KWIK SUMMARY
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Common types of worms in dogs include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Symptoms feature diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and a swollen belly. Dogs catch them from soil, feces, or fleas, and you can treat them using dewormers like Safe-Guard Canine, Durvet Triple Wormer, and Elanco Quad Dewormer, while regular fecal exams and parasite prevention help keep future infections under control. |
Worms in dogs are intestinal parasites that live in the gut and feed off nutrients your dog needs. One AVMA-cited study found parasites in dog waste at up to 90% of parks tested in the Southeast U.S. That is why deworming every 1-3 months and yearly fecal tests are crucial for catching most cases before symptoms start showing.
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Veterinary Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before changing your pet's diet, starting supplements, or treating health conditions. |
What Are Worms in Dogs?
Worms in dogs are parasites that live in your dog's gut, taking nutrients away from their body. Some are big enough to see; others are so tiny you'd never notice them without a lab test.
Almost every dog picks up worms at some point. Puppies especially get this, because they can get roundworms from their mom before they're even born. That's part of why vets push for early deworming, even when a puppy looks totally fine.
What Are the Common Types of Dog Worms?
There are four kinds of dog worms you'll come across the most: roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Each one behaves a bit differently, and some are way easier to spot than others.
| Worm Type | What It Looks Like | Where Dogs Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Roundworms | Long, like spaghetti. | Dirty soil, mother's milk, infected prey. |
| Hookworms | Tiny and thread-thin, hard to see. | Dirty soil, skin contact, mother's milk. |
| Tapeworms | Flat, rice-like pieces near the tail. | Swallowing an infected flea. |
| Whipworms | Thin with a thick end. | Contaminated soil or water. |
Worms in a Dog Symptoms: What Should You Look For
A lot of dogs don't show any symptoms at first. But when signs do show up, they're usually gut-related. Learning the symptoms of worms in a dog early can help you catch the problem before it gets worse.
- Worms or rice-like bits in the stool or near the tail.
- Diarrhea, sometimes with blood or mucus.
- Vomiting, sometimes with a worm in it.
- A round, bloated belly, especially in puppies.
- Losing weight even though they're eating fine.
- Dull coat, low energy.
- Scooting their rear along the ground.
What Causes Worms in Your Dog?
Worms in dogs most of the time happen through contact with dirty soil, water, feces, or fleas. Puppies can also get them straight from their mom, either before birth or while nursing.
Dogs that spend a lot of time outside, dig around, or eat random things off the ground are more likely to pick up worms. Fleas are a big cause too, as swallowing just one infected flea while grooming is enough to cause tapeworms.
How Do Veterinarians Diagnose Worms in Dogs?
Most vets check for worms with a simple stool test, looking for eggs under a microscope. It's fast, doesn't hurt your dog, and is often part of a normal checkup.
Some worms, like tapeworm segments, you can actually see with your own eyes. Others need the lab to confirm. That's why a yearly stool check matters, even if your dog seems totally healthy.
Treatment Options for Getting Rid of Dog Worms
Treating dog worms usually comes down to picking the right dewormer for the type of worm found. A few good options:
- Safe-Guard Canine Dog Dewormer is made for dogs 6 weeks and older, treating tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms with the compound fenbendazole.
- Durvet Triple Wormer Chewable Tablets are flavored chewables for dogs and puppies 12 weeks and up, treating roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms with pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel.
- Elanco Quad Dewormer Chewable Tablets for Small Dogs is a single-dose, beef-flavored chewable that covers tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms in one go.
- Sentry Worm X Plus 7 Way De-Wormer is a broad-spectrum option that treats and controls 2 kinds of tapeworms, 2 kinds of roundworms, and 3 kinds of hookworms and is available without a prescription.
- Durvet Liquid Wormer 2X for Dogs is used to stop Toxocara canis reinfestation and clear out roundworms and hookworms in puppies, adult dogs, and mothers after whelping.
Best Dog Dewormer Products Comparison
| Product | Format | Targets | Notes | How to Feed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe-Guard Canine Dewormer | Powder pouches | Tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms | For dogs 6 weeks and older. | Mix the daily dose with a small amount of daily food. |
| Durvet Triple Wormer | Chewable tablet | Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms | For dogs and puppies 12 weeks and older. | Give straight from the hand or hide in food. |
| Elanco Quad Dewormer | Chewable tablet | Tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms | Single dose, beef flavored. | Feed alone as a chewable treat or mix into regular food. |
| Sentry Worm X Plus | Tablet | 2 tapeworms, 2 roundworms, 3 hookworms | Available without a prescription. | Feed alone as a chewable treat or mix into regular food. |
| Durvet Liquid Wormer 2X | Liquid | Roundworms, hookworms | Safe for puppies and lactating mothers. | Offer directly in a bowl or mix into a small portion of regular food. |
Can Humans Catch Worms From Dogs?
Yes, some worms can pass from dogs to people; roundworms and hookworms especially. Kids are more at risk since they're more likely to play in dirt or sand where eggs can sit around.
Basic hygiene helps a lot here. Wash your hands after cleaning up after your dog, keep kids away from areas dogs use as a bathroom, and stay on top of your dog's deworming schedule.
How to Prevent Worms in Dogs?
Preventing worms is a lot easier than treating them, and it mostly comes down to a few habits:
- Stay on top of monthly flea and heartworm prevention.
- Pick up your dog's waste right away, especially in shared areas.
- Get regular fecal exams done at the vet.
- Don't let your dog drink from puddles or dirty water.
- Deworm puppies on schedule, as early as your vet suggests.
When to Contact a Veterinarian?
Call your vet if you see worms or worm segments in your dog's stool, or if they've got ongoing vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or a bloated belly. If it's a puppy showing these signs, don't wait, as worms hit puppies harder than adult dogs.
Conclusion
Worms in dogs are common, but they're not something you have to panic over. Catch the signs early, know what causes worms in dogs, and stay consistent with prevention and deworming, and your dog should be just fine. If you're ever unsure, a quick call to your vet is always worth it.
Explore Kwik Pets' range of dog dewormers and parasite care products to find an option that fits your dog's needs.
