What Dog Owners in the Northeast Should Know
Intestinal parasites are very common in dogs, especially puppies. Many dogs with parasites look completely normal, which is why routine stool (fecal) testing, proper treatment, and ongoing prevention are such an important part of veterinary care.
Our goal is simple: keep your dog healthy and help protect your household. Regular testing allows us to catch problems early—often before they cause illness.
Why stool testing is important
Dogs can carry intestinal parasites without obvious signs. Routine fecal testing helps us:
- Detect parasites early
- Choose the most effective treatment
- Prevent spread to other pets
- Reduce the risk of parasites being passed to people
Puppies are especially at risk because they are commonly exposed before birth, during nursing, or from their environment. For this reason, puppies are typically tested multiple times during their first year of life.
How dogs get intestinal parasites
Dogs may become infected by:
- Swallowing parasite eggs from contaminated soil, grass, or feces
- Drinking from puddles, streams, or other untreated water sources
- Licking contaminated paws or fur
- Exposure to other dogs (boarding, daycare, parks)
- Flea exposure
- Hunting or scavenging wildlife
Because exposure is so common, prevention is just as important as treatment.
Signs of intestinal parasites
Some dogs show no symptoms at all. When signs do occur, they may include:
- Soft stool or diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Poor weight gain or pot-bellied appearance (especially in puppies)
- Decreased appetite or energy
- Dull coat
- Scooting or licking at the rear
- Rice-like segments in the stool (tapeworms)
If your dog has ongoing diarrhea, blood or mucus in the stool, or seems unwell, we recommend testing promptly.
Common intestinal parasites in dogs
Roundworms
- Very common in puppies
- Often passed from mother to puppy
- Can cause diarrhea, vomiting, poor growth, or no signs at all
- Some species can infect people, especially children
Hookworms
- Common in the Northeast
- Can cause intestinal blood loss, especially in young dogs
- Dogs may be infected through ingestion or skin contact
- Can affect people through skin exposure
Whipworms
- Common cause of chronic or intermittent diarrhea
- Eggs can survive in the environment for long periods
- May be difficult to detect on a single stool sample
Giardia
- A microscopic parasite frequently seen in puppies and dogs exposed to other dogs or surface water
- Often causes soft stool or intermittent diarrhea
- Can be challenging to eliminate without proper treatment and hygiene
Coccidia
- Most common in puppies
- Can cause watery diarrhea
- Adult dogs may carry it without illness
Tapeworms
- Often seen as rice-like segments near the rear end or in stool
- Most commonly transmitted by fleas
- Treatment requires both deworming and flea control
Testing and treatment
A fecal test allows us to identify which parasite (if any) is present. Because different parasites require different medications, testing helps us treat accurately and avoid unnecessary medications.
Some parasites require repeat treatments or follow-up testing, especially in puppies.
Prevention: the best long-term plan
The most effective parasite prevention plan includes:
- Routine fecal testing
- Year-round parasite prevention medication
- Prompt cleanup of stool from yards and public areas
- Good flea control
- Avoiding untreated water sources when possible
We’ll help you choose a prevention plan based on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors.
Puppy-specific recommendations
Because puppies are at higher risk, we typically recommend:
- Early and repeated fecal testing during the first year
- Consistent parasite prevention starting young
- Monitoring stool quality closely
Even healthy-appearing puppies can carry parasites, which is why routine testing is so important.
When should I bring a stool sample?
Bring a fresh stool sample if your dog:
- Has diarrhea lasting more than 24–48 hours
- Has blood or mucus in the stool
- Is vomiting along with diarrhea
- Is losing weight or not growing as expected
- Has visible worms or segments in the stool
If you’re unsure, bring it anyway—we’re happy to check.
Questions or concerns?
If you have questions about intestinal parasites, stool testing, or prevention options, please contact Country Care Veterinary Center. We’re here to help your dog get—and stay—healthy.