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My dog is shaking, coughing, and I found a suspected worm. Is he okay?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 7 years and 8 months old | 60 lbs

My dog is shaking and was coughing and found an intestinal worm on the floor.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 19th, 2020

That does not look like an intestinal worm. Roundworms look like spaghetti and tapeworms look like pieces of rice. Those are typically the worms you see a dog vomit out or poop out. It also does not look like a whipworm or hookworm. I'm wondering if this is something Scout ate that has upset his stomach, leading to the shaking and coughing. He may have vomited it out. I would keep an eye on him for now. If he vomits, has diarrhea, is lethargic, or has a loss of appetite, take him into a vet immediately to get checked out. I hope this helps.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 21st, 2016
I don't think an ER visit is necessary. It if very likely that your puppy threw up a roundworm, if it looked anything like angel hair pasta. These are common worms called roundworms and are not life threatening but can easily be treated with a dewormer. Just make an appt for Dug first thing in the morning and he should be ok.
33Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Ladd, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 18th, 2018
For now, I would just keep an eye on him. It sounds like he had a pretty heavy worm burden and so there is some after effect from the parasite die off. If the vomiting continues, however, I would bring him back in.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 13th, 2017
If your appointment is in the next week or so I would recommend just waiting until you can see your veterinarian. They can test a stool sample to confirm that roundworms are present, and can recommend the best deworming protocol for your area. Intestinal parasites are very common in dogs and often do not cause many symptoms. If she is having diarrhea you may want to try to see your veterinarian sooner.

Roundworms are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to people although they migrate through organs instead of infecting the intestinal tract. You should wear gloves when handling stool and remove all feces from the yard. You also may want to ask about risk of transmission to your other dog.

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxocariasis/gen_info/faqs.html
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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