My dog passed a long, segmented worm. What kind is it and what to do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Pomeranian | Female | unspayed | 6 years and 1 month old | 12.5 lbs
I think I pulled out part of a worm from my Pomeranian's bottom. It's 4-5 inches long, a centimeter wide, and tapered/segmented. She wasn't eating a couple weeks ago and her coat is dull. After looking online I really could only find instances of worms that were smaller.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 16th, 2017
It sounds like it was a tapeworm. They are flat and segmented. The length depends on the segments that come out--they are offered compared to pieces of rice when individual. These worms are transmitted by the ingestion of a flea which can lead to a dull hair coat and dandruff also. It generally does not affect the appetite and cause that mucous and blood in the stool as noted in your pictures. I would be worried there is an infection of some sort and these worms are a secondary finding. You can find tapeworms medicines at the vets office or any pet store, but if the stool continues I would see a vet for further testing
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Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 19th, 2018
If you are concerned I would bring a fresh stool sample to your veterinarian to check for intestinal parasites, dogs can have coccidia or giardia causing blood and mucus in the stool, and the rice like things you saw may have been tapeworm segments. The over the counter dewormers do not take care of these less common intestinal parasites. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Mocha.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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