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Why is my dog so skinny but eats a lot? Is it worms or parasites?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Czechoslovakian Vlcak | Female | 1 year and 11 months old | 50 lbs

My dog is really skinny and eats a lot shes vary play full but so skinny dose she have tape worm?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on September 27th, 2017

Tapeworms or other parasites are definitely a possibility if your pup eats a lot and doesn't gain weight. However, there are other causes that may also cause failure to gain weight such as metabolic illnesses or other underlying conditions. Signs of parasites may include issues such as diarrhea, visible worms in the stool (tapeworms will look like grains of rice, while roundworms will look like spaghetti), vomiting, etc in addition. If you're unsure if Mika has worms, it is best to bring in a sample of her stool to your local vet. They can check it for parasites, let you know if any/which type are there and provide medication to treat it with. If no parasites are found, a complete exam with your vet to rule out any other issues is also a good idea.

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