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My puppy has rice-like worms in poop and licks rear. Is it tapeworms?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 7 months old | 70 lbs

My dog has small little white worm looking things in his stool, about the size of a piece of rice. He has also been licking at his rear and smells terrible. I think it might be tapeworms but I would like to confirm. He is a 7 month old German Shepherd puppy.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 11th, 2017

Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach Tape worm segments are usually small and white about the size of a piece of rice. they usually move and crawl! Pretty gross. Just be sure that Kilo is on flea preventatives. Dogs get tapeworm from ingesting an infected flea. I'd call your Vet and drop off a fecal sample to have it tested. Pick up a dewormer and flea medications. Good luck!

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    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi, yes small rice looking worms are tapeworms. You can purchase a dewormed called Drontal from you vet. I recommend giving a stool sample to your vet to look for other worms that may need a different dewormer. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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