Is it normal for puppies to throw up worms?

It is normal for puppies across all breeds to suffer occasional vomiting, but when worms are introduced into the vomit, it can be a sign of a more serious health problem. Worms in the vomit can be a cause for concern and should always be looked into by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The presence of worms in the vomit can indicate an infestation of intestinal parasites or an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. In this blog post, we will discuss what types of worms may appear in puppies’ vomit, what to do if worms are present, and how to prevent worms from appearing in the first place. We will also discuss what owners should expect in terms of treatment and prevention. By the end of this post, readers will have a better understanding of the signs, symptoms, and management of worms in puppies’ vomit.

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Roundworms are extremely common parasites in dogs. Almost all dogs have roundworms at some point in their lives—most often in puppyhood.

There are two main species of roundworms affecting dogs: Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine. Toxocara canis causes more serious disease and can be transmitted to humans.

Toxocara canis, a canine roundworm, can grow to be several inches long. (Joel Mills/Creative Commons).

Dogs’ intestines are home to adult roundworms, which eat partially digested food there. Worms may result in malnutrition, which is particularly concerning in young puppies. Due to their immature immune systems and inability to combat the adult worms as effectively as an adult dog, younger dogs are particularly susceptible to roundworms.

From their mother. It’s very common for puppies to be born with roundworms, as the larvae are often transmitted from the mother just before birth or through nursing.

Here’s how it occurs: Regrettably, the canine roundworm has developed a very effective method of self-propagation. Even if a dog has been treated and the adult worms have been removed, some dormant (“encysted”) larvae may still be present in body tissues. Unless the dog is a female and becomes pregnant, in which case the encysted roundworm larvae reactivate and are then transmitted to her puppies, these encysted roundworm larvae can lay dormant for the remainder of the dog’s life. The mother’s milk can spread an infection to the puppies before they are born or after they are born. Therefore, even if the mother dog and puppies are very healthy and well-cared for, the puppies should undergo routine roundworm treatment (see below), beginning at a very young age. Owners of pregnant dogs should speak with their veterinarian about safe deworming procedures that could prevent transmission to the puppies.

Additionally, the female may become ill from larvae that have persisted in her body and been reactivated while she is pregnant.

In adult male and female dogs with specific underlying medical conditions, encysted roundworms can also develop into the adult stage and cause illness.

Puppies and dogs playing outside may come into contact with roundworm eggs that were deposited in the soil by infected dogs’ stools.

From the environment. Puppies and dogs can become infected with roundworms by accidentally ingesting eggs from the environment—the eggs can be present in soil or on plants or other objects.

From eating infected animals. Roundworm eggs can also be carried by small animals such as rodents, earthworms, birds, and some insects. These animals are not the roundworm’s normal host, so in these species the egg never matures—but if a dog eats an infected animal, the egg can activate and grow into a roundworm once inside the dog.​

Although a dog may have roundworms and not exhibit any symptoms, there are some symptoms that can be present in addition to a roundworm infection.

Roundworms can especially be a health concern for puppies.

Malnourishment. Roundworms live in the intestines, depriving the puppy or dog of nutrients from his food—thus symptoms of a heavy roundworm infection can include signs of malnutrition such as weakness, weight loss, and stunted growth.

Potbellied appearance. When a case of roundworms is untreated, the parasites can multiply quickly in the intestines and grow to the point where the presence of numerous adult worms gives the puppy a potbellied appearance.

Coughing. Roundworm larvae can migrate to the lungs and cause coughing and other respiratory symptoms, sometimes even serious conditions such as pneumonia.

Vomiting or diarrhea. Roundworms can cause digestive upsets such as vomiting and diarrhea. Diarrhea can range from mild to severe.

Worms vomited up or visible in stools.

The owner of a dog with roundworms may spot one or more of the worms in the dog’s stools or vomit. Needless to say, seeing these enormous, pale-colored, spaghetti-like worms—sometimes still moving—can be quite alarming (and repulsive). If this occurs, call your vet right away, describe what you saw, and schedule an appointment for your dog or puppy to receive treatment right away.

(Instead of roundworms, small, rice-sized worms in your dog’s stool might be a common parasite called tapeworms, which are carried by fleas. If you notice or suspect that your dog may have any parasites, call your veterinarian. ).

Your veterinarian can look at a fecal sample from your puppy or dog on a prepared slide under a microscope and check for the presence of roundworm eggs. A fecal exam such as this will typically be part of a puppy’s first vet visit.

If a roundworm infestation is light, the fecal sample may not include any eggs. Since roundworms are extremely common in puppies, experts recommend that the presence of roundworms be assumed in young puppies and to treat routinely every few weeks.

Symptoms of Roundworms in Dogs

Despite the fact that some dogs with roundworm infections do not exhibit any symptoms, there are some symptoms to look out for. For starters, roundworms can irritate your dog’s stomach and intestines, which can result in vomiting or diarrhea.

Puppies with serious roundworm infections may throw up a mass of large, wiggling worms (3). Again, this can be a disturbing sight for pet parents.

Your dog may appear weaker and lose weight from malnutrition as her roundworm infection worsens (roundworms feed on partially digested food in her intestines). Your dog or puppy may also start to look pot-bellied if there are enough adult roundworms present.

Your veterinarian will take a fecal sample and look for roundworm eggs under a microscope if you discover what might be roundworms in dog poop or think your puppy is exhibiting other signs of roundworm in dogs. This fecal test is typically included in your dog’s first visit to the vet along with deworming medication because roundworms are so prevalent in puppies, according to Stone.

The sample is occasionally sent to the lab for additional testing. Additionally, a brand-new test is now accessible that can identify antigens (proteins produced by the worms) in the feces.

Despite how worrying canine roundworm can be, treatment is frequently straightforward and reasonably priced. However, due to the persistence of roundworms, your veterinarian should continue performing fecal examinations to check for them on a regular basis (two to four times in the first year and once to twice per year after that), advises Stone.

Your dog’s veterinarian will first prescribe a deworming medication for the treatment of roundworms, followed by a monthly parasite protection medication to help prevent further roundworm infections.

If you notice worms in your dog’s stool after deworming, do not panic. Dogs frequently pass worms after treatment; this is normal and indicates that the product is effective.

Roundworm treatments that are frequently prescribed include fenbendazole, milbemycin oxime, and pyrantel pamoate.

Given how common roundworms are in newborn puppies, they should start receiving routine roundworm treatment (specifically, a deworming medication) at around two weeks old. Stone advises deworming puppies every two weeks until they are 4 to 8 weeks old and starting them on a monthly broad-spectrum parasite protection drug that covers roundworms.

Roundworm treatment for adult dogs consists of a deworming drug and a long-term parasite prevention drug to keep worms at bay. In some cases, it may be advised to simply start your dog on a dewormer that provides long-term parasite protection. To clear an infection, your dog might not require additional medication.

It’s simple to safeguard your dog by using a heartworm preventative that works against multiple worms. For instance, Interceptor® Plus (milbemycin oxime/praziquantel) treats and controls roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms in addition to preventing heartworm disease.

See important safety information below for Interceptor® Plus.

How can I confirm my puppy has worms?

Having a veterinarian diagnose your puppy’s worms is the only way to know for sure if it has them. Generally, this is done by submitting a stool sample. You should be able to see the worms’ eggs even if you can’t see the fully developed worms. Nevertheless, because some worms don’t produce many eggs, your puppy might only be able to be diagnosed based on physical symptoms.

The worms may be visible to you personally in the stool or vomit of your poor puppy. Adult roundworms and hookworms are off-white to light brown in color and resemble small to large pieces of spaghetti. If they are fresh, tapeworm segments will be white and less thin.

FAQ

Is it normal for a puppy to throw up worms after deworming?

Extremely worm-infested puppies and adult dogs may even vomit up worms. Always consult your veterinarian if any of your dog’s symptoms cause you concern. What if I see live worms after worming? Your dog may pass out dead worms after worming; this is completely normal and causes no cause for concern.

What kind of worm would a puppy throw up?

The owner of a dog with roundworms may spot one or more of the worms in the dog’s stools or vomit. Needless to say, seeing these enormous, pale-colored, spaghetti-like worms—sometimes still moving—can be quite alarming (and repulsive).

Will my puppy be OK if he has worms?

Call for a Vet Appointment If intestinal parasites are not treated, they may spread to your dog’s heart, lungs, liver, eyes, brain, and other internal organs. This could worsen their condition and, in the most severe cases, result in death.