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My puppy has white worms. How do I treat him and disinfect my home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 15 lbs

My 10 week old puppy has little white worms (about 5 within 20 minutes) coming out of his rectum. What is the best procedure for the dog and disinfecting my house

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 13th, 2017

Oh my. Poor Gunner. If these are small like white rice then they are likely tapeworms. Tapeworms are not infective once they are dried up; therefore, you can use normal everyday cleaner to clean the area free of the worms. No special requirements needed, since they are not infected once they are dried up. If you do see a live worm, then wear gloves to remove them from the area, then spray as needed. Good hygiene is the best way to prevent infecting yourself, which requires you actually ingesting a live worm. A tapeworm medication (i.e. Praziquantel, Drontal) should be started right away to rid the worms in Gunner's system. Also a flea preventative (i..e Bravecto, Nexgard, Trifexis-heartworm and flea) is needed to prevent re-infection, since Tapeworms come from ingesting a flea. If the worms are Roundworms, then the same recommendations apply, except Roundworms look like angel hair pasta and don't come from fleas, but instead from the environment and in-utero infection is common. These are treated with a broad spectrum dewormer (i.e. Pyrantel Palmoate or Fenbendazole). I hope you can get Gunner free of his parasites soon and get him on the right track towards healthy living. Take care of yourself and especially any young children that may come into contact with Gunner, as they like to stick their hands in their mouths without washing first (typical way people get infected with worms). Best wishes.

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Non need for special disinfection in the house (normal cleaning will be effective), but Gunner must be treated for worms. Generally speaking there are two types of worms (tape and round ones). Take a fecal sample to your vet or post a picture on the forum and we will be able to tell you straight away. If affected by tapeworm Gunner will need a flea treatment as well, as fleas can transmit tapeworm. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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