Chronic Diseases & Special Conditions
Intestinal Worms in Dogs: Signs, Risks, and Dietary Actions
Worms are often asymptomatic, but they can cause weight loss, a bloated abdomen, and soft stools. What should you look for, and what should you do about deworming?
When to see a vet IMMEDIATELY
- •Blood in stool or vomit
- •Lethargy, not drinking, or not eating for 24+ hours
- •Repeated vomiting, especially if water won't stay down
- •Swollen or painful abdomen, whimpering
- •Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days, or worsening symptoms
This article is informational and does not replace veterinary examination.
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Intestinal Worms in Dogs: Signs, Risks, and Dietary Actions
Intestinal worms are the most common internal parasites. Many dogs carry them asymptomatically, which is why regular, scheduled deworming is more important than monitoring for symptoms.
What signs may indicate this?
- Rice grain or spaghetti-like pieces in the stool, or in the fur around the tail
- Bloated abdomen with a slim body type, typically in puppies
- Weight loss despite a good appetite
- Dull, sparse coat
- Soft, variable stools, sometimes with mucus
- Scooting on the ground (though this is more often a sign of anal gland issues)
- Coughing (as roundworm larvae also migrate to the lungs)
Common Types Briefly
| Worm | How is it contracted? | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Roundworm | From mother, environment | Puppyhood, bloated abdomen |
| Tapeworm | By swallowing fleas, from raw meat | Rice grain-like segments |
| Hookworm | Through the skin, via nursing | Anemia, pale gums |
| Whipworm | From contaminated soil | Mucusy, bloody diarrhea |
If you see tapeworms, the flea control must be addressed to prevent reinfection.
Deworming: Scheduling is Key
- Puppy: frequently from 2 weeks of age, according to the veterinarian's protocol
- Adult, average risk: 2–4 times a year
- Households with raw-fed, frequently roaming dogs and children: more often
- For multiple dogs, treat them all at once
The appropriate product should always be chosen by a veterinarian: the type of worms determines what will be effective.
Diet Around Deworming
- During the treatment days, a easily digestible diet in small portions
- Probiotics for 2–3 weeks to restore gut flora
- If a puppy is lagging in growth: energy-dense puppy food as advised by the veterinarian to catch up
- Plenty of fresh water
Important: garlic, coconut oil, and pumpkin seeds are not dewormers. Additionally, garlic is toxic to dogs.
When is it urgent?
- Pale gums, weakness (anemia)
- Diarrhea with blood, vomiting with worms
- A puppy that is not gaining weight, with a bloated abdomen
- Due to the risk of human infection: if there are small children in the household, do not delay
Prevention includes regular stool collection and assessing the risks of raw meat: Detailed information on BARF
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References
- 1.ESCCAP (European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites) — Guideline 01: Worm Control in Dogs and Cats. ESCCAP Guidelines, 2021. https://www.esccap.org/guidelines/gl1/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee — WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. World Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2021. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist
