Intestinal worms are one of the most common health issues in dogs — most dogs will pick up some type of worm at least once in their life, often without their owner noticing right away. The good news: most cases are straightforward to treat once you catch them. Here's what to look for.
1. Visible worms in stool or fur
This is the most obvious sign, though not always present. Tapeworm segments often look like small grains of rice, sometimes moving, stuck near your dog's rear end or in fresh stool. Roundworms are longer and can resemble spaghetti. If you see either, it's a clear signal to treat right away.
2. Bloated or "pot-bellied" appearance
A swollen abdomen, especially in puppies, is a classic sign of roundworm infection. It can look almost comical — a round little belly on an otherwise skinny frame — but it's a sign worth acting on quickly, particularly in young dogs.
3. Scooting or excessive licking
If your dog is dragging their bottom across the carpet or licking/biting at that area more than usual, it's often (though not always) related to tapeworm irritation. It can also be a sign of anal gland issues, so this one's worth watching in combination with other symptoms.
4. Changes in appetite or weight loss
Worms compete with your dog for nutrients. A dog eating normally (or even more than usual) but still losing weight, or one who suddenly goes off their food, may be dealing with a parasite load rather than a food preference issue.
5. Dull coat or skin irritation
Long-term worm infections can show up as a coat that looks duller or rougher than usual, since nutrients that would normally support skin and coat health are being diverted.
6. Diarrhea, sometimes with visible blood
Hookworms in particular can cause diarrhea, and in more serious cases, blood in the stool. This symptom overlaps with a lot of other conditions, so it's not proof on its own — but combined with any of the above, it's a strong signal.
7. Lethargy or low energy
A normally active dog who seems tired, disinterested in walks, or just "off" for more than a day or two — especially alongside any of the other signs here — is worth a closer look.
Common OTC options
If your dog is showing mild symptoms and is otherwise healthy, these are widely used broad-spectrum and tapeworm-specific treatments:
This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice — if you're ever unsure, a vet visit and a simple fecal test will confirm exactly what you're dealing with.