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My foster puppies have live worms after deworming. Vet needed?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 10 lbs

Hello, I am fostering two 8 week old puppies. They have had three dewormers and are due for fourth on 29th. Yesterday they both had a few living would looked to be ALIVE tapeworms. I told the rescue...told me to do nothing. This morning one pooped two piles of straight ALIVE roundworms. They are still brushing off and I’m sitting here bawling. Should I take them to the vet despite orders?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 22nd, 2020

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your foster puppies. That is a tricky situation with the foster group. I do believe that the puppies require veterinary care. Fecal testing should be performed as puppies many times have multiple parasites. This allows the doctor to pick the best medication or medications to treat them. Some parasites, including roundworms can be transmitted to people. Transmission to humans is rare, but having infected puppies in your home could place you at risk. Tapeworms are most commonly spread to dogs through the ingestion of rodents or if the puppies have fleas. Flea control may be discussed. I recommend telling the rescue group about your decision to seek veterinary care and see if there is a veterinarian that they prefer that you use. Ultimately, the puppies need to be seen. I hope this information helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on December 15th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian to start her on a deworming medication. It looks like this could be tapeworms but they would be able to take a look up close and decide. Then they can use the best dewormer for her. Usually treating worms is inexpensive and effective. Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on June 21st, 2017
While it is still possible that your puppy could also acquire hookworms and tapeworms, it is unlikely since he has been at the vet regularly with (I assume) regular deworming treatments. Tapeworms are transmitted by ingestion of either infected fleas or rodents, so be sure that both dogs are receiving a high quality flea prevention regularly. Clean up after each bowel movement and practice good hand hygiene to try to decrease the risk of transmission. It may be worth giving your vet a call to double check that your puppy has been dewormed with a medication that treats both tapeworms and hookworms (such as Drontal Plus) recently, but again, it is unlikely that the puppy will have an issue.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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