Worms in Dog Poop

Seeing unwelcome squiggles (or worms) in your dog’s stool can be alarming, but understanding what you’re looking at is the first step toward addressing the problem. Parasites can affect dogs of all ages and breeds, and they often enter the body through everyday exposure to contaminated soil, feces, or infected hosts. This blog will help you recognize the signs of a worm infestation, identify the types of worms you may encounter, and explain why timely veterinary care is so important. If you’ve asked yourself, “Why are there worms in dog poop?” or “What does this mean for my pet’s health?”, you’re in the right place. Call Shallowford Animal Hospital in Lewisville at (336) 945-4412 or schedule an appointment online so our team can evaluate your pet and recommend the appropriate care.

What Does It Mean If You See Worms In Dog Poop?

Finding worms in dog poop typically signals a parasitic infection. These parasites live in the gastrointestinal tract and shed eggs or worm segments in your dog’s stool. While some infections may cause no immediate signs, others can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, scooting, or a bloated appearance. Young puppies, in particular, are more vulnerable to the effects of intestinal worms due to their developing immune systems.

Many dogs pick up these parasites from outdoor environments. Contaminated soil, puddles, and contact with other infected animals all serve as entry points. In some cases, dogs may ingest flea larvae carrying tapeworm eggs or consume rodents or other hosts during outdoor adventures. Prompt veterinary care is essential for diagnosis and treatment. While some infections may be easy to treat, others can lead to lasting damage if left unchecked.

Common Types of Worms Found in Dog Poop

Not all worms look the same. Recognizing their appearance can help your veterinarian determine which type of parasite is affecting your dog.

Roundworms

Roundworms are among the most common intestinal parasites in dogs. They resemble long, spaghetti-like strands and are often visible in the stool or vomit. Puppies are frequently born with roundworms, having contracted them in utero or through nursing. While many adult dogs may carry roundworms without showing symptoms, young dogs often display a pot-bellied look, sluggish behavior, and digestive issues. Roundworm eggs are microscopic, but the adult worms are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. These parasites can also pose a risk to humans, especially children, which makes quick action even more important.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that often break apart and appear as small, rice-like grains around your dog’s rear or in their feces. Dogs usually contract tapeworms by swallowing fleas that carry the larval stage of the parasite. While tapeworms tend to cause fewer symptoms than roundworms, heavy infestations can lead to discomfort, digestive issues, or scooting.

If you spot what looks like grains of rice near your dog’s anus or in their bedding, it may be a sign of a tapeworm infection.

Hookworms

Hookworms are much smaller and not usually visible in your dog’s poop without a microscope. However, they can still cause significant health problems, especially in puppies. These parasites feed on blood in the intestinal lining and may cause anemia, weakness, and dark, tarry stools.

Dogs can become infected through ingestion or direct skin contact with larvae in contaminated soil. Prompt treatment is key, as severe infections can quickly become life-threatening in young or immune-compromised dogs.

Whipworms

Whipworms are thin and thread-like, often with a thicker head and a tapered tail. These worms live in the large intestine and cecum, where they cause inflammation and irritation. Dogs with whipworm infections may experience chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain. These worms rarely appear in the stool, so diagnosis usually requires a fecal exam at your veterinarian’s office.

How Dogs Get Intestinal Worms

Understanding how dogs contract worms helps reduce the risk of future infections. Most dogs pick up worms from their environment or other animals.

Environmental Exposure

Soil contaminated with feces from infected animals can harbor parasite eggs or larvae. Dogs who sniff, lick, or dig in contaminated areas are at risk of picking up parasites this way. Public dog parks, hiking trails, or any area with high pet traffic can serve as hotspots for transmission.

Fleas and Intermediate Hosts

Fleas carry tapeworm eggs, which are ingested when a dog grooms or scratches and accidentally swallows a flea. In rural or wooded areas, dogs may also encounter infected wildlife or rodents that act as hosts for various parasites.

Transmission from Mother to Puppy

Roundworms and hookworms can be passed from mother to puppy before birth or during nursing. This is why regular deworming for puppies is standard protocol at most veterinary practices.

Signs Your Dog May Have Worms

Even if you don’t see worms in your dog’s poop, other symptoms may indicate a problem. Dogs with intestinal worms may show one or more of the following signs:

• Loose stools or diarrhea, sometimes with visible mucus or blood
• Vomiting, with or without visible worms
• Pot-bellied appearance, especially in puppies
• Weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite
• Lethargy or reduced activity
• Itching or scooting behavior
• Visible worms or segments around the anus or in the feces

If you notice these symptoms, bring your dog in to Shallowford Animal Hospital for a fecal exam and veterinary evaluation.

How Your Vet Diagnoses Worms in Dog Poop

Veterinarians use fecal testing to identify the type of parasite affecting your dog. A fresh stool sample is examined under a microscope to detect eggs, larvae, or worm segments. Some parasites require specific testing methods, such as fecal flotation or antigen detection.

Your vet may also ask questions about your dog’s environment, diet, flea prevention, and recent travel history to help determine the source of the infection. Once a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan can be developed based on your dog’s age, health status, and lifestyle.

Why Professional Treatment Is So Important

When it comes to worms in dog poop, at-home remedies or over-the-counter medications are rarely effective and in some cases, they may even be harmful. Different parasites require different medications, and the wrong treatment can delay recovery or allow the infection to worsen. Your veterinarian can prescribe a targeted dewormer and follow-up plan to make sure the parasites are completely eliminated. Depending on the type of worm, multiple treatments and repeat fecal testing may be necessary to ensure your dog is clear of infection.

Prevention Tips to Protect Your Dog from Worms

While you can’t prevent every exposure, there are steps you can take to lower your dog’s risk of parasite infections.

• Routine Parasite Prevention: Year-round parasite preventives are one of the most effective ways to guard against certain worms, especially those transmitted by fleas or mosquitoes. Your vet can recommend a product that fits your pet’s needs and lifestyle.
• Clean Up After Your Dog: Always pick up your dog’s poop, especially in shared spaces like parks or trails. Proper disposal reduces environmental contamination and helps protect other pets and people from parasite exposure.
• Regular Fecal Testing: Your veterinarian may recommend fecal exams once or twice a year as part of your dog’s wellness care. These tests help catch infections early, sometimes before any symptoms appear.

Why Parasite Control Matters for Your Entire Household

Some worms, like roundworms and hookworms, can be passed to humans through accidental contact with contaminated soil or pet waste. Children and individuals with compromised immune systems are at higher risk. Practicing good hygiene, using parasite prevention, and maintaining regular veterinary care all help protect everyone in the household. If you’ve noticed worms in your dog’s poop or have concerns about parasites, call Shallowford Animal Hospital in Lewisville at (336) 945-4412 or schedule an appointment online. Early treatment supports your dog’s comfort and helps prevent further complications for the whole family.