how can u tell if a puppy has worms?

Question

i just got a male puppy (8 weeks old) from a shelter. i know that they are wormed etc at the shelter so i'm sure he doesnt have any, but for future referance, how would i be able to tell if he has worms?

i dont mean to get answers like "worm him regularly" b'cos i know that, and i also know (b'cos i was warned by the ppl at the shelter) that is IS still possible for a dog to contract worms, even with regular worming. especially puppies and especially in the warm weather (cos its the middle of summer here)

i am worming him every 2 weeks until he needs it every month and then every 3 month after 12 months of age, but what r the tell-tale signs of worms??

thanks in advance! =)

i understand that i can take him 2 the vet if i suspect he has worms, and i would of course do this, but i would need 2 be able to TELL how to pick if he actually has worms so i would take him 2 the vet!

also, i was informed that for the 1st 3 months it is importand to worm them every 2 weeks with a gentle liquid puppy wormer given to me by the vet at the shelter. especially in hot weather.

also, the person who i spoke 2 at the shelter was a vet. not just a worker. she vet checked my pup. i have also got him checked by my own vet who also says to worm him every 2 weeks...

Answer 1

hi there!! good on u for adopting from a shelter! =)

the real tell-tale signs of worms in dogs are:

-dragging their bum on the floor
-over or under eating
-worms in the poop
-abdominal bloating

worming an 8 week old pup every 2 weeks in hot weather IS important- dont let ppl tell u its bad- its what u r supposed to do. u r doing the right thing, so keep it up! u seem like a dedicated dog owner!! =)

Answer 2

What looks to be rice in the stool are tape worm segments. This can be treated with a simple dewormer. Is it common for puppies to have worms. The Vet will do a fecal flotation, they mix the stool with a sugar solution and cover the top of the container with a slide, the sugar solution will make the eggs rise to to top and stick to the slide. They then examine it under a microscope and will then prescribe dewormer accordingly. It takes about 10 minutes for the fecal floatation to "set up" and just a few minutes for the Vet or Vet Tech to read it. You should know before you leave the hospital. Sometimes dogs/cats with worms will have an extended abdomen, other times you will see segments in the stool. Other times, there are no signs at all. As someone else said, make sure you bring a fresh sample.

Answer 3

I have NEVER heard of worming a dog every two weeks. The pups have the two wormings after they are born and that is usually before you get a pup. ON your visit to the Vet you take a poop sample with you. If the poop is negative, you DO NOT deworm the pup.The Vet will put the pup on heartworm medicine at that time. They take the heartworm pill year round because the heartworm pill prevents other parasites, not just the heartworm.

You take a poop sample to the Vet every time you go in for a visit. You do not need to search thru the poop to check for worms. Most worms you cannot see.

I do not understand what heat has to do with worms? I would sincerely like to know that.

"Scooting" the butt on the floor does not mean the pup has worms. He could have poop stuck to his butt and he is attempting to get rid of it. He could have a problem with an anal sac or it is just something he wants to do...................

BUT you do not just worm him to do it. I have had dogs that were wormed before I got them as pups and they NEVER had worms again. Regardless of what some people think or tell you, it is not normal or true that all dogs have worms.............

Answer 4

It depends on the kind of worm. Some you can see, some you can't. A dog dragging it's but across the carpet, like scooching across while it's sitting is a sign that something is going on. Also, with tapeworms sometimes you can see them or their eggs. Keep your dog up to date on it's flea medications so it doesn't get fleas. Also, dogs can get heartworms so ask your vet the best medication to prevent them. Lots of nasty parasites out there.

Thanks for adopting from a shelter!

Answer 5

Always follow directions,, according to body weight also.Some worms cannot be seen by the human eye.It is a good idea to have a regular veterinarian.You can have a "sample" tested periodically.Dierria is a sure sign.Thanks for adopting from the shelter ;O)

Answer 6

the best way to deworm your pet is to put them on a regular heartworm preventative. these are given every month and most protect against heartworms, roundworms and hookworms. these are the most common and can be prevented with a monthly treat. the cost is around $5 a month and much cheaper than heartworm or hookworm treatment. good for you for wanting to take such good care of your pet!



while regular dewormings are a great idea, but i would take what your vet says over the shelter worker.

Answer 7

Sometimes you can see roundworms (look like spaghetti) or tapeworm segments (look like living grains of rice) in the stool or on the anus. But if you don't see anything, it doesn't mean there are no worms. A fecal test is the only way I know of to be sure, and the vet does that.

Answer 8

To track worms on any animal you check their feces. The feces will have worms. The worms you are looking for are the heart worms that will kill the animal. These worms will attach to the heart muscles through the arteries and veins.

Answer 9

Some telltale signs are
- always licking his bottom
- a voracious appetite more so than normal
- dragging his bottom across the ground
- check out his stool for worms

Answer 10

He will want to eat more than what you give him almost like a glutten and then he wont eat for a few days...you might have to dig around in his !!!!!!!!!oh yeh ...to see if theres any sign of that what your looking for ...I think you better stick to the first idea of taking him to Vet...ok