Whipworms look like tiny pieces of thread that are enlarged on one end. Roundworms look like spaghetti and may be several inches long. Tapeworms aren't usually seen in dog poop, but their egg sacs, which look like grains of rice, can be found in dog poop or sticking to a dog's behind.
Adult roundworms look like off-white or tan spaghetti in dog poop, and they can vary in size from small to rather large. Tapeworms appear in segments in dog poop. They are off-white or tan in color and may also cling to your dogs fur around their genital area.
A bloated belly or generally “unhealthy” appearance. A dull, dry coat. Excessive scooting and chewing at their bottom. Visible segments that look like grains of rice attached to the fur around their bottom or on their tail (or in their feces)
Visible worms in the stool or vomit—roundworms resemble spaghetti, while tapeworm segments look like cucumber seeds or rice.
Roundworms may be seen in vomit or stool, particularly after worming. They are light in color and look like spaghetti. Roundworms can be up to several inches long.
However, there are several other types of intestinal parasites that can infect and affect your dog that are not seen with the naked eye. "Most of the time you won't see the worms themselves, as the worm eggs are usually the only evidence shed in the stool, and the eggs are microscopic," Conover says.
There are many tried and true home remedies for worms in dogs. While conventional deworming drugs can carry some nasty side effects, natural dewormers are a much safer choice. There are many foods and herbs like pumpkin seeds and black cumin seed that are both safe and effective natural dewormers for dogs.
If left untreated, worms can damage your dog's internal organs and lead to loss of consciousness and death. If you suspect that your dog has worms, take it to your nearest veterinary office. Most intestinal worms are easy to treat and your veterinarian will prescribe a medication based on the diagnosis.
Tapeworm infections are usually diagnosed by finding segments—which appear as small white worms that may look like grains of rice or seeds—on the rear end of your dog, in your dog's feces, or where your dog lives and sleeps.
You may notice the adult roundworms in your dog's feces or vomit. They will appear white or light brown in color and may be several inches long.
Puppies will usually poop worms for a couple of days as the parasites die off between 2 and 14 hours. However, it's not unusual for worms to still be pooped out for up to a week after deworming.
Dog owners are generally recommended to treat their dogs for worms once every 3 months for adult dogs. New puppies require worming once every 2-3 weeks until they're 12 weeks old, and then they should be wormed monthly until they reach 6 months old, at which age they can move onto the adult schedule.
Treating worms in dogs
Their first treatment should be at three weeks old and after that, every two weeks until they are 16 weeks old. After 16 weeks, they will need a treatment every one-three months - or as regularly as your vet suggests.
Your puppy will pass worms with their poo after deworming. This happens for up to 3 days after the deworming process. If you do not dispose of the excrement properly, the eggs in the poop can cause reinfection if your pup comes into contact with them.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar can be effective at killing worms in your dog. Unlike other vinegars, it increases the alkaline levels in your dog's intestines.
Pumpkin seeds are an extremely effective deworming agent because they contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin. This paralyzes the worms making them easily eliminated from the intestine. They can be fed whole as a treat or you can grind them into a fine powder and add to Fido's food.
Veggies like carrots, beetroot, banana, apple, coconut, and papaya are rich in fiber and act as natural dewormers. Healthy dog treats with the goodness of such fruits and vegetables are extremely beneficial for their diet.
Eating Worm Eggs or Worm Larvae
If dogs accidentally eat these eggs — by sniffing or licking the ground, or by eating dirt or grass — they can become infected. Your dog can contract hookworms by accidentally ingesting hookworm larvae found in the soil.
Except in severe cases of heartworm infestation, worms do not usually constitute an emergency. However, worms should never be left untreated, as worm infestations can cause damage to your dog's internal organs. In a worst-case scenario, the effects of worms can even lead to a loss of consciousness and death.
Intestinal parasites are contagious to other animals and humans. Because they primarily inhabit the GI tract, larvae, or eggs, are passed in the feces. The infective larvae then inhabit the soil around the feces, leaving other dogs, and children, vulnerable to accidental ingestion and subsequent infection.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice worms in your dog's poop. Your vet's office will recommend bringing a sample of your dog's stool for fecal testing. They will analyze the stool sample microscopically to look for parasite eggs. Your dog may also need a physical examination.
While this can be an unpleasant image, it's actually a good thing — it means the worms are no longer living inside your dog! Additionally, you may see dead worms in your dog's stool for a few days following treatment, or your dog may have diarrhea as they digest the dead worms.
Worms in dogs are a common issue, whether you're talking about roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, or whipworms. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.