Jan 12
22

Is there a way to tell if a puppy/dog has worms without going to the vet?

17 Comments

My puppy has been getting worms over the last several weeks, even though I use Sentinel tablets monthly. He's had diarrhea again over the last 2 days, getting me up a few times at night. Is there a way to tell if a dog has worms without going to the vet? I would rather just go pick up some dewormer.

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Posted in FAQ by Allan 17 Comments

17 Responses to "Is there a way to tell if a puppy/dog has worms without going to the vet?"

  • OntarioGreys says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    A fecal check not only checks for worms but also other organisms/bacteria

    In order for a vet to prescribe a dewormer/medicine they need to know what , types or worms or organisms they are dealing with.

    So unless you have a microscope can do a fecal float( While a variety of tests are available, from direct smears to detailed cultures, the annual fecal exam usually consists of a fecal flotation. The feces is placed in a special device and a solution is added. The solution is heavier than the particles we are looking for, so the interesting items float to the top of the sample, while the bulk of the fecal matter that is not of interest stays on the bottom. Immature worms, worm eggs, protozoal parasites and other abnormal organisms end up at the top of the solution and are picked up on a microscope slide. These parasites are then identified under microscopic examination by their distinct features) and
    prepare a slide, can indentify different worms(round , hook, whip, tape and their eggs) or organisms( and be able to indentify their species) it will be impossible for a vet to prescribe appropriate meds

  • Jared D says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    so, then you're not *really* interested in the health of your dog, you just want to do whatever is easiest…

    good luck with that.

    Dog + worms + diarrhea = vet visit.

  • DickyNowItAll says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    they drag there bottoms on the ground because it itches
    and they have large appetites
    but please take him to the vets to be checked out properly

  • fletchfredarnie says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    You should see little white eggs in his stool. These will become full grown worms if not treated. Worm tablets from a pet-shop are fine.

  • Freedom says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    No, you can't always see worms in the stool and they don't always make a dog sick so a stool sample to the vet is the only way to know for sure. If the puppy was never wormed, then it has worms. All pups are born with them.

  • wolfatrest2000 says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    Unless you know what type of worms he has, how are you going to know what kind of wormer to get. He could have roundworms, hookworms, or tapeworms and you need something specific at least for the tapeworms. If he's had diarrhea for the last two days then you need to take him to the vet in any case to see what's causing that. Puppies can die in a few days from dehydration if they have diarrhea and aren't drinking a lot of water.

  • getalifebud says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    I really don't know. But you can pick up some dewormer as a safety precaution. It won't hurt to go ahead and do it.

  • Mark S says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    Look in your pups stool. Us a stick to move or break it open. If there are worms you will see them.

  • kanniece says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    try getting Drontal plus from your vet . This will kill hook, whip, round and both types of tape worms, its expensive depending on the weight of your dog but its really great stuff, and you will need to follow up with it in 3weeks.

  • sharlaksmith says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    Please do not waste your time or money with any remedies that can be bought at the store. They sound good but really don't do the job. It is well worth spending the money initially to cure the problem at the get go. The best way isn't pleasant … but look at the remains… almost 9 times out of 10 a new puppy will have worms. Tape worms will be seen coming out of puppies bottom. They are small white segments that wiggle. They will appear like a seasame seed once out and dry. Look in the puppies bedding to see if you see anything like this. They are easily treated with pills from the vet. As for round worms you will only see them in there stool. It's always good to get "Puppy" to a vet and get there shots and a good exam. If it is a financial issue there are numerous low cost options such as a shelter, human society or low cost clinics. Good Luck and give "Puppy" a good pet for me.

  • star_lite57 says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    If your dog has fleas, you'll never get rid of the worms without treating the flea problem. They go hand in hand. Look in the stool for stuff that looks like white rice.

    I really would encourage you to go to the vet. In the long run it's cheaper to do it properly the first time around.

  • pitbullmommie122106 says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    If your dog has worms he could get diarrhea, he might start dragging his bottom on the ground and you might be able to see little eggs or worms in his stool. Sometimes you cant see any eggs or worms in his stool though. I would suggest, if your dog has diarrhea, whether he has worms or not, you should take him to the vet! There are many different types of worms that a dog can get, you really have no way of knowing for sure what kind of dewormer you need to give your pup untill you take him to the vet and figure out whats going on! Take your pup to the vet please! Good luck!

  • BVC_asst says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    Simply bring a sample of the dog's poop to the vet. In 15 minutes, you'll know exactly what worms or parasites your dog has, then you'll be able to get the correct medication depending on the type of parasite.

    You can't see roundworms, hooks or giardia. Tapeworms you can see in their poop.

  • branc says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    Yes, It will get skinny and rub on the ground.

    P.S. DAAA! everyone who owns a pet knows that!

  • iluvtorofl says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    First of all about wormer–You need to buy wormer with an ingredient called Pyrantal. Read the ingredients on the label. Most over the counter wormers do not kill hook worms only round worms because they don't have the right ingredient. You can get it at a farm supply store. Dogs have hook worms way more often than round worms. Always use a wormer that kills hook worms. You can even buy a wormer at the vets for about $3. If your vet is too money-hungry to sell wormer without expensive procedures then go to another one. Dogs should be wormed monthly because they pick the things up from the dirt and other dogs.

    Secondly about repeated diarrhea episodes–Many things other than worms can cause diarrhea. Taking your dog to the vet could save his life if this is a serious situation. He may even have parvo. Is he vaccinated? It may simply be his food doesn't agree with him. Worms are not the only thing that causes loose stools.

  • tlh_98 says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    Intestinal parasites are not the only reason dogs develop diarrhea. If it continues, he could get sicker. Dehydration starts in & other problems accumulate. He needs to be examined in order to make sure everything else is ok.

  • C K says:
    May 18, 2009 at 12:08 am

    You need to find out what type of worm the dog has in order to treat it properly and the only way you will find this out is with a visit to the vet's office. If you had constant diarrhoea wouldn't you go to the doctor and get the proper medication? If you have recently changed his food this may be causing his stomach problems, food that is too rich can give an animal diarrhoea. Contact your vet and go from there.

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