Dog Worms in Stool

Dog worms are parasites that will inhabit the intestinal tract of the pet and can cause major discomfort. Many worms may be excreted in the stool and this should be a clear indicator your dog needs some dewormer drugs. Puppies are more likely to have worms and they can be born with intestinal worms.

Dog Worms

The worms that affect canines can be of 3 main types. Each type of parasite has a specific shape and a different size and can be easily recognized. The internal worms affecting dogs are:

  • Roundworms from the class of Nematodes, which are very small, narrow and have tapered ends. Roundworms in canines can affect the heart, lungs, stomach or inhabit the intestinal tract (i.e. the hookworms and the whipworms).
  • Cestod,e worms also known as tapeworms, are parasites that live in the digestive tract, and are composed of several segments
  • Trematodes, or flatworms, are also small and flat and may affect the lungs, liver or the gastrointestinal tract.

Ringworms are often mistaken for canine worms, but they are only a fungal infection that cause ring shaped bald spots.

Dog Worms in Stool

Only the roundworms and the tapeworms can be eliminated in the dog’s feces. These can be easily differentiated, as the roundworms are small and several worms are excreted at once. Typically, roundworms move quickly in the stool.

The tapeworms may also be excreted in the stool, but only 1 segment at a time. A tapeworm segment can be rectangular or square and may or may not move. The tapeworms may also be seen coming out of the dog’s rectum, but this only happens when the dog is inactive or sleeping. The worm will migrate back into the intestines.

It is important to notify the vet as soon as you notice any worms or worm segments in your dog’s feces, so that you can give your pet treatment. Intestinal worms feed on the dog’s food and if the worms are not eliminated, the dog can become anemic.

Testing for Worms

The best way to detect intestinal worms is to get a stool sample and analyze it. If you notice the worms in the stool, get a pair of gloves and put a stool sample in a sealed jar for analysis.

Treatment Options

The worms can be eliminated with medication. Dewormer drugs are available for all types of intestinal worms.

Once the worms are killed, the dog may still have a few worms in the stool, as they are eliminated in this manner. However, all worms should be dead. The stool of the dog should be clear from worms within 2 weeks after the worms are effectively killed.

Zoonotic Worms  

Hookworms are zoonotic parasites and may be caught by humans as well. The worms can be contracted through direct contact with the worms or contact with eggs, which may be present in soil or sand.

For this reason, it is highly important that you wear gloves while handling the dog’s stool, so as to prevent the infestation with worms.

 

Comments