Have you found worms in your dog's poo?

It's fair to say that most dog owners are very familiar with what our dogs' stools look like. From colour to texture and smell. So, it can be very alarming to suddenly find some unexpected parasites or worms when cleaning up your dog's poo.

Whilst internally screaming in horror, you may wonder, is this a serious problem? What are the risks to my other pets and family members? As a vet I answer these questions daily. So let me reassure you, most of the time, a worm infection is a simple disease to treat, and your dog will likely make a full recovery within a few days of receiving the right treatment. 

What do worms in dogs look like? 

Before we panic and rush to the vet clinic, it's worth taking a moment to check that what your dog has passed is truly a worm. Gross, yes, but may save unnecessary treatment and stress for both you and your dog.

Tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum and Taenia species)

A tapeworm will show up in faeces as small white segments, similar to grains of rice. Tapeworm segments may be present on the skin around the anus as well as in the stool. 

Roundworm (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina)

Roundworms are long, thin and white. They can be similar in size to cooked spaghetti. They may be alive and moving when passed- in which case they may have a spiral appearance, or they may be dead and appear as long cream or white strands in the stool. Roundworms are most commonly seen in puppies but can affect dogs of all ages. 

Whip and hookworms 

Whip and hookworms are very tiny, so difficult to see. If visible, they can look like small white strands streaked through the stool. Not dissimilar to the appearance of cooked vermicelli, they are roughly 2-3 inches long. These are the worms you are least likely to detect visually in your dog's poos.

The pretenders 

The other consideration is that the ‘worm’ may in fact be something else. Grass and portions of vegetables can look like long thin strands especially after digestion. Both are completely harmless and do not need further investigation. 

The passing of mucus in stool can look similar to worms. Mucus can be cream, yellow or green and look like long thin strands in the stool. The difference between worms and mucus is that mucus can be broken down with touch, whereas worms will be solid to touch. If your dog is passing mucusy stools frequently, it's still worth getting a check up at the vets. 

To ease your anxiety, please know it’s ok to take a sample into your regular vet clinic to confirm if what you're looking at is parasitic in nature. They will have had many similar requests in the past and won't be phased in the slightest to sift through your dogs poo to help you out. 

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What are the signs of a worm infection in dogs? 

Your dog may show no outward signs of hosting worms, and the only sign we see is the worms passed in the poo. This is why checking your dog's poo daily is so important! 

As the worm burden your dog increases, there are some other signs we notice: 

• Blood in the poo
• Diarrhoea or loose stools
• Straining to pass stools
• Scooting bottom across the carpet
• A pot bellied appearance (especially younger puppies)
• Increased hunger 

Puppies and younger dogs are more likely to get infected with worms. If you notice even one of these signs in a puppy or younger dog, it's worth booking an appointment with your vet. Read about how often a puppy should poop.

How are worms in dogs treated? 

It's fairly easy to treat a worm infection in your dog. There are many anti-parasitic options- liquid, powder, spot on, tablets. Each product will last for a different amount of time and treat for certain worm types. This information should be listed on the packet. If it's not, do not buy the product and contact your veterinarian for prescription strength medication.  

The key is to make sure you are using a worming product that treats all worm types. Many worming tablets and liquid suspensions are available without a prescription from the vet. You need to be careful to ensure you are using a product that covers for all worms- your vet will be able to let you know if you are unsure. 

Alternatively you could book a check up with your veterinarian. They can assess the degree of parasitism your dog is suffering with, and dispense prescription strength medication to alleviate the problem. 

Another important point in treatment is knowing the weight of your dog. It's really easy to underestimate, and therefore underdose your dog. Before giving any medications, know that pet stores, groomers and vet clinics will have pet weigh scales that you can use without charge.

Try to weigh your dog at least twice a year so you can have an up to date weight for situations such as treating a worm infection. 

Are worms infectious to other pets? 

If your dog has a worm burden, this can be shared to other cats and dogs in the household through the environment. If your dog sits on a sofa for example, they can leave worm eggs behind on the fabric after resting. This can then be transferred to your cat’s coat who will ingest the eggs through grooming. It's very challenging to stop the spread between pets in the same household just with cleaning alone, so ask a vet for de-worming products for all pets in the home. This reduces the risks of re-infection. 

Can people catch worms from dogs? 

The risk to people is very low, but some types of worms can infect young children, or immunocompromised adults. It's therefore very important to practice good hygiene at home. This includes things like cleaning up toileting accidents indoors thoroughly, washing bowls and bedding regularly and generally keeping a clean home. 

Summary 

Finding worms in your dog's poo is enough to turn any stomach. The good news is that the success rate for treating worm burdens is excellent, and your dog can usually make a full recovery within a few days of being given a broad spectrum anti-paraciticide (worming tablet). 

Your veterinarian will have access to prescription strength worming products for best results, and can give advice on how to reduce re-infections, keep the home clean and your pets healthy. 

Using preventative de-worming products can reduce the risks of re-infection, and as a vet I encourage you to consider regular use of these products. Setting a reminder on your calendar or phone can help ensure your dog receives their worming treatment on time throughout the year.