Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Puppy has white worms, rice-like bits, fleas. Is it tapeworm?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 15 days old | 0 lbs

Hello. My 7 week old puppy has had worms in his poop. It's not in every poop but I do see them every few poops. They are white and not really that long they are more short. I thought it was a roundworm which is common in puppies but he did have a flea and now he dosent but I'm worried he had a tapeworm. I know if it's a tapeworm he might need a vet visit. I'm seeing these white pinkish dried grain of rice things in his bed. Is that from a round worm or tapeworm? I have photos. What do I do?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 8th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Based on your description, the pictures and the fact that Meeko recently had fleas confirms he has tapeworm. Fleas are the intermediate host for tapeworm. Treatment is simply a pill. You can call your Vet to have them dispense medication. Either Droncit, Drontal or Cestex will get tapeworms. Be sure you have Meeko on a good flea and tick prevention. I hope this helps and good luck!

Vote icon

6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on October 8th, 2017

    Yep, Meeko has tapeworms! Since tapeworms are usually caused by ingesting infected fleas, he should also get started on a monthly flea preventative. They are there, even if you don't see them!! 8in1 Safe Guard Canine Dewormer states it kills tapeworms, so it should work just fine.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 18th, 2019

    I am sorry to hear about Stella! I would recommend bringing the stool sample in to Stella's vet for an examination under the microscope. Rice shaped worms are most often tapeworms https://www.petcoach.co/article/tapeworms/ , but other intestinal parasites are also common in puppies. The vet can check for other parasites and prescribe medication to treat any that are found, along with the tapworms, which are usually treated with either an oral medication such as Droncit, or an injection of a drug called Praziquantel

    Vote icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?
Pet still itching after treatment? A Petco vet clarifies it may not be ear mites. Discover effective solutions like Revolution or consulting an exotic vet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?
Nike's worsening sores and constant scratching worry his owner. A certified Petco veterinarian offers expert guidance on potential causes like bacterial infections and next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why do my hermit crab's mites keep returning? How to get rid of them?
Is your hermit crab battling recurring mites? A certified veterinarian explains why these persistent mites keep coming back and how to effectively address them. Get expert advice!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Found a worm in my new chick's water dish. Is it a parasite?
Concerned about a worm in your new chick's water dish? A certified vet discusses possible parasites and recommends a fecal exam for your young chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my chicken pale, tired, not laying, and pooping neon yellow?
Is your pet chicken pale, tired, or pooping neon yellow? A Licensed Vet Tech shares vital steps for your hen's concerning symptoms. Get expert guidance now!
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored