Does My Dog Have Worms?

Have you ever wondered, “Does my dog have worms?” It’s not a pleasant topic. Worms are gross. They’re squirmy. And they like to live in… well, places we’d rather not think about. But if you’re a dog parent, it’s important to know the signs. 

Why? Because worms in dogs are super common, and catching them early can save your pup from a lot of discomfort (and you from a major vet bill).

So let’s get down and dirty—in the cleanest, most upbeat way possible—and talk about how to tell if your dog has worms, what kinds of worms are out there, and what you should do if you find any.

First, What Kind of Worms Are We Talking About?

There’s more than one type of worm that can affect your dog. Each comes with its own weird name, preferred body part, and set of symptoms. The main culprits include:

• Roundworms – The spaghetti-like freeloaders in the intestines
• Hookworms – Tiny vampires that latch onto the intestinal lining and suck blood
• Whipworms – Thin worms that live in the colon and cause digestive trouble
• Tapeworms – Flat, segmented worms often spread by fleas
• Heartworms – Transmitted by mosquitoes and live in the heart and lungs (serious business!)

Does My Dog Have Worms: Signs to Watch For

Here’s the scoop (sometimes literally): Worms can be sneaky, but they often leave some very obvious clues behind. If your dog has one or more of these symptoms, it’s time to play detective.

1. Scooting That Booty

You know the move—when your dog scoots their rear across the floor like they’re in a strange yoga class. While it could be due to impacted anal glands, it’s also a sign of irritation from worms.

2. Visible Worms in Poop or Vomit

Sometimes, the evidence is right there in the poop bag. Roundworms look like white spaghetti noodles. Tapeworms look like little grains of rice—sometimes even wriggling. If you see anything suspicious, call your vet pronto (and maybe try not to gag).

3. Pot-Bellied Appearance

Puppies with roundworms often get a cute-but-concerning bloated belly. It might look like puppy chub, but it’s worth checking out.

4. Diarrhea or Vomiting

Tummy troubles? Worms might be the culprit. Hookworms and whipworms in particular can cause gastrointestinal distress.

5. Weight Loss Despite a Good Appetite

If your dog is eating like a champ but dropping pounds, worms could be stealing nutrients from their food before your dog gets a chance to absorb them.

6. Dull Coat or Poor Skin Condition

A healthy dog usually has a shiny, soft coat. Worm infestations can lead to dull fur, dry skin, and even hair loss.

7. Coughing (Especially for Heartworm)

Heartworms are a whole different level of trouble. If your dog has a persistent cough, especially after exercise, that could be a red flag for a heartworm infection.

8. Low Energy or Lethargy

Worms sap your dog’s strength—literally. A normally playful pup who suddenly seems tired all the time could be battling an internal parasite.

Where Do Dogs Get Worms From, Anyway?

Dogs are adventurous. They sniff, lick, dig, and roll in all the worst things. Here’s how they typically pick up worms:

• Fleas – These can transmit tapeworms
• Soil or feces – Hookworms and roundworms live in contaminated soil or dog poop
• Rodents or prey – Hunting can lead to accidental ingestion of infected animals
• Mosquitoes – Heartworm larvae are transmitted through bites
• Mother’s milk – Puppies can get worms from nursing infected mothers

Yup, worms are sneaky. That’s why regular vet checkups and prevention are so important.

How Vets Diagnose Worms

If your dog shows any signs of worms, your vet will likely ask for a stool sample (glamorous, we know). A fecal test can spot eggs or larvae under the microscope. For heartworms, a simple blood test is used.

Pro tip: Even if your dog seems fine, annual fecal exams are a good idea—especially if they’re sniffers, lickers, or diggers.

Treatment: Good News—It’s Usually Easy!

Here’s the upside: Worms are treatable. Most intestinal worms can be eliminated with a deworming medication prescribed by your vet. These come in the form of:

• Oral tablets or liquids
• Topical treatments
• Monthly preventives that also protect against fleas, ticks, and heartworms

Treatment length depends on the type of worm, the severity, and whether your dog is reinfected. Your vet may recommend multiple doses spaced out over a few weeks to catch the full lifecycle of the parasite.

And for heartworms? That’s more serious. Treatment involves a longer process with injections, rest, and close monitoring—another reason why prevention is so important.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

You know what’s better than treating worms? Preventing them in the first place. Here’s how:

• Use monthly parasite preventives year-round (many combo meds protect against several worm types)
• Clean up poop immediately—yes, even in your own backyard
• Keep your dog away from dead animals, garbage, and random poop piles (easier said than done)
• Control fleas with year-round flea prevention
• Visit your vet regularly for checkups and fecal testing

Worm prevention isn’t just about your dog, either. Some dog worms, like roundworms and hookworms, can be passed to humans—especially children. Yikes!

Can I Get Rid of Worms at Home?

You might be tempted to try a home remedy or over-the-counter dewormer. But beware: Not all treatments are created equal. Some OTC products can be ineffective—or even dangerous.

Always consult your vet. They’ll diagnose the exact type of worm and recommend the safest, most effective treatment for your pup’s situation.

Why Pet Insurance Is a Smart Move

Here’s the thing about worms: They can go unnoticed until they’re a full-blown problem. And when they hit hard—especially with complications like dehydration, weight loss, or heartworm disease—the cost of care can climb fast.

That’s why pet insurance is such a smart investment. A good plan can help cover:

• Diagnostic tests (like fecals and bloodwork)
• Deworming medications and follow-ups
• Emergency treatment for complications
• Heartworm testing and prevention

Whether it’s routine parasite control or something more serious, pet insurance gives you peace of mind that your dog can get the care they need—without breaking the bank.

Final Woofs

Worms may be gross, but they’re a normal part of dog life. Asking, “Does my dog have worms?” is only the first step. Knowing what to look for—and taking action quickly—can make a big difference in your pup’s health and happiness.

So next time your dog does a suspicious booty scoot or has a little too much “spaghetti” in their poop, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. A quick vet visit, some meds, and a solid prevention plan can get things back on track fast.

And if you haven’t already, now’s the perfect time to look into pet insurance. It’s one of the best ways to be prepared for life’s less glamorous moments—because let’s face it, dog parenthood isn’t always clean, but it’s always worth it.

References:

1. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/worms-in-dogs/
2. https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/worms
3. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/intestinal-parasites-cats-and-dogs

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.