How Long Will My Puppy Poop Worms After Deworming
Worms are one of the more unpleasant aspects of owning a dog. Seeing your dog rubbing its behind on the floor isn’t only gross but sad. Worms cause both stomach discomfort and itchiness, which can irritate your dog.
Puppies are the most at risk for contracting worms. Many pet owners wonder how long will my puppy poop worms after deworming. So, let’s jump into worms, deworming, and the question of pooping.
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Deworming—What is it and Why is it Important?
Most worms infect a dog’s digestive system, mainly the colon. Some species, such as heartworm, impact the circulatory system, including the heart. Deworming refers to the removal of digestive worms through the use of medication.
The medication comes in pill form or as an injection. 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.
Deworming is important because worms cause a whole host of trouble for any dog. 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
- Swollen abdomen
- Blood in their poop
- Nutrient deficiencies
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
Two types of roundworms infect dogs—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.
People often say roundworms look like spaghetti that moves. They can grow up to a few inches long. Their eggs are generally white, round, and smooth.
Tapeworms
Puppies can only contract tapeworm from infected fleas. When an infected flea gets eaten by a puppy, the tapeworm eggs infect the dog. Tapeworms can cause serious health issues in puppies, such as stunting their growth.
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.
Hookworms
Hookworms get their name from their small, hook-shaped mouths. They are tiny, measuring only a quarter of an inch long. They can be almost impossible to notice. Hookworms consume a lot of blood in the intestine, which can cause anemia.
Puppies will contract hookworm from eating something infected with worms. That will happen either through their mother’s milk, or in utero. The most common signs of hookworm are abdominal pain, lethargy, and in severe cases, anemia.
Whipworms
Whipworms are another small worm, measuring a quarter of an inch in length. Dogs contract whipworm by eating infected poop or other substances. Whipworm eggs are extremely hardy, illustrated by their ability to survive on surfaces for up to five years!
Whipworm eggs are microscopic, so it’s almost impossible to know if a surface is infected. Chronic diarrhea is the most common sign of a whipworm infection, along with lethargy and abdominal pain.
How Long Will My Puppy Poop Worms After Deworming?
After a deworming treatment, it’s normal for your puppy to continue passing worms in their stool for 7–10 days. In some cases, depending on the severity of the infestation, it may take up to 14 days for all worms to be expelled. The appearance of worms in the stool confirms that the medication is effectively eliminating the infestation.
If the treatment is successful, the worms in your puppy’s poop should be dead. 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.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), approximately 34% of dogs in the United States are infected with intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms during their lifetime, emphasizing the importance of deworming.
How Often is Deworming Necessary?
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:
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Initial Treatment:
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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.
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Regular Deworming:
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After the first treatment, puppies should be dewormed every 2–4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old.
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Younger puppies are more vulnerable to reinfections because of their underdeveloped immune systems.
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Adult Dogs:
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Once your puppy turns four months old, veterinarians recommend deworming every 3–6 months to prevent reinfections and maintain overall health.
A study by the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) revealed that over 90% of puppies are born with intestinal parasites, underlining the need for consistent deworming in early life.
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)
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Deworming medications may irritate your puppy’s digestive system or cause discomfort as the worms are eliminated.
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Mild symptoms are normal, but if vomiting or diarrhea becomes severe, consult your vet.
2. Bloody Stool
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As worms detach from the intestinal lining, they may leave small cuts, leading to red or bloody stool. This is typically harmless, but excessive blood warrants a vet visit.
3. Lethargy
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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
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Provide Nutrient-Rich Food:
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Feed your puppy a high-quality, protein-rich diet to aid recovery. Consider options like Wild Earth Dog Food for optimal nutrition.
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Ensure Proper Hydration:
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Deworming can lead to mild dehydration due to diarrhea. Keep plenty of fresh water available.
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Use Supplements:
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Supplements like Wild Earth Skin & Coat Dog Supplements can support healthy digestion and overall well-being during recovery.
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.
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.
