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Dog dragging bottom, bloody stool, and worms in poop. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 3 years and 7 months old | 45 lbs

I believe my dog has worms. Dragging her bottom, decreased appetite, bloody/mucusy stool and appears to be worms in the stool.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Laura Johnson VMD

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 2nd, 2018

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Bella!

Causes for scooting/dragging bottom are: full/impacted or infected anal glands, itchy bottom, stool stuck to the anus and sometimes worms. Causes of bloody and mucousy stool and a decreased appetite are many: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, dietary indiscretion, pancreatitis, toxin ingestion, food allergy or intolerance.

If she is on monthly heart worm prevention it also is a monthly dewormer making worms less likely. The only way to know for sure is to drop a stool sample off at your vet to have it tested. I can't tell if what is in her stool is worms or strings of mucous. I would start Bella on a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice. Feed 1 cup per 20 lbs per day until 2 normal stools. Check er bottom for hanging pieces of feces. if she continues to scoot then she should have her anal glands checked. Below is a link to a good general dewormer.

I wish Bella the best!

https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1459
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