As a holistic veterinarian, I know how stressful it can be to wonder if your dog has worms. These intestinal parasites can cause a wide range of health problems, and sometimes the signs are easy to miss. The good news is that with a little knowledge and regular care, worms are both treatable and preventable.
What Are Worms in Dogs?
Worms are intestinal parasites that live inside your dog’s digestive system. They compete for nutrients, irritate the gut, and can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. The most common types include:
- Roundworms: Long, spaghetti-like worms often seen in puppies.
- Hookworms: Tiny worms that attach to the intestinal lining and cause blood loss.
- Whipworms: Thin worms that live in the large intestine and cause chronic inflammation.
- Tapeworms: Flat, segmented worms usually transmitted by fleas.
Each type affects the body differently, which is why identifying symptoms early is so important.
Signs Your Dog May Have Worms
Sometimes worms are visible, but often they’re not. I encourage pet parents to look for both physical and behavioral changes.
Physical Signs
- Weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite
- Bloated or “pot-bellied” appearance (especially in puppies)
- Diarrhea that may contain mucus or blood
- Vomiting (sometimes with worms visible)
- Scooting or licking at the rear end
- Dull coat or skin irritation
- Visible worms or “rice-like” segments in stool or around the anus
These symptoms can also occur with other conditions, so a vet visit is the best next step for confirmation.
Behavioral Signs
- Decreased energy or lethargy
- Loss of interest in food or sudden increase in appetite
- Restlessness or irritability
- Excessive licking or biting near the tail
Behavioral changes often show up before worms become visible, so trust your instincts if your dog seems “off.”
How Veterinarians Diagnose Worms
When I suspect a dog may have worms, I usually start with a fecal exam. This test checks for worm eggs or larvae under a microscope. It’s simple and accurate for roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
For heartworms, which live in the bloodstream rather than the intestines, I use a blood test that looks for specific proteins (antigens) released by adult worms.
At home, you can look for visible signs, but testing is always the most reliable method.
What You Can Watch for at Home
- Worms in stool or vomit (roundworms or tapeworm segments)
- Itching or scooting at the rear
- Dull coat or dry, flaky skin
- Unexplained weight loss
Even if you see these signs, professional testing is still essential. Early diagnosis makes treatment easier and helps prevent the worms from spreading to other pets—or in some cases, people.
Treatment Options for Worms in Dogs
Once worms are confirmed, your vet will recommend the best treatment based on the type of parasite and your dog’s overall health.
Medical Treatments
These are the most effective and commonly prescribed:
- Fenbendazole: Treats roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and some tapeworms.
- Pyrantel pamoate: Effective for roundworms and hookworms.
- Praziquantel: Targets tapeworms specifically.
Most deworming medications either paralyze or kill the worms, allowing the body to naturally expel them. Always follow dosing directions carefully to prevent reinfection.
Natural Support for Recovery
I often combine medical treatments with natural support to help restore gut balance and strengthen immunity:
- Pumpkin seeds: Contain compounds that help expel worms naturally.
- Shredded carrots: Add fiber that supports healthy digestion and elimination.
- Probiotics and whole-food supplements: Rebuild healthy gut bacteria and improve nutrient absorption after deworming.
Preventing Worm Infestations
Prevention is the best medicine. With a few simple habits, you can drastically reduce your dog’s risk of reinfection.
Keep Their Environment Clean
- Wash food and water bowls daily.
- Clean bedding, toys, and living spaces regularly.
- Pick up and dispose of waste immediately because many worms spread through feces.
Support Overall Health
- Feed a balanced, whole-food diet to strengthen the immune system.
- Provide fresh water daily and plenty of exercise.
- Add supplements that promote digestive health and natural parasite resistance.
Routine Deworming and Vet Checkups
- Most adult dogs should be dewormed at least twice per year.
- Puppies may need more frequent doses.
- Regular fecal exams help catch infections before symptoms appear.
During your dog’s wellness exam, your vet can recommend a personalized deworming schedule and help you choose safe, effective products.
When Cold Laser Therapy Can Help
In some cases, worms can irritate the gut lining or cause inflammation that affects digestion and energy levels. Cold laser therapy can help reduce this inflammation, improve circulation, and support faster recovery after treatment. I often include laser sessions in my holistic care plans for dogs with chronic gut irritation or immune stress.
Final Thoughts
Worms are common, but with early detection and the right care, your dog can recover quickly and stay healthy. Watch for changes in appetite, energy, or stool, and schedule a vet visit if something doesn’t seem right.
If you’d like personalized advice or a holistic treatment plan, you can schedule an online consultation with me to discuss your dog’s health, nutrition, and natural support options. Together, we can keep your best friend happy, healthy, and worm-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dogs with worms may show signs like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, a dull coat, bloating, or scooting on the floor. Some dogs may also have an increased appetite. However, not all dogs show symptoms. The best way to know for sure is to have your vet test a stool sample for worms or worm eggs.
Common worms that infect dogs include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and heartworms. Each type affects the body differently. Some live in the intestines, while others, like heartworms, settle in the heart and lungs, causing more serious illness if untreated.
Dogs can get worms in several ways. They may eat worm eggs from contaminated soil, drink dirty water, or lick areas where infected feces were left behind. Fleas and mosquitoes can also carry worm larvae. Puppies can even get worms through their mother’s milk if she is infected.
Worms are typically treated with prescription deworming medication that targets the specific type of parasite. Your vet will choose the right treatment and dosage for your dog’s condition. In some cases, follow-up testing is needed to make sure the worms are completely gone.
Yes. You can reduce the risk of worms by keeping your dog’s environment clean, preventing contact with feces, rodents, fleas, and mosquitoes, and following a regular deworming schedule recommended by your vet. Good nutrition and natural immune support can also help your dog stay resilient against parasites.
