[TAnt30]

So I have no idea what worms, worm eggs, or parasites look like in a dog's poop and I thought I'd get someone else's opinion. Is this undigested food or something unhealthy? I didn't see anything stringy or moving, just some of these white specks, or chunks, whatever you want to call them. We have a 5 month old pitbull/american bulldog mix. We just bought him from a family who seemingly didn't take very good care of him. He hasn't even been vaccinated yet or gone to the vet for a checkup and I think they probably neglected or mistreated him. We're going to take him to the vet ASAP regardless, but in the meantime, I just need some poop help, please, if anyone is knowledgeable on the subject. And sorry for the graphic pic.

 

[Knute]

I would error on the side of caution. Treat him for worms and get a Vet check up. Take a stool sample to the Vet for examination.

I use a monthly regime of Fenbendazole for worms. I buy it in a liquid form used for goats. Verify with your Vet about the dosage for your dog.

The white specs could be anything from bits of plastic to parasite eggs or segments.

 

[TAnt30]

His poop seems to be more normal now. I think it was just undigested food. The pet store told me not to treat him for worms though until I was sure he had them. You treat your dog every month regardless?

 

[arcouillard]

If he's young and not had good care, it's likely he has worms whether you can see them or not. There are worms that can't be seen with the naked eye, and if these are tapeworms is impossible to tell from the picture. Bring a fresh stool sample to the vet when you go, and they'll let you know if he needs to be dewormed. It's easy and cheap to do, so no reason to put it off really. Some worms that dogs carry can also spread to humans, so make sure you're washing hands after cleaning up after him and also wash his bedding after he's been treated.

I don't treat my dogs for parasites unless they have symptoms and a positive fecal test. Repeated doses of unneeded medication can be hard on a dog's system...gut especially.

 

[Knute]

Yes, I treat for worms along with a topical flea/tick every month. Do your research on the different treatments. Some meds will enter the dogs system like Ivermec, others like Fenbendazole remain in the digestive track.

A little information about Fenbendazole. It specifically targets the worms and remains in the digestive track. Specifically, it targets round, whip, hook and some tapeworms. I use Ivermec, each month, to target heart and the other tape worms. I also use Vetgard topical treatment, each month, to prevent fleas and ticks.

I would avoid taking pet care advice from a Pet Store. Even people like me....you should be cautious. Do your research and speak with your vet.

My situation and living environment, it is best for me to have my dog on a preventative program using minimal dosage and minimum application.

Worms or parasites can create much worse conditions for the dog than the meds. My monthly regime costs about $1.00/month. I figure its much better than an expensive Vet visit, followed with risky treatment and hospital stay.

This is a bit like changing the oil in your car. Technically, you don't have to change the oil, the engine will run for sometime. Eventually, you will be faced with a substantial repair. Or you can change the oil and prevent the substantial repair. You can choose your course of action.


This region in China is vastly different than the worst areas in USA

 

[Knute]

Another point, I'd suggest you seriously consider.

Take the dog to the Vet for a health exam. Begin the immunizations. The dog should at least receive the Core vaccinations.

Also as has been said, take a stool sample to be examined for worms. Begin eradication treatment if needed and talk about preventative treatments.

 

[DaySleepers]

TAnt30, if you live somewhere with heartworms, you'll want to be giving a heartworm preventative every month, and those do take care of some (not all) common worms/intestinal parasites as well as just the HW. The preventative is low-risk and very well-tolerated by most dogs. For most other parasites you can get away with treating only when you notice a problem, but if you do that with heartworms you're looking at a much harsher treatment that's hard on the dog, limiting exercise, and potential long-term heart damage, so the monthly preventative is FAR preferable.

But I agree with the others. Get the vet to run a fecal (and a blood test for heartworms if they're in your area), and then they can suggest which treatments will work best for whatever they find, if anything.

 

[Knute]

Any results from the Vet visit???

 

[TAnt30]

We haven't been able to get an appointment for the vet until like 1 1/2 weeks from now. But good news is, his poop has been normal looking ever since.

He's starting to lose his baby teeth so I bought him some toys specifically for puppies and teething. There's some red stains that I saw on the toys after his tooth fell out, but from what I read, I guess that's normal.

 

[TAnt30]

I'm making sure he only chews soft things at the moment (keeping his food soft as well) until his mouth heals from the bleeding.