Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has worms and is losing weight. What vet test is needed?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 10 lbs

I believe my pup has worms and seems to be losing wieght what service should I get?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 17th, 2019

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Intestinal parasites can be ruled out quickly with a fecal test. Once your vet determines the type of parasite, they can recommend the appropriate dewormer. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any questions you have!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on July 20th, 2019
Hi there. Significant weight loss in an adult dog is unlikely to be due to intestinal parasites, so I would be concerned that something more serious is probably going on. Because of this, I would really recommend taking your dog to the vet for an exam as a starting point. He/she can do a fecal exam to check for parasites, but may also recommend blood work and x-rays if needed to help diagnose the problem and see what kind of treatment is needed.

If you opt to give a dewormer yourself at home, I would not use an equine dewormer - use one that is labeled for use in dogs, such as Panacur or Bayer Quad Dewormer. Follow the dosing instructions on the label for your dog's weight.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

My 7-year-old dog is losing weight fast. What tests should my vet do?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can see that Stone is a little thin from the photos, and the amount of weight he has lost in the past 3 weeks is definitely cause for concern. The next steps after checking for intestinal parasites include blood work to make sure that there isn't an underlying infection present and that organ function is normal. It can also determine that food is being digested and nutrients are absorbed appropriately. X-rays and an ultrasound can rule out masses, obstructions, and inflamed bowels. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is losing weight, pooping a lot, and tired. Does he have worms?

The best way to know if Lewis has parasites would be to have his feces checked for them by a veterinarian. Signs of parasites can vary from no signs to weigh loss, diarrhea/vomiting and lethargy. It depends on what type of parasites are present and how many are there. Some parasites can also spread to people. There are many reasons pets can be underweight and knowing the parasite status is important. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my puppy losing weight and has diarrhea after deworming?

Hi there. Weight loss in a puppy Bear's age is concerning. It could be the parasite but also diarrhea can cause weight loss quickly. I would recommend taking him into your vet for blood work and fecal testing to diagnose what is causing the diarrhea, and get him the treatment he needs. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog might have worms. What signs to look for and how to get tested?

Severe worm infestations will cause weight loss and GI signs. Minor infestations will be asymptomatic. I would recommend to collect a sample of stool and take it in for testing. If you can get a sample that you think has worms in it, then that would be best. Call the Wellness clinic to make sure they can test dogs for GI parasites. The cost of the dewormer will vary based upon what type of worms are present and also where you live. In general the fecal exam is around $40 and the dewormer could range anywhere from $20-60 but once again, these are estimates. Things in New York City cost more than things in Louisville, Ky. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Puppy threw up a worm. How do I get my dog and cat tested for worms?

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You have tested the puppy by finding the worm. This looks like a round-worm. I would recommend getting a broad-spectrum dewormer for both your puppy and kitten. You can call your local vet to determine the best dewormer for your area. To test them officially you can bring that worm to your vet, along with a poop sample from both your puppy and kitten, and the vet will send the sample away to check for eggs of different types of worms. Best of luck with your little ones!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Does my dog need regular deworming, or only after a vet test?

That is a good question. Usually once yearly during Jenny's physical exam a fecal is done. They will look under the microscope to see if there are worm eggs or other parasites. Also I recommend checking for parasites should she have diarrhea and blood and or mucus in the stool. If they find parasite eggs they will prescribe the correct medication. I generally do not deworm without knowing if they have intestinal parasites and which ones as there are several different deworm medications that are used for different types of parasites. Giving monthly heartworm medication will help control intestinal parasites also. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jenny.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Can Petco test my dog's poop for worms and other parasites?

Yes, Vetco clinics can do fecal exams to check for common parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. You can see a list of services offered here: https://www.vetcoclinics.com/services-and-clinics/vaccination-packages-and-prices/

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share