How to Tell If Your Dog Has Worms (And How to Kick Those Uninvited Guests Out!)

Let’s be real—no one likes to talk about worms. They're gross, they’re sneaky, and they have zero respect for personal boundaries. But if you’ve got a dog, knowing the signs of worms (and how to evict them ASAP) is a must.

So, if your pup is acting a little off, scratching their bum too much, or leaving some questionable surprises in the yard… it might be time to investigate. Let’s dive in!

First Things First: What Are Dog Worms?

Worms are parasites (fancy word for “moochers”) that take up residence inside your dog’s body. There are a few different types, and each one comes with its own set of problems. Here are the usual suspects:

🦠 Roundworms

• The most common type, especially in puppies.
• Look like spaghetti (sorry if you just had pasta).
• Can cause bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea.

🩸 Hookworms

• Tiny but ferocious—they actually suck your dog’s blood.
• Can cause anemia, weight loss, and weakness.

🪱 Tapeworms

• These bad boys come from fleas.
• Look like little grains of rice in your dog’s poop (ew).
• Can cause itchiness around the bum and increased appetite.

🌪 Whipworms

• Harder to spot but still troublemakers.
• Cause diarrhea (sometimes with blood—yikes).

💀 Heartworms (The Big Scary Ones)

• Spread by mosquitoes, and they attack the heart and lungs.
• Can be fatal if left untreated.
• Prevention is key (we’ll talk about that later).

How to Tell If Your Dog Has Worms 🕵️‍♀️

Sometimes, worms throw a full-on party inside your pup, and other times, they’re sneaky little creeps. Here are the major red flags:

1️⃣ Poop Check (Yes, You Gotta Look 😬)

• Worms (or worm segments) might be visible in your dog’s stool.
• Tapeworms look like rice, roundworms look like spaghetti.
• Blood or excessive mucus in the poop? Another warning sign.

2️⃣ The Butt Scoot Boogie 🏎

• If your dog is dragging their butt across the floor, it’s a sign something’s irritating their rear.
• Could be worms, could be anal glands—either way, a vet visit is a good idea.

3️⃣ Bloated Belly (Especially in Puppies) 🎈

• Puppies with roundworms often have that “potbelly” look.
• It’s not cute—it’s a sign of a serious infestation.

4️⃣ Weight Loss with a Big Appetite 🍖

• Eating like a champ but losing weight?
• Worms could be stealing nutrients from your dog’s food.

5️⃣ Vomiting or Diarrhea 🤢

• Sometimes worms make your dog throw up (and yep, you might see worms in there too).
• Diarrhea—especially with blood—is a big red flag.

6️⃣ Dull Coat & Low Energy 🥱

• A healthy dog should have a shiny coat and energy to spare.
• Worms can make them lethargic and give their fur a dull, scruffy look.

7️⃣ Coughing (For Heartworms) 😮‍💨

• Heartworms live in the lungs and heart, causing coughing and trouble breathing.
• If you suspect heartworms, get to the vet immediately.

How Do Dogs Even Get Worms?! 🤔

Your dog isn’t dirty—worms are just super sneaky. Here’s how they invade:

🐶 Eating Poop – Dogs love sniffing (and sometimes eating) other dogs’ poop. That’s a fast track to worm city.
🐶 Fleas – Tapeworms hitch a ride on fleas. If your dog swallows an infected flea, boom—worm infestation.
🐶 Mother to Puppy – Puppies can get roundworms from their mom (even before birth!).
🐶 Soil & Water – Hookworms lurk in contaminated soil and water, waiting for an unsuspecting dog to step in.
🐶 Mosquitoes – These little vampires carry heartworm larvae and infect dogs through bites.

How to Get Rid of Dog Worms (AKA, Eviction Time) 🚀

Alright, if you suspect worms, DON’T PANIC! They’re common, and they’re treatable. Here’s the plan:

Step 1: Visit the Vet 🏥

Your vet will confirm the type of worms and prescribe the right dewormer. Don’t DIY this—some worms need specific meds!

Step 2: Deworming Medication 💊

There are different types of dewormers:

• Oral meds – Tablets or liquid that kill worms in the digestive tract.
• Topical treatments – Some meds get absorbed through the skin.
• Injections – Used for certain parasites, like heartworms.

💡 Pro Tip: Some worms don’t disappear instantly. Your dog might poop out dead worms (gross, but normal).

Step 3: Keep Things Clean 🧼

• Pick up your dog’s poop immediately (no leaving it in the yard!).
• Wash bedding, toys, and bowls.
• If fleas are involved, treat your home for fleas too.

Step 4: Follow Up with Your Vet

Some worms need multiple treatments. A second vet visit ensures they’re all gone for good.

How to Prevent Worms (Because Prevention > Treatment) 🚫🪱

The best way to deal with worms? Don’t let them in, in the first place! Here’s how:

✔ Give Monthly Preventatives – Many flea/tick preventatives also protect against worms.
✔ Keep Up with Vet Visits – Regular check-ups catch problems early.
✔ Clean Up Poop – The faster you scoop, the less chance of worms spreading.
✔ Flea Prevention is Key – No fleas = no tapeworms.
✔ Heartworm Prevention – This is a must in mosquito-heavy areas.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Pup Worm-Free! 🐕✨

Worms are gross, but they’re also super common. If your dog has them, don’t stress—just take action! With a quick vet visit, proper meds, and good prevention habits, your pup will be happy, healthy, and worm-free in no time.

Now go give your dog a belly rub (after washing your hands, of course 😉).

🐶💖 Stay safe, stay worm-free, and give your pup some extra love today!