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If you’ve ever seen white specks in your dog’s poop, you’re not alone. Many dog owners have noticed this before, and it can be a bit concerning. In this post, we’ll be discussing what these white specks are and what to do if you see them.
We’ll also talk about the different ways to get rid of white specks in dog poop and the different types of worms that can show up in a dog’s poop.
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
What Should You Do If You Notice White Specks In Your Dogs Poop?
Imagine you’re out for a walk with your dog, and you notice that their poop is covered in white specks. What should you do? The first step is not to panic.
While it may be alarming to see something unusual in your dog’s poop, it’s important to remember that there can be many different causes. White specks could be anything from undigested food to parasite eggs.
It’s a little gross, but the first thing you should do is take a good long look at their poop. If the specks are not moving, it’s not likely anything serious.
If the specks are moving, they could have an intestinal worm which would require treatment to help them get better.
If you’re concerned, the best thing to do is to take a sample of the poop to your veterinarian. They will be able to determine what the cause is and whether or not your dog needs treatment.
In the meantime, keep an eye on your dog’s health and watch for any other unusual symptoms.
3 Things The White Specks In Your Dog’s Poop Could Be (Outside Of Worms)
1) Fly Larvae
If you live in an area with a lot of flies, it’s possible that the white specks are fly larvae. When poop lies around for a while, flies are attracted to it and lay their eggs. The larvae then hatch and live off of the poop until they’re ready to pupate into flies.
The good news is that this type of white specks has nothing to do with your dog’s health. However, you should still clean up their poop as soon as possible to prevent flies from laying eggs in it.
If you’re unsure whether the white specks are fly larvae, try gently touching one with a stick or piece of paper. If they wiggle away, there is a chance they’re larvae.
You can also take a sample of the poop to your veterinarian to have them take a look.
If you determine that the white specks are fly larvae, there’s no need to worry. Just be sure to clean up your dog’s poop as soon as possible to prevent flies from laying eggs in it.
Fly larvae in dog poop are more common in warmer months, but it can happen year-round if the temperature is warm enough.
2) Undigested Pills/Medication
If your dog is on medication, it’s possible that the white specks are undigested pills or capsules. This is more likely to happen if they’ve recently started a new medication or if they’re not used to taking pills.
If you think this might be the case, take a look at the instructions for their medication. It will usually say how many pills to give them and how often.
If you’re giving them the correct dosage and they’re still having trouble digesting their pills, you should talk to your veterinarian. They may be able to prescribe a different medication that is easier for them to digest.
In the meantime, you can try crushing their pills and mixing them with food. This may make it easier for them to eat and digest the medication.
3) Undigested Food
Sometimes white specks in dog poop can be from undigested food like rice, grains, or even bone remains in their food.
If your dog has recently eaten something they’re not used to, it’s possible that their digestive system is having trouble breaking it down.
In this case, there are a couple of things you can do. If they’re eating new dog food, you can give them a little more time for their body to adjust to the new food. Or, you can switch them to another food.
If it does turn out that the white specks in their poop are undigested food, it’s a good idea to double-check and ensure their food and treats are high quality.
In severe cases, undigested food can cause blockages in the intestines (though not very likely).
3 Types Of Worms That Can Show Up In Dog Poop
1) Hookworms
Hookworms are one of the most common parasites in dogs. These tiny creatures attach themselves to the lining of the intestine and feed on blood. In severe cases, hookworms can cause anemia and even death.
Fortunately, hookworms are easily treated with medication. However, preventing hookworm infections is the best way to keep your dog healthy. One way to do this is to ensure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water.
Hookworms thrive in dirty environments, so keeping your yard clean can also help reduce your dog’s risk of infection. Additionally, regular vet check-ups can help catch hookworm infections early before they become severe.
By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your dog safe from hookworms and other parasites.
2) Tapeworms
Tapeworms are one of the most common parasites found in dogs. These flat, white worms can grow up to four feet long and live in the dog’s intestine.
While they may seem harmless, tapeworms can cause serious health problems for your dog. They steal nutrients from your dog’s food, which can lead to weight loss and anemia.
Tapeworms can also cause gastrointestinal blockages, which can be fatal. Additionally, the worms can cause irritation and inflammation in the intestine, leading to diarrhea and vomiting.
In some cases, the worms can also be passed on to humans, causing abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. If you suspect that your dog has tapeworms, take them to the vet for treatment.
Left untreated, tapeworms can be a serious threat to your dog’s health.
3) Roundworms
Roundworms are one of the most common types of worms found in dogs. These parasites typically live in the intestines, where they feed on blood and other nutrients.
While roundworms are not usually harmful to dogs, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. In severe cases, roundworms can also lead to blockages in the intestines or other organs.
Roundworms are usually acquired when puppies nurse from an infected mother or drink contaminated water. Adult dogs can also become infected if they eat infected feces or soil.
Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatments for roundworms. Most wormers will kill the adult worms, while others will also prevent eggs from hatching.
As a result, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your dog.
Home Treatment For White Specks In Dog Poop
If the white specks are due to undigested food, you may need to make some changes to your dog’s diet.
Sidenote: Adding a digestive enzyme supplement to their food can help them better digest their food.
You may also need to switch to a higher-quality dog food. One that doesn’t have fillers or other ingredients that are hard to digest.
If the specks are from fly larvae, the simple fix for this is to pick up their poop right after they go. Of course, you do this automatically when taking your dog out for a walk, but when they poop in your backyard, many people leave it and do a big clean at a later time.
This gives the fly larvae time to hatch and start feasting on your dog’s poop. So instead of leaving it, pick it up as soon as they’re done.
What To Do If The White Specks Are Worms
If you see white specks in your dog’s poop, especially if they’re moving, the best thing you can do is take them to the vet for a check-up. In most cases, the white specks are nothing to worry about and will go away on their own.
However, suppose the white specks are accompanied by other symptoms (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss). In that case, it’s important to have your dog evaluated by a professional.
While there are deworming kits that you can get on Amazon, it’s best to have a veterinarian recommend treatment to ensure the problem gets solved quickly.
FAQs
Are White Specks In Dog Poop Worms?
While the white specks may be worms, they could also be undigested food or fly larvae. The best way to determine what the white specks are is to take your dog and a sample of their poop to the vet.
A quick test you can do before taking them to the vet is to look closely at the white specks. Yes, a little gross, but you can get a good idea of what they are just by taking a close look.
If they aren’t moving, it’s likely not worms. If they are moving, there’s a good chance it’s worms.
Can Rice Cause White Specks In Dog Poop?
If your dog either got into the garbage and ate some rice, or you recently fed them some plain rice, the white specks in their poop could be undigested rice.
This is not harmful and will likely go away on its own. However, if the white specks are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to take your dog to the vet for a check-up.
How Do You Tell If a Dog Has Worms Or Parasites?
There are a number of symptoms that may indicate your dog has worms or parasites. These include but are not limited to vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s best to take them to the vet for a check-up.
While the white specks in their poop may be nothing to worry about, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and have your dog seen by a professional. This way, you can ensure the problem is resolved quickly, and your dog stays healthy.
What Do Parasite Eggs Look Like In Dog Poop?
Parasite eggs are small and white. If you see these in your dog’s poop, it’s best to take them to the vet for a check-up. The vet can determine if the eggs are indeed parasites and, if so, recommend the best course of treatment.
What Do Hookworm Eggs Look Like In Dog Poop?
Hookworm eggs are small and oval-shaped, with a smooth surface. They are typically white or light-colored and may be hard to see in dog feces.
If you suspect that your dog has hookworms, it is important to have a veterinarian check for eggs in the stool. Treatment is typically required to eliminate the worms and prevent reinfection.
What Do Tapeworms Look Like In Dog Poop?
Tapeworms are long, flat worms that can range in size from a few millimeters to over a foot in length. They are usually white or cream-colored.
What Are The White Moving Things In My Dog’s Poop?
The white moving things in your dog’s poop are most likely worms. The most common worms found in dogs’ poop are roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.
If you see these in your dog’s poop, it’s best to take them to the vet for a check-up. The vet can determine if the worms are indeed parasites and, if so, recommend the best course of treatment.
Final Thoughts
If you see white specks in your dog’s poop, don’t freak out. In most cases, the white specks are nothing to worry about and will go away on their own.
However, if the white specks are accompanied by other symptoms (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss), it’s important to have your dog evaluated by a professional.
While there are dewormers available over the counter, it’s always best to talk to your vet before giving them to your dog.
Other posts you might find interesting:
What Does Parvo Poop Smell & Look Like?
Why Is My Dog’s Occiput Getting Bigger? (Simply Explained)
Crusty Scabs Around Dogs Mouth: Why It Happens + What To Do
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