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My puppy has worms in his stool. What over-the-counter dewormer?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered | 7 months and 12 days old | 10 lbs

Hello I saw a worm in my puppy's stool .Can you recommend an over the counter dewormer for him please? I am unable to take him to a vet at this time.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on November 6th, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Not sure what type of worm you saw without a picture of it. Small, whitish worms that resemble grains of white rice are tapeworms and longer worms would probably be roundworms, hookworms, or other types of worms. Tapeworms are treated with a drug called praziquantal which is available over the counter. The most common tapeworm is caused by fleas and that medicine will treat it. Follow the instructions on the product. You also want to make sure that you are using an effective flea/tick medicine recommended by your veterinarian. Round, hook, and whipworms are treated with various dewormers. You want to use something that will kill all of them. I would advise getting fenbendazole (Safeguard) and following the directions. Mix the powder with food for 3 days. If the problem still exists, contact your vet for further instruction. Good luck

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 25th, 2017

    Poor puppy. Worms are quite common in puppies as they can get them from the mom, environment and fleas (tapweorms). Worms are treated with dewormer that will treat for that specific worm. If you are seeing worms in the stool then it is likely either a tapeworm (little fried rice or white rice looking) or a roundworm (looks like angel hair pasta). Tapeworms are treated with Praziquantel or Drontal and Roundworms are treated with Fenbendazole or Pyrantel Palmoate (usually available at your local pet store or feed store). YOu should try to prevent re-infestation by applying a flea preventative and giving Ro a monthly heartworm preventative (Heartgard, Triheart, Trifexis) because these also treat for intestinal worms (roundworms, hookworms, etc). I hope this helps!

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