How Long Will My Puppy Poop Worms After Deworming?
Reviewed by Rhiannon Koehler, DMV, MPH | Products are chosen at the discretion of the company and do not represent a direct endorsement by the veterinary reviewer.
Worms are one of the more unpleasant aspects of owning a dog. Worms cause stomach discomfort, and they can steal nutrients from your dog’s digested food. Some worms will feed directly on your dog’s blood, which can potentially cause anemia, especially in puppies.
Puppies are the most at risk of contracting worms. Many pet owners wonder: How long will a puppy poop worms after deworming?
It's normal after a deworming treatment for your puppy to continue passing worms in their stool for a few days, sometimes up to 7–10 days. In some cases, it will take more than one cycle of deworming to completely eliminate all parasitic worms from your dog’s gastrointestinal tract.
Let’s jump into worms, deworming, and the question about pooping.
Deworming—What is it and Why is it Important?
Most worms infect a dog’s digestive system, mainly the intestines. Some species live elsewhere in the body, with heartworms taking up residence in the heart and surrounding major blood vessels.
Deworming refers to the removal of digestive worms through the use of medication. Dewormers usually come as oral pills, oral liquids, or injectable products. To deworm a puppy, you must give your dog the exact dosage of deworming medication the veterinarian recommends. Deviating from the required number of pills or timing can cause the worms to return. These dewormers are often paired with parasite preventatives to help address all life stages of the parasites.
Deworming is important because worms can cause gastrointestinal issues, steal nutrients from your dog, cause anemia, and infect other animals (and sometimes people). Puppies, in particular, are at risk of developing complications. Some of the symptoms include:
- Diarrhea or vomiting.
- Weight loss.
- Stomach pain.
- Lethargy.
- Dehydration.
- Poor coat quality.
- Swollen abdomen.
- Blood in their poop.
- Nutrient deficiencies.
- Pale gums and weakness due to anemia.
- Visible worms or worm segments in the stool, around the anus, or in bedding.
Types of Worms That Affect Puppies
There are four common worm types that affect a puppy’s digestive tract. They are roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
Roundworms
The two main types of roundworms that infect dogs are Toxocara canis (T. canis) and Toxascaris leonina. Although dogs can get either type of worm, T. canis is much more common in puppies, and they can transmit it to humans.
Roundworms can infect puppies through their mother’s milk or while still in utero. Other ways puppies get infected are by consuming roundworm eggs, which they can find in dirt, other dogs, dead animals, or fecal matter. These worms become adults in the dog’s small intestines, where they feed on nutrients from the dog’s ingesta.
People often say roundworms look like spaghetti that moves. They can grow up to six inches long. Their eggs are microscopic. Your dog could have roundworms, even if you have not seen any live worms in their stool.
Tapeworms
Puppies can contract tapeworm from infected fleas or infected host animals, like rodents. Dipylidium caninum, which is more common, is contracted when a dog eats an infected flea, usually by grooming the flea off themselves. Taenia species, which are less common, come from the consumption of infected host animals, usually rodents.
When an infected flea or animal is eaten by a puppy, the tapeworm larvae infect the dog. Tapeworms can stunt a puppy’s growth, cause blockages in the small intestine, and cause perianal irritation.
Tapeworms are long, flat creatures with segmented bodies. They can grow up to 12 inches long in dogs. Each segment of the body can detach when it dies. These pieces get pooped out and are often the first sign your dog has a tapeworm. You may see these segments directly in the stool, around your dog’s anus, or in their bedding.
While humans don’t get tapeworms directly from dogs, it is possible for a human to accidentally ingest an infected flea, which can result in tapeworm infestation.
Hookworms
Hookworms get their name from their small, hook-shaped mouths. They are tiny, measuring only a quarter of an inch long, and can be almost impossible to notice. The main species affecting dogs include Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, and Uncinaria stenocephala. Hookworms consume a lot of blood in the intestine, which can cause anemia, especially in puppies.
Dogs contract hookworms through ingestion of larvae in an environment contaminated with feces, direct penetration through the dog’s skin, or ingestion of animal hosts with infective larvae. Puppies can get hookworms directly from their mom’s milk, as well. These worms will take up residence in the dog’s small intestine, where they will attach and feed directly on the dog’s blood.
The most common signs of hookworm infestation include pale mucus membranes and anemia, failure to gain weight, poor hair coat, dehydration, and dark, tarry stools. When the worms penetrate through the skin, they can cause an area of redness and itchiness, usually on the feet.
Like roundworms, the eggs are microscopic. You are unlikely to notice hookworms in your dog’s stool. Hookworms can pass to people through the skin.
Whipworms
Whipworms are another small worm, measuring a quarter of an inch in length. The main species affecting dogs is Trichuris vulpis. Dogs contract whipworm by eating infected poop or other substances that have been contaminated with feces. Whipworm eggs are extremely hardy, illustrated by their ability to survive on surfaces for up to five years! Once the whipworms are in your dog’s body, they’ll mostly take up residence in the small intestine.
Chronic diarrhea is the most common sign of a whipworm infection, along with lethargy and abdominal pain. The diarrhea may have a lot of mucus or fresh blood.
Like both roundworms and hookworms, eggs are microscopic, and you’re unlikely to notice adult whipworms in your dog’s stool.
How Long After Deworming Will My Puppy Expel Worms?
After a deworming treatment, it’s normal for your puppy to continue passing worms in their stool for a few days, sometimes up to 7–10 days. Your dog may need repeat dewormings to completely expel all worms. The appearance of worms in the stool confirms that the medication is effectively eliminating the infestation.
You may see both live and dead worms in your dog’s stool. Dead worms often appear translucent or less white than live worms. Most deworming medications start working within 12–24 hours of administration, killing the worms in your puppy’s digestive tract and enabling their natural expulsion. You’re more likely to notice roundworms or tapeworms than hookworms or whipworms in your dog’s stool.
A large U.S. fecal survey found that approximately 34-36% of dogs tested positive for at least one major intestinal parasite during their lifetime, underscoring the importance of regular deworming.
Deworming is a critical part of your puppy’s care, as young dogs are more susceptible to worm infections. Here’s a general schedule to follow:
1. Initial Treatment:
Puppies should receive their first deworming at 2–3 weeks old. Most puppies are born with worms, often transmitted through their mother’s placenta or milk.
2. Regular Deworming in Puppies:
After the first treatment, puppies should be dewormed every 2–4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old.
Younger puppies are more vulnerable to reinfections because of their underdeveloped immune systems and their tendency to explore their environment with their mouths.
These dewormers are often given concurrently with your puppy’s vaccines.
3. Adult Dogs:
Once your puppy turns 4 months old, veterinarians recommend deworming every 3–6 months to prevent reinfections and maintain overall health.
If you maintain your dog on yearly broad-spectrum antiparasitics with efficacy against intestinal parasites, then fecal testing can be performed 2 to 4 times per year to ensure the dog remains parasite-free.
Deworming Side Effects
Deworming medications are safe and effective, but can cause mild side effects as your puppy expels the parasites. Common side effects include:
1. Digestive Upset (Diarrhea, Vomiting, or Nausea)
Deworming medications may irritate your puppy’s digestive system or cause discomfort as the worms are eliminated.
Mild symptoms are normal, but if vomiting or diarrhea becomes severe, consult your vet. Rarely, high worm burdens can cause a blockage in the intestinal tract, which may require emergency treatment.
2. Bloody Stool
As worms detach from the intestinal lining and cause inflammation within the intestines, the dog may bleed a little into their stool. This is typically harmless, but excessive blood warrants a vet visit.
3. Lethargy
Some puppies may seem tired after deworming due to the medication’s effect or the stress of expelling worms. Ensure they have access to fresh water and monitor their recovery.
Tips for Supporting Your Puppy During Deworming
1. Provide Nutrient-Rich Food:
Feed your puppy a high-quality, protein-rich diet to aid recovery. The food should meet the guidelines for puppy growth as set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Consider options like Wild Earth Dog Food for optimal nutrition. When in doubt, speak with your veterinarian about whether you’ve selected a good food for your pup.
2. Ensure Proper Hydration:
Deworming can lead to mild dehydration due to diarrhea. Keep plenty of fresh water available.
3. Use Supplements:
Supplements can support healthy digestion and overall well-being during recovery. It’s best to get supplements approved by your veterinarian.
Final Thoughts on Deworming Your Puppy
Worm infestations are a common issue for puppies, but regular deworming treatments ensure your pet stays healthy and happy. While your puppy may poop worms for up to two weeks after treatment, this is a natural part of the process. Keep in mind that repeat dewormings are often necessary.
Stick to a veterinarian-recommended deworming schedule and monitor for unusual symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, excessive blood in the stool, or lethargy. By staying proactive, you can protect your puppy from the discomfort of worms and help them grow into a healthy, thriving adult dog.