Help, I'm at a bit of a loss here. My puppy just had her deworming treatment a few days ago, and today I found a long, dead worm in her poop. I know this is supposed to be a good sign, but I'm worried about whether I should still be on the lookout for eggs or any sort of infection. It was an awkward moment this morning around 6 AM when I was cleaning her area, and I couldn't quite believe my eyes. She's been acting totally normal, playful as ever, but I can't shake the uneasy feeling that there might still be something lingering. Has anyone been through this? Do I need to keep an extra eye on her, or is everything probably okay now? I'd really appreciate any advice or personal experiences you can share!
Thanks for reaching out with your question! Seeing a worm in your puppy's poop can be a bit unsettling, but it’s actually a sign the deworming treatment is doing its job. When your puppy was given the deworming medication, it started working by either killing the worms or making the environment inhospitable for them, causing them to be expelled.
However, it's still important to be cautious about the eggs. While many deworming meds also target eggs, they may not eliminate 100% of them on the first go. This is why a follow-up treatment or fecal exam is often recommended by veterinarians to ensure a complete clean-out.
In the meantime, maintaining good hygiene is crucial. Make sure to dispose of feces promptly and clean your puppy's living area regularly to minimize the chance of reinfection or the spread of eggs. Wash your hands well after handling your puppy or cleaning up after her.
Keep an eye out for signs such as continued presence of worms in the stool, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, or any unusual behavior in your puppy, as these could indicate that the problem is persisting.
To make sure everything is on track with your puppy’s health, I recommend booking a video consult with Dial A Vet. We can discuss whether further treatment is needed and keep your puppy on the path to being worm-free!
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