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My puppy has worms. How do I keep my other dog from getting them?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 5 days old | 14 lbs

Hi, I have recently noticed worms in my puppy's stool. I have gotten an appointment with the vet, but what measures do I need to take for our other dog who has been exposed to the puppy?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Amy Poole, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 27th, 2017

Most intestinal parasites in dogs are transmitted by fecal-oral transmission. This means that your other dog would have to ingest infected stool from Lenny. I would recommend making sure you are picking up Lenny's stool in the yard and making sure you are washing your hands afterwards. There are a few intestinal parasites that can be transmitted to people so good hygiene, like hand washing, is important. You can always ask your vet to deworm your other dog when they are deworming Lenny just as precaution. If your other dog is already on monthly heart worm prevention (which is important for both dogs' overall health) you may already be covered as many of the heart worm preventions are also dewormers and treat common intestinal parasites. I would talk to your vet about heart worm prevention for Lenny and your other dog if they are not already on it. We generally start puppies on heart worm prevention monthly when they come in for their first set of vaccines.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Sorry to hear that your new puppy has worms. Worms are passed by direct contact with the worm or with the infected feces. So I would not allow them to come in direct contact and remove the puppies feces immediately for disposal so that your other pet isn't exposed to it. I am not sure what worm your pet has but if your other pet is on heartworm prevention then it will protect him/her form roundworms and hookworms at the very least.
If you suspect that your other pet has already been infected (seeing worms in the stool or loose stool), then it's best to get your other pet treated as well. You can even ask your vet during Lenny's appt if they will willing to issue out dewormer for your other pet, just in case. I hope this helps. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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