How Long Will My Puppy Poop Worms After Deworming?

Worms are one of the more undesirable aspects of owning a dog. Seeing your dog rubbing its bottom on the ground isn’t only disgusting but sad. Worms cause both stomach pain and itchiness, which can annoy your dog. 

Puppies are the most at risk for contracting worms. As a pet parent, we wonder how long your puppy will poop worms after deworming. So, let’s jump into worms, deworming, and the question of pooping.

Deworming—What is it and Why is it Important?

Most worms invade a dog's digestive system, mostly the colon. Heartworm, for instance, affects the heart via the circulatory system. Deworming involves eliminating these worms using medication—either pills or injections. It's crucial to administer the precise dosage advised by your vet to ensure effective treatment. Any deviation in dosage or timing might lead to a recurrence of worms. Deworming is vital as worms pose significant health risks for dogs, especially puppies who are more vulnerable to complications.

Some of the symptoms include:

• Diarrhea or vomiting

• Stomach pain

• Weight loss

• Lethargy

• Dehydration

• Poor coat

• Swollen abdomen

• Blood in their dog poop

• Nutrient deficiencies

Types of Worms That Affect Puppies

Four common worm types affect a puppy’s digestive tract. They are tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. 

Tapeworms

Pups acquire tapeworms solely from fleas carrying the infection. When a pup ingests an infected flea, tapeworm eggs take hold. This infestation can lead to severe problems, like hindering the pup's growth.

Tapeworms have flat, lengthy bodies with segments and can reach 12 inches in length in dogs. Each body segment can detach upon death, often seen in the pup's stool—an early indication of a tapeworm infestation.

Roundworms

Roundworms come in two types—Toxocara canis (T. canis) and Toxascaris leonina, with T. canis being more common in pups and potentially transmissible to humans.

Puppies can catch roundworms through mom's milk or by encountering eggs in dirt from other dogs, carcasses, or feces. These worms resemble moving spaghetti and can grow a few inches long with smooth, white, round eggs.

Hookworms

Hookworms, sporting tiny, hook-shaped mouths, are hard to spot but are troublemakers, causing anemia by feeding on intestinal blood. Pups get them from infected sources via mom's milk or before birth, showing signs like abdominal pain and fatigue.

Whipworms

Whipworms, also small, are transmitted through contaminated waste or substances. Their hardy eggs survive for years on surfaces! Their microscopic nature makes detection tough. Look out for chronic diarrhea, lethargy, and tummy discomfort.

How Long Will My Puppy Poop Worms After Deworming Process?

After deworming, expect your pup to shed worms for about a week, occasionally up to two weeks. Dead worms look less white and more see-through than live ones. Deworming treatments start taking effect roughly 12 hours post-administration.

How Often is Deworming Necessary?

Suppose you brought home a young dog from a good breeder or rescue center. The puppy may have already received the first deworming treatment in that case. It is advisable to ask the breeder about the treatment date to be sure. 

To prevent worm infections, it is necessary to deworm your puppy every four weeks until they reach at least four months of age. Young puppies are more vulnerable to worm infections and may have three or four worm infections in the first few months. 

After four months, it is recommended to reduce deworming treatments to twice a year. This can help adult dogs avoid the pain and discomfort caused by worms.

Deworming Side Effects

While deworming is generally safe and efficient in eliminating puppy worms, it can trigger side effects. Here are the typical ones:

Diarrhea, Vomiting, or Nausea

These symptoms often appear simultaneously. Deworming meds might upset your pup's tummy directly or due to their impact on the worms. If severe, halt treatment and seek vet advice promptly.

Bloody Poop

The worms exiting your puppy's intestines might create small tears. When worms attach and release, they can leave tiny cuts, leading to red or bloody stools in your pup.

While this might seem alarming, it's a natural process as the worms leave your pup's system. If you're concerned about excessive blood, seek vet help promptly. They may want to examine a stool sample to ensure your pup's well-being.

FAQs

What types of worms can affect my dog?

Several intestinal parasites can trouble dogs, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.

How do I know if my dog has worms?

Signs of worms include changes in stool, like blood or abnormal appearance, weight loss, a bloated belly, and sometimes visible worms in your dog's poop or around their bottom.

What's the best way to deworm my dog?

Consult your vet for the best deworming medication suited to your dog's specific needs and follow their dosage instructions precisely.

When should I deworm my puppy?

Deworming usually starts at around two weeks of age, continuing every few weeks until they're a few months old, then regularly as advised by your vet.

Can worms cause severe health problems in dogs?

In severe cases or with a certain type of worm, yes. Intestinal parasites can lead to serious health issues, affecting your dog's overall well-being.

How can I tell if my dog has a worm infestation?

Look for signs in their stool or behavior changes. Sometimes, you may notice adult worms or their eggs in the dog's feces.

Is it a good idea to routinely deworm my dog?

Yes, it's essential. Regular deworming helps prevent parasitic infections, safeguarding your dog's health.

What are the different ways dogs can get worms?

Dogs can acquire worms from various sources like contaminated soil, ingesting infected feces, eating dead animals, or even from their mother during birth or through milk.

How can I keep track of my dog's health concerning worms?

Regular fecal tests by your vet can help detect and manage any potential parasitic infections early on.

What's a common side effect of deworming medication?

Occasionally, dogs might experience mild side effects like diarrhea or vomiting after taking deworming medication. If severe, contact your vet.

What should I do if I see live worms in my dog's stool after deworming?

Sometimes, it's normal to see dead worms in their stool after deworming. However, if you spot live worms or have concerns, contact your vet for guidance.

How do I know if my dog's oral medication for worms is working?

Typically, you'll notice improvement in your dog's stool and overall health within a few days after starting the medication. If unsure, consult your vet.

Can mother dogs pass worms to their puppies?

Yes, it's possible for a mother dog to transmit worms to her puppies either before birth or through her milk.

What's the significance of different types of worm eggs in my dog's feces?

Identifying the type of eggs in your dog's feces can help your vet determine the specific worm and provide appropriate treatment.