You’re giving your dog a belly rub and you notice they’ve lost a little weight, or maybe you’ve seen them scooting across the rug more than usual. It’s easy to brush it off, but these could be early clues that your dog has intestinal worms. Worms are more common than you might think, especially in dogs who love to sniff, lick, and explore the outdoors. The good news? Most worm infestations are treatable, especially when caught early. So, how do you tell if your dog has worms? Let’s walk through the signs you can actually see and feel, plus what to do next.
1. Visible Worms in Stool or Vomit
The most obvious sign is seeing worms in your dog’s poop or vomit. Tapeworms look like small, white, moving segments that resemble grains of rice, and you might see them near your dog’s rear end or in their stool. Roundworms look like spaghetti, and they can show up in vomit or feces. If you see anything like this, collect a sample in a plastic bag and take it to your vet. They can identify the type and prescribe the right dewormer. Remember, not all worms are visible to the naked eye, so even if you don’t see them, other signs matter.
2. Scooting and Excessive Licking
If your dog is dragging their bottom on the floor or licking their rear more than usual, it could be a sign of worms, especially tapeworms. These irritate the area around the anus, causing itchiness and discomfort. While scooting can also indicate anal gland issues, it’s worth checking with your vet. In the meantime, keep your dog comfortable with a soft, washable bed. If you have a breed that loves to lounge, like a Bernese Mountain Dog, you might want to check out our guide on how much Bernese Mountain Dogs shed to keep your home cleaner while you manage the situation.
3. Changes in Appetite: Hungry or Picky
Worms steal nutrients from your dog, so you might notice they’re suddenly ravenous, eating more than usual but still losing weight. On the flip side, some dogs lose their appetite completely because their stomach feels upset. If your dog’s eating habits change dramatically and they’re also showing other signs like a dull coat, it’s time to talk to your vet. A sudden increase in hunger paired with weight loss is a classic worm symptom, so don’t ignore it.
4. Weight Loss and a Potbellied Look
Even if your dog is eating normally, worms can cause weight loss because they consume the nutrients your dog needs. In puppies, a heavy worm load can cause a potbellied appearance, where the belly looks distended but the rest of the body is thin. If you notice your dog’s ribs are more prominent and their belly seems bloated, worms are a likely culprit. This is especially common in young dogs, so keep an eye on growing pups.
5. Dull Coat and Low Energy
Worms take a toll on your dog’s overall health, which often shows up in their skin and energy levels. A dog with worms may have a dry, brittle coat, dandruff, or hair loss. They might also seem lethargic, sleeping more and showing less interest in play. If your dog is usually energetic and suddenly seems tired, worms could be draining their vitality. While you’re addressing the issue, make sure they’re getting proper nutrition and rest. If you have a high-energy breed, you might wonder about their exercise needs, like this guide on how much exercise a Bernese Mountain Dog needs, but during a worm infection, rest is key.
6. Coughing or Respiratory Issues
Some worms, like roundworms, can migrate to the lungs, causing a cough. If your dog has a persistent, dry cough that isn’t related to kennel cough or heart disease, worms might be the cause. This is more common in puppies, but adult dogs can experience it too. If you notice coughing along with any other worm signs, mention it to your vet. They may recommend a fecal test to check for worms.
7. Changes in Stool: Diarrhea or Constipation
Worms can irritate the intestinal lining, leading to diarrhea, which might be intermittent or chronic. You might also see mucus in the stool or blood in severe cases. Conversely, a heavy worm burden can cause constipation if the worms are blocking the intestines. Any persistent change in your dog’s bathroom habits warrants a vet visit. Bring a fresh stool sample to your appointment so they can run a fecal float test, which is the most reliable way to detect worm eggs.
Did you know that a single female roundworm can lay up to 200,000 eggs in a day? That’s why even a small infestation can quickly become serious, and why regular deworming is so important, especially for puppies.
How Do Dogs Get Worms?
Dogs can pick up worms in several ways: swallowing contaminated soil, eating infected rodents or birds, licking their paws after walking in areas where other dogs have pooped, or even from fleas, which carry tapeworm larvae. Puppies can also get worms from their mother’s milk. If you have multiple pets, including cats, it’s wise to keep all of them on a regular deworming schedule. If you’re curious about how different pets interact, you might enjoy reading about whether Norwegian Forest Cats get along with dogs, but remember that worms can be shared between species, so prevention is key.
When to See the Vet
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Call your vet and describe what you’re seeing. They’ll likely ask you to bring in a stool sample, which is a simple test that can identify worm eggs. Treatment usually involves a deworming medication that’s easy to give, either as a pill, a topical spot-on, or an injection. Your vet will also recommend a follow-up test to make sure the worms are gone. Never give your dog over-the-counter dewormers without a vet’s guidance, as the wrong dosage or type can be ineffective or even harmful.
“Worms are sneaky, but you’re smarter. Trust your gut, check their poop, and when in doubt, call your vet.”
Remember, keeping your dog healthy is a team effort. Regular vet checkups, monthly heartworm prevention (which also covers some intestinal worms), and good hygiene like picking up poop in your yard can go a long way. If you’re also a cat owner, you might be interested in whether Siamese cats get along with dogs, but the same deworming principles apply to all pets. And if you have a breed that loves to be outdoors, like a Bernese Mountain Dog, check out our article on Bernese Mountain Dogs and children to keep the whole family safe and happy. Your dog depends on you to notice the small changes, and now you know exactly what to look for.
