Have an Emergency?When you’re out walking your dog or cleaning up in the backyard, you might not expect to spot something alarming in your dog’s stool. However, finding worms in dog poop is a common experience for many pet owners—and one that raises plenty of questions. From identifying what type of worm you’re looking at to understanding what it could mean for your dog’s health, this topic deserves attention. While it may be unpleasant, spotting worms in dog poop can give you valuable insight into your dog’s internal health and signal when it’s time to contact your veterinarian.
At Rutherford Veterinary Hospital in Dallas, TX, we’re here to support pet owners with timely information and compassionate care. If you notice worms in dog poop, it’s important to take the next steps by scheduling a veterinary visit. Call us at (214) 826-4166 or request an appointment online to get your dog evaluated by a trusted professional.
What Worms in Dog Poop Can Look Like
Not all worms are visible in your dog’s stool, but when they are, their appearance can vary based on the species. Spotting worms in dog poop often involves identifying small, moving organisms or worm-like segments. The most commonly seen types include roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms.
- Roundworms usually appear as long, white, spaghetti-like strands and may move slightly. These are often the most visible worms in dog poop, especially in puppies.
- Tapeworms, on the other hand, are flat and segmented. You might notice tapeworm segments that look like grains of rice or cucumber seeds near your dog’s anus or in their feces.
- Hookworms are generally too small to be seen with the naked eye, but their presence can still lead to visible signs such as dark, tarry stools or diarrhea.
Because different types of intestinal parasites can look similar, it’s best to collect a sample and bring it to your vet for analysis. Identifying the specific type of worm is the first step in addressing the issue effectively.
How Dogs Get Worms in the First Place
Worms in dog poop usually originate from an internal parasitic infection that your dog picked up from the environment, other animals, or even from their mother during birth or nursing. Dogs can become infected by ingesting worm eggs or larvae from contaminated soil, water, feces, or infected hosts like rodents. Fleas are also known to transmit tapeworms, which means a dog with a flea infestation is at risk even if they haven’t eaten anything unusual. Puppies are particularly vulnerable and may contract roundworms or hookworms before they’re even born. The lifecycle of most intestinal worms makes it easy for dogs to become reinfected if their environment isn’t cleaned regularly. Proper sanitation, monthly parasite preventatives, and routine veterinary exams all play a role in helping reduce the chance of reinfection.
Common Signs Associated with Worms in Dog Poop
While worms in dog poop are a clear indicator of a problem, you may notice additional symptoms in your dog even before you see anything in their stool. Not every dog shows signs, but there are several common symptoms that may develop. These can include:
- Scooting or dragging their rear end across the floor
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Sudden changes in appetite
- Weight loss despite normal eating habits
- A bloated or distended abdomen, especially in puppies
- Dull coat or poor skin condition
In more severe cases, particularly with hookworms or whipworms, dogs may become lethargic or anemic due to internal blood loss. If you see any combination of these symptoms along with worms in dog poop, it’s time to call (214) 826-4166 to schedule a prompt veterinary exam at Rutherford Veterinary Hospital.
Diagnostic Testing Your Veterinarian May Recommend
When you bring your dog to the vet after spotting worms in their stool, diagnostic testing helps confirm the type of parasite present and the severity of the infection. The most common test performed is a fecal flotation test, where a small stool sample is examined under a microscope for parasite eggs. If the infection seems complex or if your dog’s symptoms point to additional health concerns, your veterinarian may also suggest further tests, such as:
- Fecal antigen testing for detecting early-stage infections
- Blood tests to evaluate overall health and look for anemia or organ function changes
- PCR testing to detect DNA from specific parasites
These tests allow your vet to tailor treatment based on the specific parasite and your dog’s current condition. Accurate diagnosis plays a major role in helping your dog recover quickly and comfortably.
What Treatment Looks Like When Worms Are Found in Dog Poop
Once your veterinarian confirms the presence of worms in dog poop, treatment will focus on removing the parasites safely and reducing the risk of reinfection. The exact approach depends on the type of worm involved and your dog’s overall health. Most dogs respond well to veterinary-directed treatment, especially when it’s started early.
Deworming Medications and How They Work
The most common form of treatment involves deworming medications that target the specific parasite found in your dog’s stool. These medications may be given orally—either in liquid, chewable, or tablet form—and typically require one or more doses spaced apart. Some dewormers work by paralyzing the worms, allowing the body to eliminate them naturally. Others kill the parasites outright, preventing further reproduction or migration within the digestive tract. Once treatment begins, it’s normal to see dead or dying worms in your dog’s stool for a few days. This is part of the process, and your veterinarian will guide you on what to expect as the medication takes effect.
Importance of Follow-Up Testing
To make sure the treatment was effective, your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up fecal test several weeks after the initial dose. This test helps confirm that the parasites have been fully cleared and that your dog is no longer shedding infectious eggs into the environment. In cases where multiple types of worms were found—or if your dog lives with other pets—additional rounds of deworming may be necessary. Regular monitoring is especially important for puppies, seniors, and dogs with ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms.
Avoiding At-Home Deworming Risks
While over-the-counter deworming products are available, they don’t always target the full range of parasites and may not be suitable for all dogs. Using the wrong medication can result in incomplete treatment, side effects, or worsening symptoms. It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations when treating worms in dog poop. Veterinary-directed care not only ensures your dog receives the correct medication, but it also supports their recovery with professional oversight and individualized care.
Preventing Worms in Dog Poop Going Forward
Once your dog has been treated for intestinal worms, prevention becomes your next focus. Ongoing protection is a team effort that involves your home environment, your dog’s lifestyle, and your veterinarian’s guidance. Preventative steps include:
- Giving monthly parasite preventatives recommended by your vet
- Keeping your yard free of pet waste
- Preventing flea infestations, which can carry tapeworms
- Discouraging your dog from eating feces or unknown items outdoors
- Taking your dog in for regular wellness exams and fecal testing
If your dog frequents parks, daycare, or areas where other dogs congregate, they may face an increased risk of exposure. Stay vigilant about their behavior and overall health, and bring any concerns to your vet’s attention right away. Puppies and senior dogs tend to have weaker immune systems, making them more vulnerable to intestinal worms. Your veterinarian may suggest more frequent testing or customized preventive care based on your dog’s age and medical history.
Why Prompt Veterinary Care Makes a Difference
Worms in dog poop are more than just a messy inconvenience. They can indicate a deeper issue that needs medical attention. Left untreated, intestinal parasites can affect your dog’s digestion, weight, coat condition, and overall comfort. In young dogs, these infections can become severe quickly. Your veterinarian is your best resource when it comes to diagnosing and treating the cause of worms in dog poop. In addition to treating the current infection, they’ll help you understand how to protect your dog in the future.
If you’ve recently noticed worms in your dog’s stool or are unsure what you’re looking at, contact Rutherford Veterinary Hospital in Dallas, TX at (214) 826-4166 or request an appointment online. Our team will help you take the right steps to support your dog’s health and comfort.