White Specks in Dog Poop

What exactly are white specks?

White specks sound exactly like they do: tiny white dots inside a dog’s stool. They are not always alarming signals, and they are quite common. They shouldn’t be ignored.

How to identify flecks and when should they be cause for concern

For several seconds, take a close look at the poop using a naked eye. You will need to be close to the subject. It is important to check if the white specks are moving. They might not need to be concerned if they are static. Your dog may have an infection if they move. Be sure to pay attention, as sometimes the specks may appear motionless and then suddenly twitch.

White specks can have a variety of causes

• Undigested food. You might want to inspect the quality of your pet’s food and treats.
• You might find bones in your dog’s stool. Fly larvae the poop still there? Maggot eggs could be the cause of the white specks.
• Worms and other infections should be alarming. Worms can be a serious health problem for dogs.

Types of worms found in poop: Tapeworm, roundworm & more

Worms can show other symptoms than just white specks.

Tapeworm. Tapeworms are parasites that feed on the dog’s intestinal tract and lay their eggs in their intestines. Fleas often cause these types of worms. The little, sesame seed-like spots on your dog’s back may be a sign of worm infestation. You should also be aware of your dog’s tendency to lick their private areas more often or scoot their butt on the floor.

Roundworm. These can be caused by your dog eating feces from another animal or soil. These worms look like stringy strands. This type of worm is easily identified by vomiting and irregular bowel movements.

Hookworm. These parasites can be spread like roundworms. They are particularly dangerous and feed on dogs’ blood. They can enter an animal’s skin through their pores, so make sure your dog doesn’t get soaked in another animal’s poo.

Some worms can’t be seen by the naked eye

These worms are not found in dogs’ feces but can be detected by blood tests. These worms can be detected using a blood test.

Whipworm. This type of infestation could occur if your dog is experiencing vomiting, weight loss, gas, or other symptoms.

Heartworm. Heartworms are caused by mosquitoes and can affect the heart, lungs and blood vessels. A cough is a sign of heartworm, but it’s not always the case.

Some treatments can be done at home

You can make small changes to your dog’s diet if you suspect that undigested food may be the problem. Poop can vary in size depending on whether your dog eats raw or dry kibble. We don’t recommend raw diets. When eyeing your dog’s food, look out for more meat than bone, though AAFCO approved foods won’t contain whole bone but rather bone meal. This is good because it doesn’t contain any extra harmful stuff.

Bones can irritate your GI tract, causing bacterial infections and present a choking hazard.

Maggots may be laying eggs in dog’s poop. The simple solution is to clean up the poop immediately after the dog has done the job. This will ensure that the maggots won’t have to wait for the feces and poop to decay.

More serious infections require help from the vet

If your dog has an intestinal infection, you will need to deworm them.

Although some people attempt to fix this problem by themselves, we recommend that you visit a vet to determine the exact cause of your pet’s worm infestation. Bring a sample of stool if you are able.

After your vet has completed their assessment, they will determine the diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment. Some treatments can be easier or more expensive, depending on the parasite. Others are more costly and may not provide a complete cure. The therapy (such as a Dewormer) can be administered orally over several days or by injection.

If puppies are less than three months old, they should be wormed every two weeks. Deworming should be done once per month after that and until the pup is six months. After all, treatment is complete, puppies are more likely to contract worms. Sometimes they may even get roundworms from birth. It’s best to take your dog to the vet immediately if you see white spots in their poo. Older pups may not require as much treatment, but they still need to be examined regularly.

Home prevention of worms

Your dog can be very uncomfortable if they have a worm. There are some preventative measures dog owners can take to combat worms. To make sure your dog doesn’t eat other animals, you should be watching them while they are outside. You don’t have to be there all the time so make sure they aren’t eating rodents or ticks in the areas they spend their time in.

For worm prevention, it is important to have a flea-free environment and routine testing.

Why poop is your friend

Dog poop is very important. Stools can reveal a lot about the health of your dog. You should familiarize yourself and your dog with their stool so you can see what a normal stool looks like. If you notice white specks appearing and aren’t sure if they are worms or not, it is a good idea to consult your veterinarian.

FAQs

What is the reason for white spots in my dog’s poop, and why?

There are many reasons white specks can appear in dog poop. There could be trace amounts of bone or undigested food in your dog’s stool. If the dog’s poop has been lying around for a while, it could be caused by fly larvae. White specks found in dog poop are often caused by worms, other infections, or signs of other health problems.

What does dog poop look like?

Tapeworms look like small white dots in dog poop. If your dog has a tapeworm, you may notice tiny sesame seed-like specks in their behinds. You may be able to see the white specks move if you look closely at them.

What are the white moving objects in my dog’s poop?

Your dog may have a worm or an infection if his poop is moving with white specks. Tapeworm, roundworm and hookworm are the most common. If your dog’s poop is contaminated with white particles, consult your veterinarian for deworming treatment.

What are the symptoms of worms in dogs?

Your dog might have white specks moving in its stool. A second sign is when your dog scoots against the ground or licks more frequently privates. Certain worms may cause vomiting or irregular bowel movements.

Are dogs able to get rid of tapeworms by themselves?

No. No. Your vet can diagnose the condition and determine the type of worm. Your vet will also recommend treatment, such as a dewormer that you can administer orally at home to your pet or inject.