You know your dog better than anyone. You notice when they are extra bouncy, when they are off their dinner, and when something just does not feel right. So when your dog starts scooting across the carpet or their belly looks a little rounder than usual, a question pops into your head: could my dog have worms?
It is a common worry, and a fair one. Intestinal worms are one of the most widespread health issues in dogs, and many dogs pick them up at some point — especially puppies and dogs that spend time outdoors. The good news is that worms caught early rarely cause lasting harm.
This guide walks you through the signs to watch for, the most common types of worms, what you should never do at home, and exactly when to call your vet.
Common Signs Your Dog Might Have Worms
Worms do not always make themselves obvious. Some dogs show clear symptoms, while others carry a light worm burden and act perfectly normal. That is why it helps to know the full range of possible signs rather than waiting for one dramatic symptom.
Changes in your dog’s stool. One of the first things many owners notice is a change in poop. Worms live in the intestines, so their presence often shows up there first. You might see diarrhoea, sometimes on and off, or stools that look softer or stranger than usual. Occasionally, you may spot something moving in the stool or around your dog’s bottom — small white segments that look like grains of rice can be a sign of tapeworm. If you are unsure what counts as abnormal, it helps to know what abnormal dog stool can indicate — while that article is about cats, the general principles of watching stool changes apply to dogs too.
A swollen or pot-bellied appearance. Dogs with worms, particularly puppies, can develop a rounded, bloated-looking belly even when the rest of their body looks thin. If your dog’s tummy looks distended and they seem uncomfortable when touched, that is worth noting.
Weight loss despite a normal appetite. Worms feed on nutrients inside your dog’s body. Some dogs with worms eat normally — or even more than usual — yet slowly lose weight. If your dog’s ribs are becoming easier to feel and nothing else has changed about their diet, worms are one possible cause.
Vomiting or a reduced appetite. Repeated vomiting, especially if you ever see long, spaghetti-like worms in the vomit, is a classic warning sign of roundworms. Some dogs also go off their food or eat with less enthusiasm than usual.
Scooting or licking around the back end. If your dog drags their bottom along the floor, it may mean irritation in that area — tapeworm segments, in particular, can cause itching around the anus. (Scooting can also signal full anal glands, so it is not a worm diagnosis on its own — just one possible piece of the puzzle.)
A dull coat and low energy. A dog whose coat has lost its shine or who seems more tired than usual may be dealing with a nutrient drain from parasites. Puppies are especially vulnerable: a puppy that is listless and not playing normally should always be checked by a vet.
Visible worms or segments. Sometimes the evidence is unmistakable: long worms in vomit or stool, or tiny rice-like segments clinging to the fur around your dog’s bottom or in their bedding. If you see this, take a photo — it genuinely helps your vet identify the worm type.
Coughing (in some cases). Certain worm larvae travel through the lungs as part of their life cycle, which can cause a soft cough, especially in young puppies with roundworms. A cough has many possible causes, so do not jump to conclusions — but mention it to your vet along with any other signs.
Remember, no single sign confirms worms, and many of these symptoms overlap with other conditions. For example, scratching and skin irritation can point to fleas rather than worms — another common parasite with its own set of signs. Think of these signs as reasons to investigate, not reasons to panic.
The Most Common Types of Worms in Dogs
Not all worms are the same. Knowing the main types helps you understand what your vet is looking for and why prevention matters.
Roundworms
Roundworms are the most common intestinal worm in dogs, especially puppies. They look like pale spaghetti and can grow several inches long. Puppies can be born with roundworms or pick them up through their mother’s milk, which is why breeders and vets deworm puppies on a schedule from a very young age. Adult dogs usually pick up roundworm eggs from contaminated soil, faeces, or by hunting small animals. Possible signs include a pot-bellied appearance, vomiting (sometimes with visible worms), diarrhoea, and poor growth in puppies.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are long, flat worms made up of small segments. Dogs most often get them by swallowing an infected flea while grooming — which is one reason flea control and worm control go hand in hand. The tell-tale sign is those tiny rice-like segments around your dog’s bottom or in their bedding. Tapeworms often cause few symptoms beyond mild irritation and scooting, so many owners only discover them by spotting the segments.
Hookworms
Hookworms are small worms that attach to the wall of the intestine and feed on blood. They are a particular concern for puppies and can cause more serious problems than their size suggests, because blood loss can lead to weakness and pale gums. Dogs pick up hookworm larvae from contaminated soil, often through the skin of their paws. Possible signs include dark or bloody diarrhoea, weight loss, weakness, and pale gums — all of which warrant a prompt vet visit.
Whipworms
Whipworms live in the large intestine and get their name from their whip-like shape. Dogs become infected by swallowing whipworm eggs from contaminated ground, and these eggs are tough — they can survive in soil for years. Possible signs include intermittent diarrhoea (sometimes with mucus or blood), weight loss, and, in heavier cases, a swollen or painful abdomen.
How Dogs Get Worms (and How to Lower the Risk)
Understanding how worms spread takes away a lot of the mystery — and the guilt. Dogs do not get worms because of anything their owner did wrong. Worms are simply part of the environment dogs explore with their noses and mouths.
- Contaminated soil and faeces. Worm eggs survive in soil, grass, and faeces. A dog that sniffs, licks, or eats things outdoors can swallow eggs without you ever noticing.
- Fleas. As mentioned, fleas carry tapeworm larvae. A dog that swallows a flea during grooming can develop tapeworms — another good reason to keep up with flea prevention.
- Mother to puppy. Puppies can acquire roundworms before birth or through nursing, which is why young puppies need deworming on a vet’s schedule regardless of symptoms.
- Hunting and scavenging. Dogs that catch rodents or eat raw meat, offal, or rubbish can pick up several types of worms.
You cannot wrap your dog in bubble wrap, but a few simple habits lower the risk: pick up your dog’s poop promptly on walks and in the garden, discourage scavenging, keep up with flea prevention, and follow your vet’s recommended deworming schedule rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
What NOT to Do
When you suspect worms, it is tempting to act fast and handle it yourself. But some common reactions can make things worse — or delay the care your dog actually needs.
Do not guess at the worm type and treat blindly. Different worms respond to different treatments, and what works for roundworms may not work for tapeworms. Treating the wrong worm wastes time while the real problem continues.
Do not use “natural” or home remedies as a substitute for vet care. You will find plenty of internet advice about garlic, pumpkin seeds, or other kitchen cures. There is no reliable evidence these eliminate a worm infection, and garlic in particular can be harmful to dogs — certain common foods are genuinely dangerous for dogs, and dosing your dog with unproven remedies risks trading one problem for another.
Do not give your dog another pet’s medication. Dewormers are dosed by weight and species. Giving your dog leftover medication meant for a different animal — or a different-sized dog — can mean an ineffective dose or an unsafe one.
Do not ignore it and hope it passes. Light worm burdens sometimes cause few symptoms, but worms do not reliably “go away” on their own. Left alone, they can multiply, cause worsening symptoms, and spread eggs into your home and garden where other pets (and children) can encounter them.
Do not panic, either. Worms are extremely common and very treatable when identified. The right move is calm and simple: note the symptoms, collect a fresh stool sample if you can, and call your vet.
When to See a Vet
Some situations call for a routine check, and others call for urgency. Here is how to tell the difference.
Book a vet visit soon if you notice:
- Diarrhoea or vomiting that lasts more than a day or two
- Visible worms or rice-like segments in stool, vomit, or around your dog’s bottom
- Scooting, rear-end licking, or irritation that does not resolve
- Gradual weight loss, a dull coat, or lower energy than usual
- A bloated or pot-bellied appearance, especially in a puppy
Bring a fresh stool sample in a clean bag or container if you can — many vets can run a faecal test that identifies worm eggs under a microscope, which is far more reliable than guessing from symptoms alone.
See a vet urgently (same day) if you notice:
- Bloody or very dark diarrhoea
- Repeated vomiting, especially with visible worms
- Pale gums, extreme weakness, or collapse
- A puppy that is listless, not eating, or not growing
- Signs of severe abdominal pain or a hard, swollen belly
Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with other health conditions are more vulnerable to complications, so err on the side of calling sooner rather than later with these groups. When in doubt, a quick phone call to your vet costs nothing and can save a lot of worry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tell if my dog has worms just by looking at them?
Sometimes, but not reliably. Visible worms or rice-like segments are strong evidence, but many infections show no visible worms at all — the eggs are microscopic. A dog can look completely normal and still carry worms, which is why vets recommend routine faecal testing and preventive deworming rather than relying on observation alone.
How often should my dog be checked for worms?
This depends on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and where you live. Puppies are typically dewormed on a schedule starting at a few weeks old. Adult dogs that spend lots of time outdoors or hunt are often checked more frequently. Your vet can recommend a routine based on a faecal test and your dog’s risk factors — ask at your next check-up if you are unsure.
Can humans catch worms from dogs?
Some worm larvae, particularly roundworm and hookworm larvae, can affect people — usually children who play in contaminated soil and put their hands in their mouths. The risk is low with basic hygiene: pick up dog waste promptly, wash hands after handling soil or faeces, and keep your dog on a vet-recommended deworming schedule.
My dog’s poop looks weird but I don’t see worms — could it still be worms?
Yes, it is possible. Most of the time you will not see adult worms; the eggs are invisible to the naked eye. Ongoing soft stools, mucus, or intermittent diarrhoea are worth mentioning to your vet even without visible worms. A simple faecal test can detect eggs and give you a clear answer.
Are worms an emergency?
Most worm infections develop gradually and are not emergencies — but some situations are urgent. Bloody diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, pale gums, collapse, or a very young puppy with a swollen belly and no energy all warrant same-day veterinary care. When you are unsure, call your vet and describe what you are seeing; they will tell you how quickly your dog needs to be seen.
Conclusion
Finding out your dog might have worms is unsettling, but it is also one of the most fixable problems in dog care. You now know the signs to watch for — stool changes, scooting, a pot-bellied look, weight loss, dull coat, visible segments, and occasional vomiting or coughing — and the main worm types your vet will consider.
The most important takeaway is simple: watch, do not guess. Note what you see, save a stool sample, take a photo of anything unusual, and let your vet make the call. With prompt attention and a proper treatment plan, most dogs bounce back quickly — and a regular prevention routine keeps the problem from coming back.