What are these white flat things in my dog's poop? Are they tapeworms?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

  Veterinarian

  It is hard to tell from a photo but this appears to be a tapeworm segment. You can read more about tapeworms here: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=562 . Your vet can prescribe medication to treat your dog for tapeworms, and your vet should also be put on a flea preventative because one of the ways dogs get tapeworms is by ingesting a flea which is the intermediate host in the tapeworm lifecycle. Luckily these worms can't be transmitted directly to people, they must go through an intermediate host first.

  

  10Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on August 19th, 2019

  Hi there. Without being able to see what the worm looks like, it's hard to say for sure. Intestinal parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms are visible to the naked eye, so you may be seeing something like this. Or, you might be seeing a maggot (fly larva) or other insect larva that has landed on the feces after it was on the ground.
  
  The best course of action would be to take a fecal sample to your vet's office and have them check it under the microscope for parasites - they can then prescribe an appropriate dewormer to treat the problem depending on what is found. Alternatively, you could purchase an over-the-counter broad-spectrum dewormer such as Bayer Quad Dewormer, and follow the dosing instructions on the package to try and treat any parasites that might be present.

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 11th, 2017

  Congrats on your new dog! It sounds like Sha-Sha may have tapeworms. The medication to treat that is called praziquantel, which is available by prescription only from the vet. I would have her seen by a vet on Monday, and bring along a sample of her feces with you for the vet to examine The vet can confirm she does have tapeworms, and can prescribe praziquantel in the form of Drontal to treat it.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 6th, 2018

  I am sorry to hear about Buddy. If the worm you found looked like a grain of rice that was a little smooshed, this is likely a tapeworm segment, which is often the result of ingestion of a flea (the intermediate host). Given her history of itching I would be concerned about fleas as well. To be certain, a trip to your vet is recommend and bringing a stool sample or the worm if you have it or find more with you will be helpful. The most common drug we use to treat tapeworms is praziquantel, but treatment for fleas will also be necessary. Your vet can prescribe the most effective flea control for your situation and can also check your dog for any other causes of itching.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful