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My dog has diarrhea with white specks. Is it tapeworm or parasites?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | French Bulldog | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 14 days old | 3 lbs

My vet said he had parasites now hes on rice and chicken he has white speks in his poo but its still diahrea

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 15th, 2019

If the white specks in his poo look like grains of rice or sesame seeds then it is likely your dog has tape worm. ask your vet to treat your puppy for the parasites he diagnosed via a fecal sample (if he has not done a fecal sample, take some fresh poop to your vet for a fecal exam). You may also want to start with flea prevention as tape worm is transmitted by fleas.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 21st, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Max! Small worm segments that look like long-grain rice tend to be tape worm. Dogs get them from ingesting fleas, as the flea is the intermediate host. You should treat all animals in the house with a good flea preventative. The tapeworm is likely from a previous flea issue not a current one. Below is a link to a dewormer that gets tapeworm. I wish you the best! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1459

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 20th, 2017

    White rice-like material in the stool is typically indicative of tapeworm segments. Animals acquire tapeworms either by eating fleas or rodents infected with tapeworms. None of the medications Blu Bear is on currently are likely to treat tapeworms. Closely examine him for the presence of fleas or flea dirt (resembling a fleck of pepper that turns reddish-brown when moistened). Consider switching from the preventative collar to Nexgard, Bravest or Advantix for flea and tick prevention if you find the presence of fleas. Panacur is a broad spectrum dewormer that treats tapeworms and is available in most pet stores.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 6th, 2020

    You are not overreacting. It looks like Teegan has grains of rice in her poop, which indicates tapeworms. You need a specific medication to treat them, praziquantel, which is prescription only. I would get Drontal from her vet to treat this, it contains praziquantel and is excellent. As tapeworms are transmitted by fleas to dogs, you will need to flea treat her as well. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30. minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. I hope this helps!

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