Heartworms and Dog Stool

by Ko
(Memphis, tn)

If a dog has heartworms, is it possible for worms to be seen in stool? Or is this solely a sign of worms (probably roundworms)?


I was confused as to whether or not heartworms were strictly internal.



Veterinarian Response: Worms in Dog Stool



Hello Ko,

Heartworms do not leave the body through the digestive tract. Occasionally, heartworm positive dogs can cough up parts of or even whole heartworms, but if they are swallowed they will be digested as they pass through the digestive tract.

It is quite common for dogs that have heartworms to also harbor intestinal parasites. A physical and fecal examination is all that is needed to identify most types of intestinal parasites and plan appropriate treatment.



Regards,

Jennifer Coates, DVM

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