White worms in dog stool: What are they and how do I get rid of them?

What are the white worms in my dog's poop?

If you've spotted worms in dog poop, there's a good chance you're looking at roundworms or tapeworm segments. Both are intestinal parasites that live inside your dog's digestive system, feeding on nutrients or intestinal contents and reproducing.

However, not all worms look the same. Their size, shape and appearance can help you distinguish between different parasites.

Roundworms in stool

Roundworms are long, thin, cream-coloured worms that resemble strands of spaghetti. They can grow up to 15cm long and are particularly common in puppies.

You might notice roundworms in stool or occasionally in your dog's vomit, especially if they're carrying a large number of parasites.

Roundworms can cause symptoms in dogs like:

• A swollen or pot-bellied appearance
• Diarrhoea or vomiting
• Weight loss despite a normal appetite
• A dull or unhealthy-looking coat
• Reduced energy levels

Puppies are particularly vulnerable because severe roundworm infections can cause dehydration, poor growth and intestinal blockages. 

Tapeworms in stool

Tapeworms look quite different. Rather than appearing as long strands, you'll usually notice small, white segments resembling grains of rice or cucumber seeds.

These segments break away from the adult tapeworm living inside your dog's intestines and pass out in their poo. You might spot tapeworms in stool, around your dog's bottom or even on their bedding. Fresh segments may wriggle, while dried segments look likr sesame seeds.

Tapeworm infections often cause few obvious symptoms, but if your dog has symptoms it's likely to be some an itchy bottom (i.e. scooting galore!) or digestive problems.

Can you see worm eggs in dog poop?

Although adult worms and tapeworm segments can sometimes be spotted, most worm eggs are microscopic, so you won't usually see individual worm eggs with the naked eye, even when your dog has an active infection. A dog with roundworms can pass thousands of microscopic eggs in their stool without showing any visible signs of infection.

Your vet can examine a faecal sample under a microscope to look for parasite eggs and other evidence of infection. However, a negative test doesn't always rule out worms, particularly if parasites aren't shedding detectable eggs at the time. It’s best to treat your dog with a safe and effective worming treatment in regular doses, like Itch Wormer Tablets for Dogs to ensure worms aren’t a problem in your home.

How do I get rid of white worms in dog stool?

The most reliable way to get rid of worms is to use an effective worm treatment suitable for your dog's age, weight and type of infection. Different dewormer medications target different parasites, so choosing the correct product matters. 

1. Use an effective worming treatment

Worming tablets are a common option for treating intestinal worms in dogs.

Depending on their active ingredients, they can target roundworms, tapeworms and other intestinal parasites. Not every dewormer treats every type of worm, so always check before using. Itch Worming Tablets for Dogs target and kill all common intestinal dog worms with fast-acting and vet-approved ingredients to stop worm infestations.  

2. Consider spot on worming treatment

If your dog refuses tablets, you might wonder whether a spot on worming treatment could be easier. Some veterinary spot-on products treat particular internal parasites, but coverage varies significantly. Not all spot-on treatments target intestinal roundworms or tapeworms, which are the most common worms to infest a dog. 

3. Treat fleas alongside tapeworms

If your dog has tapeworms linked to fleas, worming treatment alone might not prevent another infection.

Dogs can get tapeworms by swallowing infected fleas so effective and regular flea control is just as essential here. Treat your dog with a tailored flea treatment, like Itch Flea Treatment for Dogs to kill fleas and flea eggs on your pet.

4. Clean up dog poop promptly

Picking up dog poo quickly helps reduce the spread of worms - Get rid of dog poop in a bag and dispose of it in an outside bin. Remember to wash your hands afterwards! Roundworm eggs can survive in the environment for a long time, so cleaning a dog’s bed regularly is important to stop an infestation. 

How long does it take for worms to disappear after treatment?

Many effective worming treatments kill worms within hours but you have to wait a few days to fully clear the infestation. Dead or dying worms often come out in a dog's stool after using a dewormer tablet or treatment, particularly if they had a heavy infestation.

However, it's also totally normal to not see anything. Some treatments will kill worms or break them down, either way they are passed through the digestive system to leave a pet. Here’s exactly how pet worming tablets work! 

Most of the time repeated worming treatment is needed to stop the chance of a dog developing a different worm infestation or reinfection. This means its way easier to use repeated worm medication, like on a Monthly Worm Subscription Plan for Dogs so that you never forget and to ensure the dose is safe and effective

Can humans catch worms from dogs and cats?

Yes, certain intestinal parasites can pass from animals to humans. This is known as zoonotic transmission. Humans may become infected by accidentally swallowing infective eggs from contaminated soil or dirty hands. Freshly passed roundworm eggs generally need time in the environment before becoming infectious.

Children are particularly vulnerable because they're more likely to play in soil or put contaminated hands into their mouths.

Some tapeworm species can also infect humans, although transmission routes differ. The common flea tapeworm is transmitted through accidentally swallowing an infected flea rather than simply touching a dog.

Finding white worms in dog stool isn't pleasant, but it's usually a manageable problem with the right treatment. Whether you've discovered spaghetti-like roundworms in stool or rice-shaped tapeworms in stool, identifying the parasite is the first step towards choosing an effective dewormer.

By combining suitable worming tablets or other vet-recommended treatments with flea control, regular hygiene and ongoing prevention, you can help keep your dog healthy and reduce the chances of another unwanted surprise in their poop.

The only thing you want to see on your dog is a wagging tail, not wriggling worms!