Worms in Dogs: Signs, Treatment and Prevention

Last Updated: 2 February 2026
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Worms are an uncomfortable topic, but they’re an important part of dog ownership to understand. From the belief that “puppies just have worms” to routine chemical worming being seen as a non-negotiable, it’s something many owners follow without question. However, when you take a closer look, routine chemical worm prevention isn’t always as straightforward, or as necessary, as it’s often assumed to be.

Author: Alison Frost

Edited By: Anna Bain

Worms in Dogs: Signs, Treatment and Prevention

Contents

Blog in 60 Seconds
What Are Worms in Dogs?
Types of worms common in dogs
How dogs contract worms
Signs of worms in dogs
Recognising early symptoms is ideal
Treating Worms
Pharmaceutical Worming Treatments
Advantages of natural worm prevention/treatment
THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCURATE TESTING
Promoting optimal health and robust immunity
Benefits of raw feeding for parasite resistance
Worms in dogs: A natural approach to prevention and treatment
Worms in dogs FAQs
References

Blog in 60 Seconds

In this guide, you will learn:

Why worms in dogs occur, the risks associated with conventional chemical worming treatments, and why some dog owners question routine pharmaceutical wormers.
The main types of worms that affect dogs, how each one can be transmitted, and the typical sources where dogs pick up infections.
The key signs and symptoms to watch for if you suspect your dog has a worm infestation, and why early detection matters.
What natural approaches to worm prevention and treatment involve, including supporting immunity and using gentle parasite-repelling supplements.
The importance of accurate testing and promoting overall health through nutrition — especially species-appropriate feeding — to reduce the risk of parasitic worms long-term.

When it comes to worms in dogs, what’s often missing from the conversation is the role of overall health, digestion and immune resilience. Parasites don’t thrive in strong, well-balanced bodies, they take advantage when the gut is compromised, nutrition is poor, or the immune system is under strain. Addressing worms isn’t just about killing what’s there; it’s about understanding why they’re able to take hold in the first place.

As Lead Canine Nutritionist at ProDog, I’ve spent years supporting dogs through species-appropriate nutrition and targeted supplementation. In this guide, I share a more natural, dog-first approach to worms — focusing on how to make the body less hospitable to parasites, support natural elimination, and reduce reliance on harsh interventions, all while keeping your dog’s health and wellbeing front and centre.

What Are Worms in Dogs?

Worms in dogs are internal parasites that live inside the body, most commonly in the digestive system, where they feed on nutrients or blood. Dogs can be exposed through everyday activities such as contact with contaminated soil or faeces, ingesting fleas, eating prey animals, or passing from mother to puppy. While some dogs may show no obvious signs, heavier worm burdens can affect digestion, respiration, energy levels, and overall health.

Types of worms common in dogs

Roundworms

Roundworms are long, white worms that survive by absorbing nutrients from their host. They typically infect dogs’ intestines, though they can also burrow into other parts of the body. They eventually work their way up to the lungs, causing dogs to cough, choke, or vomit.

Hookworms

Hookworms are short, blood-sucking worms with teeth, which also absorb nutrients from their host. They begin their life cycle in the intestine, eventually working up towards the lungs. Hookworms can be fatal in young puppies, who require their nutrient reserves to survive and develop.

Whipworms

Whipworms generally remain in the intestines of their host. They absorb less nutrients than other worm species and generally don’t cause noticeable symptoms, which allows them to go undetected for longer than other, more obvious infestations.

Lungworm

Lungworm is a potentially serious parasite that affects dogs’ lungs and respiratory system. Dogs can become infected by eating slugs, snails, or contaminated grass. Symptoms include coughing, breathing difficulties, fatigue, and unexplained bleeding. Left untreated, lungworm can be life-threatening, so prompt veterinary care is essential if you suspect your dog has lungworm.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms can grow to 6 inches or longer, and have a flat, “tape-like” appearance. They reside in dogs’ small intestines, where they can easily access food during the digestion process, causing weight loss.

How dogs contract worms

Worms in dogs are transmissible through a number of sources, and the various types of worms are linked to certain transmission routes. For example, puppies in utero or still nursing can contract roundworms and hookworms from their mother, as these species can penetrate the uterus and are also transmissible through mum’s milk. Here are a few other examples of how dogs might contract worms:

Contaminated soil

As most worm species shed eggs with a host’s bowel movements, soil that has been contaminated by faeces can pose a risk for worm transmission. Eggs of roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can remain in the soil long after the poo biodegrades, and dogs can pick it up through normal outside activities [1]. They then ingest the eggs when grooming themselves, and the worms’ life cycle begins.

Additionally, hookworms can be absorbed through simply walking or playing on contaminated soil, as they’re able to penetrate whichever part of a dog’s skin they touch, such as their paws, rump, or belly.

Other infected animals

This mode of transmission generally happens when a dog eats another infected animal or comes into contact with its faeces. For example, rodents can carry the same types of worms as dogs, therefore contact with them is a common form of transmission.

Fleas

Tapeworm can be passed on to a dog through infected fleas, as they can be accidentally ingested while a dog bites or chews at an itchy spot. In fact, this is the most common way tapeworms can be transmitted to dogs.

Curious about natural flea prevention? Check out our blog, Natural Flea Prevention, for tips that keep pests away without the chemicals!

Contaminated food/water

Dogs can also contract worms through contaminated food or water, though this is more common in strays and dogs allowed to forage without supervision. Worm eggs can be shed into food and/or water through contact with infected animals, or infected people who haven’t washed their hands, and will begin their lifecycle when ingested by dogs.

Signs of worms in dogs

Though most of these symptoms can potentially be attributed to other health concerns, they can also be signs of worms in dogs and warrant a vet check. Here’s what to watch for:

Diarrhoea

Loose or persistent stools can be an early sign of intestinal worms irritating the gut lining and disrupting digestion.

Vomiting

Worm infestations may trigger nausea or vomiting, particularly when the digestive system is under stress.

Scooting or Dragging the Bottom

Scooting can indicate irritation around the anus, sometimes caused by worms or their eggs.

Increased Hunger

Worms compete for nutrients, which can leave dogs feeling hungry despite eating normal meals.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Even with a good appetite, dogs may lose weight as worms absorb nutrients meant for your dog.

Lack of Energy

Nutrient theft and digestive strain can lead to lethargy and reduced stamina.

Malnutrition or Nutrient Deficiencies

Long-term worm burdens can prevent proper absorption of essential vitamins and minerals.

Dehydration

Chronic diarrhoea or vomiting may quickly lead to dehydration, especially in puppies.

Swollen Belly

A distended abdomen, particularly in young dogs, can be a sign of a heavy worm load.

Persistent Cough

Some worms, such as lungworm, roundworm or hookworm, migrate through the lungs and can cause coughing.

Pneumonia

In severe cases, particularly with roundworm infestations, lung involvement can progress to pneumonia.

Recognising early symptoms is ideal

You’ll likely notice the signs of worms in dogs at some point, even if they’re quite subtle at first. Catching a worm infestation in its early stages allows your dog to expel their parasitic load before potentially serious damage is done. This way, they can return to their healthy, happy selves sooner than later, without any lasting effects or long-term treatments required.

Additionally, certain worm species can cause severe respiratory issues and even intestinal blockages in dogs. These are medical emergencies and are the result of a long-term worm infestation.

I recommend routinely testing for worms using faecal egg count, every 6 months or whenever you suspect worms maybe present. We at ProDog use Feclab, and this testing is very economical, reliable, and efficient with quick results.

Treating Worms

There are two types of treatment for worms, the pharmaceutical path which is sometimes unavoidable and then there are natural and preventative methods:

Pharmaceutical Worming Treatments

Designed to eliminate parasites, they can play an important role in treating an active infestation. When worms are present and causing health issues, using an appropriate treatment may be necessary to protect a dog’s wellbeing.

That said, because these products rely on chemical compounds to target living organisms, they can sometimes affect the dog as well. While dogs receive a much smaller dose than the parasites being treated, individual sensitivity varies, and some dogs may experience side effects. These can range from mild and temporary to more serious reactions, depending on the dog’s overall health, size, and tolerance.

Mild side effects may include:
Digestive upset (such as vomiting or diarrhoea), reduced appetite, drooling, lethargy, or dilated pupils.

More serious reactions, though less common, can include:
Changes in heart rate, breathing difficulties, seizures, shock, temporary blindness, nervous system depression, disorientation or loss of coordination, and hypothermia.

These symptoms can appear within hours or develop over several days following treatment. While many reactions resolve on their own, any severe or concerning symptoms should be assessed by a veterinarian immediately.

Considering the Wider Health Picture

Beyond short-term side effects, repeated or routine use of pharmaceutical wormers may also influence a dog’s health in more subtle ways over time. The chemical compounds involved can affect the digestive system, potentially disrupting the balance of bacteria within the gut microbiome. Because the gut plays a central role in overall health, this imbalance may contribute to issues affecting other systems, including the immune system, liver, kidneys, and neurological function [2].

For this reason, many owners choose to reserve chemical treatments for situations where they’re truly needed, while exploring alternative approaches and preventative strategies to support gut health and reduce unnecessary exposure.

A considered, individual approach, based on lifestyle, risk level, and professional guidance helps ensure dogs receive the care they need without unnecessary intervention.

“Health-promoting, natural dog wormers are a great way to support immune function naturally, and I recommend these to customers over any pharmaceutical dog worming tablets.

In 20 years of dog ownership, and 5 dogs, I have only ever had one dog test positive for hookworm, and I’ve never used routine chemical wormers, having always opted for natural prevention.

ProDog’s Repel comes with my highest recommendation; its blend of all-natural ingredients includes kelp, neem leaf, pumpkin seed, garlic, and lemon balm which work in synergy to deter ticks, fleas, worms, and mites. This blend also boosts dogs’ immunity, aids balance within the gut and helps to cultivate an internal environment that worms can no longer inhabit.”

Dr Katie Woodley

Advantages of natural worm prevention/treatment

Unlike chemical dog wormers that rely on harsh agents to eliminate worms, natural worm supplements like ProDog’s Repel take a preventative approach. They work by supporting the body’s natural defences, helping to build immunity and strengthen the dog’s ability to fend off invaders, without creating a toxic environment that could impact overall health. [3].

Whilst natural alternatives make the internal environment inhospitable to worms, they do so without disrupting dogs’ normal body functions and can even contribute to improved functioning in areas that might be lacking. This allows them to dispel their parasitic load without causing any negative side effects that they might otherwise experience.

Natural supplements and overall health

Aside from helping to create an internal environment that naturally deters worms in dogs, natural supplements can also be useful in other areas. Thanks to their immune-boosting properties, dogs can receive various health benefits as a result of a more balanced immune response [4]. Results will likely depend on the individual dog and any pre-existing health issues, though an optimally functioning immune system is ideal for the health of all dogs.

Discover why immune health is vital for dogs in Dr Katie Woodley’s blog, The Basics of Dog Immunity. Gain expert insights and practical tips to support your dog’s well-being.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCURATE TESTING

It’s common practice to treat dogs and puppies with pharmaceutical dog wormers on a regular basis, regardless of whether or not worms are actually present. This is a preventative measure that makes sense in some respects, though it’s often done without considering any potential negative health effects. As I stated earlier, the side effects of pharmaceutical dog worming tablets/treatments can be detrimental to dogs’ health, especially in young puppies before their immunity is fully established, dogs with health issues, older dogs or those with a compromised detox or immune system.

Tests for worms in dogs, such as Feclab testing as mentioned above, provide valuable insight into whether dogs in fact have any worms that require treating [5]. Not only can these tests verify or rule out a potential worm infestation, but they can identify the type/types of worms and/or eggs present, as well as the current stage of the infestation. This way, treatment can be customised to the individual situation, determining if there’s an early infestation or an advanced one and which type of response is warranted.

“Worms in dogs are less likely to be a problem when the digestive system is functioning optimally. This is because the gut influences the immune response, allowing the body’s defences to more effectively protect against intruders, while making the internal environment less hospitable.”

Promoting optimal health and robust immunity

As I mentioned earlier, natural dog worming remedies can also contribute to dogs’ overall health. However, maintaining optimal health is the best prevention method above all. Keeping dogs healthy in general allows their immune systems to maintain optimal function and their various biological systems to follow suit. This makes a less attractive host for worms, and parasites in general.

Benefits of raw feeding for parasite resistance

Despite some views to the contrary, raw dog food does not cause worms.

Dogs become infected with worms through environmental exposure, ingesting parasite eggs from soil, water, faeces, fleas, prey animals or via transmission from their mother, not from eating fresh, properly prepared raw food.

Reputable raw dog food is made from human-quality ingredients and frozen before feeding, which disrupts parasite life cycles. Worms don’t just “appear” from raw food. Discover more about raw feeding in our blog – Is Raw Dog Food Safe?

is raw dog food safe featured image (1) dog looking at camera with nose on the lense

Is Raw Dog Food Safe? The Answer is Yes!

Top 12 Health Benefits of Raw Feeding Your Dog

Worms in dogs: A natural approach to prevention and treatment

Though it’s simpler to pop into your vet for a worm preventive, it’s not necessarily the best idea. Pharmaceutical worming treatments involve more risks than benefits, and there are safer, more natural ways to keep your dog healthy and parasite-free.

Through appropriate nutrition, natural prevention/treatment methods, and a generally healthy lifestyle, dogs are capable of fighting off parasites like worms. However, it’s also crucial to keep an eye out for symptoms and supervise your dog around potential contact with worms.

Need help with your dog’s diet?

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Worms in dogs FAQs

What are natural remedies for deworming dogs?

Natural products are available to prevent worms, such as ProDog’s Repel natural parasite prevention for dogs. It includes, ground pumpkin seeds, neem leaf, lemon balm, garlic and black cumin, pumpkin and garlic, which work together to deter ticks, fleas, and worms.

However, if you think your dog already has worms you should consult your vet for advice.

How can I prevent worms in my dog naturally?

The best way to prevent worms in dogs naturally is to promote overall health through species-appropriate nutrition and an active lifestyle. This encourages balanced gut health and proper immune function, allowing dogs to defend themselves against parasites more effectively.

In addition, incorporating a blend of very specific natural ingredients into your dog’s diet, such as those in ProDog’s natural parasite prevention for dogs; Repel can provide preventative nutritional support which helps to maintain a healthy internal environment that is inhospitable for worms to survive.

Are there vet-approved natural dewormers for dogs?

Holistic veterinarians will likely be more open to recommending natural dog dewormers. This is because conventional vets are educated in pharmaceutical therapies and trained to prescribe these for various canine ailments. However, ProDog’s Repel, which is a natural parasite prevention supplement, comes highly recommended by the vets we work with, such as Dr Katie Woodley.

How can I effectively and safely deworm my dog using natural methods?

If you think your dog already has a worm infestation you should consult your vet for advice. Natural methods are available as preventative measures, helping to support the body’s natural defences against parasite infestations.

ProDog’s Repel is a natural supplement designed to deter the most common parasites that affect dogs (ticks, fleas, and worms). Incorporating this into your dog’s diet, along with feeding a biologically-appropriate, raw food diet will help to maintain natural immunity and overall health.

What are the signs of intestinal worms in dogs?

Signs of worms in dogs can vary, though common symptoms include swollen belly, scooting, and increased appetite. Consult the “Signs of worms in dogs” section in the article above for a complete list.

What are the dangers of using monthly pharmaceutical dewormers for dogs?

Monthly pharmaceutical dewormers are created with toxic chemicals and can wreak havoc on a dog’s gut health, among other things [1]. The section titled “Health dangers of monthly pharmaceutical dewormers” in the above article explains this in further detail.

Can I boost my dog’s immune system to prevent parasites?

Absolutely, and we encourage this as your primary method of parasite prevention. Dogs’ immune systems are naturally designed to protect them from invasive organisms, and when functioning optimally, they do this quite effectively.

Support your dog’s parasite prevention naturally by combining a species-appropriate raw dog food diet with ProDog’s Repel supplement. For an added layer of defence, consider immune-boosting supplements like colostrum for dogs to strengthen your dog’s natural ability to combat parasites and stay healthy.

References

Salman, M., Abbas, R., Mehmood, K., Hussain, R., Shah, S., Faheem, M., Zaheer, T., Abbas, A., Morales, B., Aneva, I., Martinez, J. Mar 2022. Assessment of Avermectins-Induced Toxicity in Animals. Pharmaceuticals;, 15(3):332. Doi: 10.3390/ph15030332
Roddie, G., Stafford, P., Holland, C., Wolfe, A. Mar 2008. Contamination of dog hair with eggs of Toxocara canis. Veterinary Parasitology;, 152(1-2):85-93. Doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.12.008
Dr. Conor Brady, Dogs First. Worm Treatment in Dogs: Choose Natural Over Chemical. Accessed Feb 2024.
Satyaraj, E., Reynolds, A., Pelker, R., Labuda, J., Zhang, P., Sun, P. Jun 2013. Supplementation of diets with bovine colostrum influences immune function in dogs. British Journal of Nutrition;, 110(12):2216-2221. Doi: 10.1017/S000711451300175X
Feclab Laboratories. Worm Counts. Accessed Feb 2024

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Worms in Dogs: Signs, Treatment and Prevention

Blog in 60 Seconds

What Are Worms in Dogs?

Types of worms common in dogs