I’m really freaking out right now and could use some advice. I just got back from a walk with Max, my golden retriever, and I noticed something really weird in his poop. It was right around dusk, and when I bent down to pick it up, I saw these tiny, squirmy things that I swear looked like worms. I’ve never seen anything like this before, and it's honestly making me a bit queasy and anxious. He's been acting totally normal otherwise—still playing fetch like a champ and wolfing down his dinner like usual. I’m wondering if anyone else has dealt with this and what the next step should be. Do I need to rush him to the vet or is there something I can do at home to help him out? I’d be super grateful for any advice or similar experiences!
Thanks for reaching out—finding something unusual in your dog's stool can indeed be alarming. Worms in your dog's stool most commonly appear as small, white, rice-like segments or longer, spaghetti-like strands. These can be a sign of parasites such as tapeworms or roundworms.
Several factors could lead to your dog contracting worms. They can ingest eggs or larvae from contaminated soil, feces, or infected prey animals. Puppies often contract worms from their mother. If you’re noticing these signs, it’s crucial to follow up, as worms can impact your dog's health, leading to weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhea.
While you wait for a consult, maintaining good hygiene—like cleaning up your dog's waste immediately and ensuring they have a clean living space—can help prevent further contamination. Watch for symptoms such as a distended abdomen, changes in appetite, lethargy, and coughing, as these may indicate the issue is more serious.
To properly diagnose and treat the situation, I recommend booking a video consult with a vet through Dial A Vet. A professional can guide you through the necessary steps to test for worms and prescribe the appropriate de-worming treatment.
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