Why Dogs May Need Deworming
Dogs can be exposed to intestinal parasites in several ways, including contaminated soil, infected stool, fleas, wildlife, shared outdoor spaces, dog parks, boarding facilities, daycare, or exposure before adoption.
Deworming may be recommended for:
- Puppies
- Newly adopted dogs
- Dogs with positive fecal test results
- Dogs with vomiting or diarrhea
- Dogs with visible worms in stool
- Dogs with weight loss or poor growth
- Dogs exposed to other animals
- Dogs with outdoor or travel exposure
- Routine parasite treatment when appropriate
Because different parasites require different treatment, testing is often recommended to help identify what type of parasite may be present.
Common Worms in Dogs
Several types of intestinal worms can affect dogs. Some may cause obvious symptoms, while others may not show signs right away.
Common worms in dogs may include:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms
Other intestinal parasites, such as giardia or coccidia, are not worms but may also require veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
Our team can help determine which parasite may be affecting your dog and recommend the appropriate medication or follow-up care.
Signs Your Dog May Have Worms
Some dogs with intestinal parasites look completely normal. Others may show digestive, skin, or behavior changes.
Signs your dog may need parasite testing or deworming include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Bloated abdomen
- Scooting
- Visible worms in stool or vomit
- Rice-like segments near the tail or in bedding
- Poor coat quality
- Low energy
- Decreased appetite
- Poor growth in puppies
- Coughing in some cases
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment so our team can evaluate your dog and recommend the next step.
Deworming for Puppies
Puppies are especially vulnerable to intestinal parasites. Some puppies may be exposed before birth, through nursing, or from their environment. Because of this, puppy deworming and fecal testing are common parts of early preventive care.
During puppy visits, our team may discuss:
- Deworming schedule
- Fecal parasite screening
- Vaccine timing
- Flea and tick prevention
- Heartworm prevention
- Nutrition and growth
- Signs of parasites to watch for
- Follow-up testing when needed
Early parasite care helps protect your puppy’s health as they grow.
Fecal Testing and Diagnosis
A fecal test helps our veterinarians check for parasite eggs or organisms that may not be visible at home. This can help guide treatment and reduce the chance of using the wrong medication.
Fecal testing may be recommended if your dog:
- Has diarrhea or vomiting
- Is newly adopted
- Is a puppy
- Has visible worms
- Has had parasite exposure
- Is due for routine wellness screening
- Needs follow-up after treatment
If parasites are found, our team will explain the results and recommend an appropriate deworming plan.
What to Expect With Dog Deworming
Deworming treatment depends on the type of parasite being treated. Some dogs may need one dose, while others may need multiple treatments or follow-up testing.
Our team will explain:
- Which parasite is being treated
- How to give the medication
- Whether additional doses are needed
- What side effects to watch for
- How to clean your dog’s environment
- Whether other pets in the home should be tested
- When follow-up testing is recommended
Following instructions carefully helps make treatment more effective.
Preventing Reinfection
Deworming treats existing parasites, but prevention and environmental care help reduce the chance of reinfection.
To help lower parasite risk:
- Pick up stool promptly
- Keep your dog on recommended parasite prevention
- Avoid areas with heavy fecal contamination
- Schedule routine fecal testing
- Treat fleas if tapeworms are a concern
- Wash bedding when recommended
- Keep puppies on an appropriate preventive care schedule
Our veterinarians can recommend a plan based on your dog’s lifestyle and risk.
Hospital and Mobile Deworming Options
Dog deworming and parasite testing are available at our Scottsdale animal hospital. In some cases, Phoenix Mobile Veterinarians may also be able to help with exams, sample collection, and deworming guidance at home.
If your dog is severely ill, dehydrated, very weak, vomiting repeatedly, or showing serious symptoms, hospital care may be recommended.
Schedule Dog Deworming in Scottsdale
If your dog has signs of worms, needs fecal testing, or is due for parasite prevention, our team is here to help.
Scottsdale Animal Hospital & Phoenix Mobile Veterinarians provides dog deworming and parasite care for families in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Mesa, Tempe, and surrounding areas.
