Worms in Dog Poop: Identification Guide

Common Worms Found in Dog Poop

Four types of intestinal worms are commonly found in dog feces. Identifying the type helps your vet prescribe the right dewormer, since different medications target different parasites.

How Dogs Get Worms

• Roundworms — puppies often get them from their mother (in utero or through milk). Dogs can also ingest eggs from contaminated soil.
• Tapeworms — transmitted by swallowing infected fleas or eating raw prey.
• Hookworms — larvae penetrate skin (paws) or are ingested from contaminated soil.
• Whipworms — ingested from contaminated soil; eggs can survive in the environment for years.

All four types highlight the importance of yard cleanliness. Worm eggs and larvae shed in feces contaminate the soil and re-infect your dog — or other pets and family members.

Treatment

Your vet will prescribe a specific dewormer based on the parasite identified:

• Roundworms — pyrantel pamoate or fenbendazole.
• Tapeworms — praziquantel (over-the-counter dewormers often only target tapeworms).
• Hookworms — pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole, or milbemycin.
• Whipworms — fenbendazole; requires extended treatment course.

Most monthly heartworm preventives also protect against roundworms, hookworms, and sometimes whipworms — but not tapeworms.

Yard Decontamination

After deworming, yard cleanup is essential to prevent reinfection:

1. Remove all feces from the yard immediately and daily for 2 weeks after treatment.
2. Dispose of waste in sealed bags — do not compost.
3. Consider treating high-traffic areas with a borax solution (consult your vet for pet-safe concentrations).
4. Prevent your dog from eating soil or grass in contaminated areas.

When to See a Vet

• You see any worm or segment in stool.
• Your dog has diarrhea, weight loss, or a pot-bellied appearance.
• Your puppy has not been dewormed on schedule.
• Your dog is not on monthly parasite prevention.
• Multiple dogs in the household — all may need treatment.