation

Fleas are a primary carrier of tapeworms. When dogs groom themselves or bite at itchy flea bites, they may accidentally ingest an infected flea, leading to a tapeworm infestation. Regular flea prevention is essential in reducing the risk of tapeworms.

Consuming Raw or Undercooked Meat

Dogs that eat raw or undercooked meat may be exposed to worm larvae. This is especially common in dogs that scavenge or have access to wildlife carcasses. Properly cooking meat and preventing access to dead animals can reduce this risk.

Transmitting from Mother to Puppy

Puppies are particularly vulnerable to worms, as they can contract them through their mother’s milk or while still in the womb. Regular deworming for pregnant dogs can help minimize transmission to newborns.

Mosquito Bites

Heartworm disease is spread through mosquito bites. Unlike intestinal parasites, heartworms develop within the bloodstream and can cause severe complications, including heart and lung disease. Monthly heartworm preventatives are the best defense against this parasite.

Symptoms of Worm Infestation in Dogs

Some dogs may not show obvious signs of a worm infestation, making regular veterinary check-ups important. However, common symptoms of worms in dogs include:

• Visible worms in stool or around the anus
• Diarrhea or soft stools
• Vomiting, sometimes with visible worms
• Bloated or distended abdomen, especially in puppies
• Weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
• Lethargy or decreased energy levels
• Dull coat or excessive shedding
• Scooting or dragging the rear on the ground
• Anemia (pale gums, weakness, and lethargy)

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, call Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic at (574) 256-1871 to schedule an exam.

Diagnosing Worms in Dogs

Your veterinarian can diagnose worms in dogs through various methods, including:

• Fecal Examination: A sample of your dog’s stool is examined under a microscope to detect worm eggs or larvae.
• Blood Tests: Some parasites, such as heartworms, require blood testing to confirm infection.
• Physical Examination: Your veterinarian may check for signs of malnutrition, anemia, or bloating associated with parasitic infections.

Routine fecal exams are recommended for all dogs, even those without symptoms, to detect worms before they cause serious health problems.

Treatment and Prevention of Worms in Dogs

The treatment for worms depends on the type of parasite affecting your dog. Most infestations are treated with deworming medications prescribed by your veterinarian. These medications work by eliminating worms at various life stages, ensuring complete eradication.

Preventing Future Worm Infestations

Preventing worms in dogs requires a combination of proactive measures, including:

• Routine Deworming: Puppies should receive regular deworming treatments, and adult dogs should follow a preventative schedule recommended by their veterinarian.
• Flea Control: Since fleas transmit tapeworms, using flea preventatives reduces the risk of infestation.
• Proper Waste Disposal: Always pick up and dispose of dog feces promptly to prevent the spread of parasites.
• Regular Veterinary Check-Ups: Annual or biannual wellness exams, including fecal testing, help catch and treat parasites early.
• Heartworm Prevention: Monthly heartworm preventatives protect against heartworm disease, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

When Is It Time to Visit Your Veterinarian?

If you see worms in your dog’s poop or notice symptoms of a parasitic infection, scheduling a veterinary appointment is the best course of action. While some worms may not cause immediate harm, untreated infestations can lead to severe health complications. Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic in Mishawaka, IN, offers diagnostic testing, deworming treatments, and preventative care to keep your dog healthy. Call (574) 256-1871 to book an appointment today.