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My puppy pooped a moving worm. Is it normal after deworming?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed

My 12 week old puppy had a worm come out when she was pooping that looked like a maggot. It was still moving after she pooped. She was treated at 8 weeks. Is this normal? Should I worry? And should I give her 12 week medication?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 13th, 2018

Worms can be common in young puppies, but it doesn't mean it's normal. She definitely needs another dose of the deworming medication, and I would give it to her now. Give her another dose in two weeks to kill all the worms, and then deworm her monthly until she is six months. After that, she should be dewormed every three months. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Anna M., DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 18th, 2019

    Hello, and thanks for your question. If your puppies were dewormed just before they were sent home with you, then yes it can be normal for them to pass dead adult worms. I recommend having them dewormed again 2 weeks after their last deworming (so they’re probably due now), and then submit a fecal sample to your vet to make sure they don’t see a persistent infection. Your vet will check the fecal sample for the presence of microscopic parasite eggs. Hope this helps! Congratulations on your new pups!

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 23rd, 2017

    Roundworms are quite common in puppies. They usually get them from the mother dog. As long as she is eating fine, no diarrhea, and acting like a normal puppy then there is no rush to take her to the vet. The worms have to come out of her system, so it is normal for Ash to poop them out. They will continue to come out in her feces for a week (on average). However, because of the worms life cycle, you will need to deworm Ash again 2 weeks from the first deworming. As long as she doesn't re-infect herself (from eating another dogs poop that has worms in it), then she should be clear of the worms soon. Then at 8 weeks of age you can take Ash to the vet to start her puppy series vaccines and heartworm medication, which has natural intestinal worm medication in it also. I hope things continue to get better for Ash.

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