Discovering worms in your dog’s poop is unpleasant—but it’s also a sign that your dog may need a veterinary exam. Parasites are common in dogs, especially those who spend time outdoors or socialize with other animals. While it’s not unusual, finding worms in dog poop should prompt action. When you know what to watch for and understand how veterinarians diagnose and address intestinal parasites, you can stay proactive about your dog’s health. If you’ve noticed worms in dog poop, contact Mills Animal Hospital in Acworth, GA, today at (770) 903-5995.
What Worms in Dog Poop Look Like
Worms in dog poop vary in appearance depending on the type of parasite. You might see white, rice-like segments, spaghetti-shaped strands, or even small, moving organisms. Each of these descriptions points to a different type of intestinal worm, and each one requires a specific veterinary approach. Tapeworm segments, for example, often look like grains of rice and may move slightly. Roundworms are long, round, and pale—closer in appearance to cooked noodles. Hookworms and whipworms are more difficult to spot with the naked eye, though their presence still affects your dog’s health.
The presence of worms in dog poop can signal an active infestation, but some worms—especially immature ones or microscopic eggs—might not be visible at all. That’s why your veterinarian uses a fecal flotation test to identify parasitic eggs. Even if you’ve only seen something once, don’t wait to have your dog checked out. Call Mills Animal Hospital at (770) 903-5995 to schedule an exam.
Common Types of Worms Found in Dog Poop
Worms in dog poop typically fall into one of four main categories. Each type affects dogs differently and can come from a variety of sources in your pet’s environment.
Roundworms
Roundworms are among the most common parasites found in dogs. They live in the intestines and absorb nutrients from your dog’s food. Puppies often get roundworms from their mother, but dogs of any age can become infected from contaminated soil, water, or feces. Dogs with roundworms may have a pot-bellied appearance, vomiting, diarrhea, or visible worms in their stool.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms usually appear in segments that resemble grains of rice in your dog’s poop or around their tail. Dogs often get tapeworms from fleas, which carry the larvae. If your dog swallows an infected flea during grooming or play, they can develop a tapeworm infection. Dogs with tapeworms may scoot their bottoms on the floor, lick excessively, or show signs of weight loss despite eating normally.
Hookworms
Hookworms are tiny and not always visible in dog poop, but they feed on blood and can cause anemia, especially in puppies or small dogs. Symptoms can include pale gums, lethargy, weight loss, or dark, tarry stools. Hookworms spread through contact with contaminated soil or feces and can even penetrate the skin.
Whipworms
Whipworms are another invisible culprit. These parasites live in the large intestine and cause inflammation, diarrhea, and weight loss. Whipworm eggs can survive in soil for years, making reinfection a risk if the environment isn’t treated. If you notice ongoing digestive issues in your dog, whipworms might be part of the problem—even if you haven’t seen visible worms in their poop.
How Dogs Get Worms
Worms in dog poop often trace back to environmental exposure. Dogs are curious by nature—they sniff, lick, dig, and sometimes eat things they shouldn’t. This behavior makes it easy for parasites to find a host. Dogs can become infected by:
- Eating infected feces from other animals
- Walking or playing in contaminated soil
- Swallowing fleas carrying tapeworm larvae
- Nursing from an infected mother
- Eating raw meat or prey animals that harbor parasites
Even dogs who live primarily indoors are at risk. Parasite eggs and larvae can be tracked into the home on shoes or paws. Because worms in dog poop can reappear even after treatment, year-round prevention and routine testing are key.
Symptoms to Watch for Besides Worms in Dog Poop
Seeing worms in dog poop is a clear signal, but not all symptoms are visible. Dogs with intestinal parasites might show a range of signs, many of which overlap with other medical issues. Contact Mills Animal Hospital if your dog experiences any of the following:
- Diarrhea or soft stools
- Vomiting
- Weight loss despite a healthy appetite
- A swollen abdomen (especially in puppies)
- Dry or dull coat
- Excessive scooting or licking of the rear
- Fatigue or reduced interest in activity
Some dogs show no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages of infection. This makes routine fecal testing important, even when your dog seems healthy.
Why a Veterinary Exam Matters
If you notice worms in your dog’s poop, the next step should be a veterinary visit. Only your veterinarian can diagnose the type of worm present and determine the most effective treatment. Different parasites require different medications, and improper use of over-the-counter products may not eliminate the infection. Worse, it may delay appropriate care.
Fecal Testing Helps Confirm the Infection
Veterinarians use fecal exams to check for parasite eggs under a microscope. These exams not only confirm the type of worm but also indicate how advanced the infestation is. In some cases, your vet may recommend follow-up testing or additional lab work, especially if your dog has lost weight or developed anemia.
Your Vet Will Recommend a Personalized Plan
Your veterinarian will also look at your dog’s age, lifestyle, and any other medical issues to recommend a parasite prevention plan. If your dog has worms in their poop, call Mills Animal Hospital in Acworth, GA, at (770) 903-5995 to book an appointment.
Can Humans or Other Pets Catch Worms from Infected Dogs?
Some intestinal worms are zoonotic, which means they can spread from animals to people. Roundworms and hookworms, in particular, pose a risk to humans—especially children who play in areas where dogs defecate. Infections in people can cause health problems ranging from skin irritation to more serious internal complications. Other pets in the household may also be at risk. Cats can contract some of the same parasites, especially if they share outdoor spaces or litter boxes with infected dogs. For households with multiple pets, routine parasite screening and consistent preventive care are especially important.
To help protect everyone in your home:
- Always clean up dog poop promptly
- Wash your hands after handling pets or cleaning up after them
- Avoid walking your dog in areas where feces are commonly left behind
- Keep up with flea prevention to reduce the risk of tapeworms
Prevention Strategies to Help Protect Your Dog
Preventing worms in dog poop starts with regular veterinary care and a consistent parasite prevention routine. Your veterinarian will recommend a monthly medication that protects against common intestinal worms and can tailor a schedule based on your dog’s lifestyle and health status. Additional ways to help prevent worms in dog poop include:
- Scheduling annual or semi-annual fecal exams
- Administering flea prevention every month
- Picking up and disposing of dog waste quickly
- Avoiding dog parks or public areas where parasite risk is high
- Preventing your dog from scavenging or hunting wild animals
Even if you haven’t seen worms in your dog’s poop, preventive care helps reduce the risk of a future infestation. Year-round parasite control remains the most reliable way to keep your dog safe from internal parasites.
Is It Time to Call Mills Animal Hospital?
If you’ve seen worms in your dog’s poop—or noticed any changes in their behavior, appetite, or stool—it’s time to contact your veterinarian. Waiting too long can allow the infestation to worsen or spread to other pets. The team at Mills Animal Hospital in Acworth, GA can help with expert diagnostics and personalized care plans tailored to your dog’s needs. Call us today at (770) 903-5995 to schedule an appointment. We’ll assess your dog’s symptoms, perform the necessary testing, and guide you through the next steps for treatment and prevention.