My 5-month-old puppy's fecal test is positive for worms. What to do?

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Parasite eggs are microscopic so I'm wondering if what you're seeing in the stool is actually eggs. It could be adult roundworms or even tapeworm eggs. It is not uncommon to see the adult roundworms as they are killed by the deworming process. If it is tapeworm eggs, you may need to end up treating for fleas (as this is how tapeworms are spread). The Dolpac should help treat for tapeworms and the praziquantel should be effective for giardia and roundworms. It is possible that you may end up needed to retreat but I suspect what you are seeing may be normal for the deworming process. Definitely take a fecal sample back to your veterinarian in about 3 weeks to ensure the infection is cleared. Also the prevent reinfection make sure to clean up your dogs feces from the yard. If at any time Echo seems to be acting ill or has diarrhea I would take her back to your veterinarian.

These are roundworms. They are a common parasite for puppies to acquire at birth and don't tend to cause any major problems. They are easily treatable with deworming medication that can be purchased at a pet store, or a veterinary office. I recommend having a vet prescribe the medication to ensure it's safe for Oreo and proper instructions are given. I hope that helps and all is well with Oreo.

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!

Puppies are usually wormed more than once so you shouldn't be too concerned. At some point, he should have a fecal sample tested for worms to make sure he is all negative. He also should be started on a monthly heartworm prevention that treats intestinal parasites, too. Heartgard and Interceptor are two commonly used monthly preventions. Talk to your vet about the best program for your puppy.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This means that Ace would benefit from being started on another dose of deworming medications. The best medication for this is usually chosen based on a fecal examination to determine which parasite is affecting Ace. The same deworming medication can be given to your other dog. I recommend that you have them evaluated by a your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

Tapeworms are typically associated with fleas. There are over the counter deworming medications that can be used for tapeworms but if the fleas are not addressed as well the tapeworms will return. With a puppy that young most topical flea treatments are not appropriate but bathing with Dawn dish soap may help remove the fleas on your puppy currently.

Yes, puppies can become infected with intestinal parasites 'in utero' (before being born), through nursing or from their environment. You can submit the stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites. Begin a deworming protocol when the pup is two weeks old.