Worms In Dog Feces

by Vivian
(Orlando, FL)

Reader Question: How do I Treat Worms In Dog Stool?

I found some very small, thread-like worms in one of my dog's poop. I am familiar with tapeworms and these are much thinner than tapes. I first noticed small, white looking balls in her poop. I then got a small stick and uncoiled one of the balls and it stretched out to about 1/4 inch or so. There were several of these white looking balls and I stretched out another one and it looked the same.

This dog ate a wild rabbit earlier this spring and I am concerned that she may have picked up worms. Since my vet is over 50 miles away round trip, I am trying to ID these worms myself. I didn't know it would be this hard to do or I would have saved a poop sample. I've got a microscope that I could use to inspect her poop if I can catch her "going" again although my experience in doing this goes way back to when I was working my way thru college. Perhaps a broad spectrum wormer would be the way to go.

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Vivian E.

Vet's Suggestions For Treating Dog Worms

Hi Vivian,

I can’t say exactly what type of worm you’ve found in your dog’s feces without taking a look at a stool sample but giving her a broad-spectrum dewormer certainly wouldn’t do her any harm. I’d recommend a product containing fenbendazole like Safe Guard and follow the directions on the package. Most often you should treat for three consecutive days and then repeat the treatment in three weeks for another three days.

Of course, if you continue to see worms, bring a stool sample in to your veterinarian for evaluation.

Regards,

Jennifer Coates, DVM