Dogs get worms in their poop primarily because they have intestinal parasites that live inside their digestive system. These worms lay eggs that pass out through the dog's feces. Dogs typically become infected by ingesting these parasite eggs from contaminated feces or soil, eating raw or undercooked meat, or through contact with other infected animals or fleas. Puppies can also get worms from their mother during pregnancy or nursing. Some worms, like hookworms, can even penetrate the dog's skin from contaminated environments. Once inside, the worms grow and reproduce, releasing eggs that show up in the dog's stool.
How Dogs Get Worms
- Eating infected feces or contaminated soil : Worm eggs are transmitted via fecal-oral contact.
- From mother to puppies : Worms can be passed through the placenta or mother's milk.
- Eating raw or undercooked meat or prey animals : Some worms form cysts in meat tissue.
- Eating fleas : Tapeworms come from ingesting infected fleas.
- Skin penetration : Hookworm larvae can burrow through the skin from contaminated soil or feces.
Why Worms Appear in Dog Poop
Adult worms live in the dog's intestines and lay eggs, which mostly exit the dog in the feces. These eggs or worm segments may be visible in the stool, indicating an active worm infection.
Health Importance
Worm infestations can affect a dog's health causing symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and poor coat condition. Some worms are contagious to humans, so preventing and treating worm infections is important for pet and human health.
