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Nobody wants to think about their dog having worms. Just the sight of the disgusting critters is enough to make you squirm. But unfortunately, worms are a common health risk for dogs. Puppies can even be exposed before they’re born.
Part of being a responsible dog owner is keeping your dog healthy and parasite-free. If you understand the risks, symptoms, and treatment options for worms in dogs, you can better protect your dog and your family from infection.
Let’s face it – nobody wants to think about their adorable little pup having worms But the truth? Worms in puppies are super common Like, really common. As a dog owner myself, I’ve been through this more times than I’d like to admit, so I totally get the “eww” factor when you spot those little nasties in your puppy’s poop.
But don’t panic! Dealing with puppy worms is practically a rite of passage for new pet parents. In this guide, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about these pesky parasites – from how common they actually are to how to spot them and kick them to the curb for good!
Just How Common Are Worms in Puppies?
If you’re wondering whether your puppy’s worm situation is normal, the short answer is a resounding YES. Roundworms are the most common type of worm found in puppies, especially in newborns and young pups In fact, many puppies are actually born with roundworm infections or get them shortly after birth.
According to veterinary experts, most puppies will have some type of worm infestation at some point during their early months. It’s practically unavoidable! This is why regular deworming is such an essential part of basic puppy care.
Why Are Puppies So Prone to Worms?
There are several reasons why puppies are particularly vulnerable to worm infections:
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Mother-to-puppy transmission: Many puppies are born already infected with worms, particularly roundworms. The mother dog can pass larvae through the placenta to her unborn puppies.
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Transmission through milk: Hookworms and other parasites can be passed through a mother’s milk during nursing.
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Immature immune systems: Puppies don’t have fully developed immune systems, making them more susceptible to parasitic infections.
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Curious nature: Let’s be honest – puppies explore the world with their mouths, making them more likely to ingest worm eggs from contaminated soil or other infected animals’ poop.
Common Types of Worms in Puppies
Not all worms are created equal! Here are the main culprits you should know about:
Roundworms
These are the most common worms in puppies. They look like spaghetti strands in your puppy’s poop (appetizing, I know). Most puppies are either born with them or get them from their mother’s milk. Severe roundworm infections can even be fatal to puppies if left untreated.
Hookworms
These nasty little buggers actually hook themselves to your puppy’s intestinal wall and feed on their blood. They can cause anemia and even death in severe cases, especially in young puppies. They’re transmitted through mother’s milk, infected soil, or by burrowing directly through the skin.
Tapeworms
These guys look like little grains of rice near your puppy’s rear end or in their poop. Puppies usually get tapeworms from swallowing infected fleas during grooming. If your pup is “scooting” their bottom across the floor, tapeworms might be the culprit.
Whipworms
These worms live in the large intestine and can cause bloody diarrhea. They’re less common in very young puppies since it takes about three months for the eggs to mature after infection.
Heartworms
While not intestinal parasites, heartworms deserve mention because they’re deadly serious. They’re transmitted by mosquitoes and live in the heart and lungs. Prevention is absolutely crucial here!
How to Tell if Your Puppy Has Worms
Wondering if your little fur baby has these unwelcome guests? Here are some telltale signs:
- Visible worms in poop (looks like spaghetti or rice grains)
- Pot-bellied appearance
- Weight loss or failure to gain weight
- Dull coat
- Low energy
- Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
- Vomiting (sometimes with worms)
- Coughing (in case of heartworms or lungworms)
- “Scooting” their bottom across the floor
- Anemia (pale gums)
Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms at all, which is why regular vet checks and deworming are so important!
My Puppy Has Worms! Now What?
First, don’t freak out! This is totally normal and treatable. Here’s what to do:
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Visit your vet: Bring a fresh poop sample so they can confirm exactly which type of worm you’re dealing with.
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Get the right medication: Your vet will prescribe the appropriate dewormer based on the type of worm and your puppy’s size/age.
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Treat ALL pets in the household: If one pet has worms, others are likely infected too, even if they’re not showing symptoms.
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Clean thoroughly: Vacuum your home and wash your puppy’s bedding in hot water to remove eggs and larvae.
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Practice good hygiene: Always wash your hands after handling your puppy or cleaning up their waste.
Preventing Worms in Puppies
Prevention is way better than cure! Here’s how to keep those nasty worms away:
Puppy Worming Schedule
Follow this general timeline for deworming puppies:
- 2 weeks old: First deworming (usually done by the breeder)
- 4-6 weeks old: Second deworming
- 8 weeks old: Third deworming
- 12 weeks old: Fourth deworming
- Every 2-3 months thereafter: Regular deworming
Your vet might adjust this schedule based on your specific situation and the products they recommend.
Other Prevention Tips
- Pick up poop promptly from your yard and public spaces
- Keep your puppy away from other dogs’ feces
- Use monthly heartworm preventatives (many also protect against intestinal worms)
- Control fleas (which can carry tapeworms)
- Get regular fecal tests at vet checkups
- Keep your puppy’s environment clean
Can Humans Get Worms From Puppies?
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but yes, some types of puppy worms can be transmitted to humans. This is particularly true for roundworms and hookworms. Children are especially at risk because they might play in contaminated soil and then put their fingers in their mouths.
To protect your family:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling your puppy or cleaning up after them
- Clean up poop immediately
- Cover sandboxes when not in use
- Wear gloves when gardening
- Teach children proper hygiene
FAQ About Puppy Worms
Q: Can I see worms in my puppy’s poop with the naked eye?
A: Sometimes! Roundworms look like spaghetti, and tapeworm segments look like rice grains. However, many worm eggs and some adult worms are too small to see without a microscope.
Q: Can I use over-the-counter dewormers?
A: While there are OTC options available, it’s best to consult with your vet first. Prescription dewormers are often more effective, and your vet can ensure you’re treating the right type of worm.
Q: How long does it take to get rid of worms in puppies?
A: Most dewormers work within 24-48 hours to kill adult worms. However, you may need to repeat treatments to catch newly hatched worms or eggs that weren’t affected by the first treatment.
Q: My puppy was just dewormed but still has worms. What’s going on?
A: This is actually normal! Dewormers kill adult worms, which then pass through the digestive system and appear in the stool. Follow your vet’s instructions for follow-up treatments.
Q: Can my puppy die from worms?
A: In severe cases, yes. Hookworms and roundworms in particular can be fatal to puppies if left untreated. This is why early and regular deworming is so important!
Final Thoughts
So yeah, worms in puppies are super common – practically a rite of passage for new puppy parents. While they’re gross and no one wants to deal with them, the good news is that they’re usually easy to treat and prevent with regular care.
Remember, being a responsible puppy parent means dealing with the icky stuff too! Regular deworming, good hygiene, and prompt vet care will keep both your puppy and your family safe and healthy.
Have you dealt with puppy worms before? What was your experience like? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your stories (well, maybe not the REALLY gross details… but you know what I mean!).
Disclaimer: While I’ve done my best to provide accurate information, this article is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian for the best treatment plan for your puppy.
Treating Worms in Dogs
Because worms are so common in puppies, deworming usually starts when they’re 2 weeks old and continues every two to three weeks until they’ve stopped nursing. Worms in dogs are treated using a deworming medication, known as an anthelmintic. Dr. Klein says that your veterinarian will determine which medication is appropriate for that type of parasite, based on the species and the weight at the time of the deworming.
Depending on which worm is infecting your dog, you might give the medication once and then repeat it several weeks later. With other medications, you might need to give daily doses over a number of days. Finally, the anthelmintic might be in tablet, liquid, or powder form. Although there are over-the-counter treatments for some types of worms, Dr. Klein warns that it’s imperative to discuss any medication with your veterinarian prior to giving it to your dog and read the instructions carefully regarding age, weight, and dosing.
Diagnosing Worms in Dogs
Most intestinal parasites are diagnosed based on examination of fresh poop from the dog. That means you need to collect a sample. Be careful and wash your hands thoroughly after collection. “You can collect a fecal sample as you would when picking up after your dog using a poop bag, securing it, and then taking it to your veterinarian within 24 hours,” Dr. Klein says. “Also, many veterinarians have plastic fecal collection containers that can be used for obtaining fecal collection.”
Tapeworm segments can sometimes be seen with the naked eye as appearing like segments of rice in the dog’s stool or around their anus. But for all intestinal parasites, your veterinarian will look at the stool under the microscope for worm eggs. Because your dog can be infected without showing any signs, it’s smart to take a sample of your dog’s poop for inspection at every annual vet exam.
Unlike intestinal parasites, heartworms are usually found using a blood test. But other tests, such as an echocardiogram or ultrasound, might be used to examine your dog’s heart. Treatment for heartworm is most successful if it begins early which is why the American Heartworm Society advises annual blood testing for your dog’s well-being.