Worms the size of caterpillars in my puppy's stool?!?

Depending on the severity of his worm case prior to her having wormed him, this is entirely possible. I've seen dogs in this condition after being wormed, as the people that had them BEFORE the shelter didn't care for the puppy at ALL, and their case of worms almost killed them in fact. If he had a really severe case before she wormed him, it's entirely possible for him to have worms of this size and number. Good idea taking him to the vet, as they can give you further medication. Also, if the worms weren't moving, that's another sign that she probably DID worm him, and they're finally exiting the puppy's system. If you get a chance to, and find more of this size and number, put them in a plastic bag (or two) and seal it TIGHTLY, to take to the vet with you on Monday.

Some vets prefer to have a stool sample brought in so they can run tests, etc... on that. This can better tell them how severe the case of worms is, what type of worms they're dealing with, etc... They can actually get a LOT out of a stool sample, so try and take one in if you can. Also, his not eating and other symptoms may not be a sign that he wasn't treated well at the shelter. This severe of a worm case can cause these symptoms.

Also keep in mind that not all rescues are funded as well as they should be, and he may have recieved the best care they could honestly afford to give him. It sounds as if he just has a really severe case of worms, which, as I said before, even if it IS treated, can cause worms that size and quantity, and can also cause the other symptoms. Also be sure the vet runs tests for parvo and other diseases. LOTS of puppies from shelters end up with Parvo, and these symptoms (dry nose, not eating, etc...) can also be early indicators of such diseases, and the earlier you catch these, the better! Good luck to you both!

Are the worms moving? If they are then the woman might have been lying, but if they are not, then the deworming medicine the pup was given did it's job & now the dead worms are passing out of the pup's system. Keep one or two of the worms to show your vet on Monday. A zippered baggy should do fine.

The not eating can be from an upset tummy from the worms or it may just be that his system is upset by a new home. Just keep him quiet, provide food so he can eat when he wants & plenty of fresh clean water. You did a very good thing adopting this little thing & once the kinks are worked out, I think you & he will be fine.

Never be afraid to ask your vet questions, especially since you are new to dog ownership. It is better to ask a thousand questions when something does not look or feel right than not asking & maybe putting the pup through h*ll. Not just with this, but even in the future. Ask about the best time to have the pup neutered. What shots he needs & when (the rescue should have records on his last vaccinations). When should he be wormed, how & with what? Ask about flea & tick prevention (personally, we really like Frontline Plus), Etc. Good luck to you & your new pup & good for your knowing the pup needs to see a vet. Take Care.

Hi.

A bad case of worms in a dog this young, can if fact be extremely serious, and sometimes fatal. What is also concerning is the fact that if the puppy was wormed properly, and is passing the dead worms, and has the symptoms you describe, there may be more issues. It is not uncommon for puppies of this age to go down very quickly. Fluids are essential, even if you have to force feed. Chicken broth or Beef bullion cubes will provide some nutrition. I would have a Vet on the phone ASAP. Any respectable Vet will be glad you called, and happy to help. Best of Luck

if it is tapeworms then yes he could have been dewormed and still have worms. there is a different kind of wormer for the tapeworms. however that being said unless it is a huge and i mean HUGE tapeworm infestation, they dont usually make them lethargic. tapeworms dont really cause any problems for a while and generally dont get noticed until the owner notices what looks like little grains of rice around the dog's butt. however roundworms and hookworms will drain his energy very quickly. while it is possible for him to have been wormed and still have worms i would just call and ask about it because usually he wouldnt have quite that many unless he is shedding the adults as a result of the medication (which is possible). if he is acting really lethargic then i would think about an emergency vet trip before Monday as puppies can go downhill very quickly from worms and it can be fatal if not treated. good luck hope he feels better

EDIT: it definitely isnt ring worm as that would actually be a fungal lesion on the skin.

EDIT: intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, etc,) never reach the heart. its a completely different organ system. those would be heartworms and he would NOT pass those in his stool

You may want to take him to the emergency vet. I would hate to see your puppy pass. We have a 3 month old pup also and just took him to the vet b/c a neighbor's puppy has parvo. I don't know much about doggy diseases, but that sounds warranted enough to get up and go to the emergency. Your puppy might not make it to see Mondays doctor visit. And yes it does sound like the the ppl at the rescue place may have not de-wormed him properly if at all. Good luck to you and your puppy.

I'd call animal control and report that rescue. Sounds fishy for sure.

If the puppy truly was wormed 3 times all ready, he wouldn't have such a massive infestation.

If at all possible, take him to the vet tomorrow. Puppies go downhill very quickly. In the meantime, try to make sure he drinks. Even offer him unflavored pedialyte to try to make sure he stays hydrated.

Well apparently its a parasite .. the little ones are probably ring worms and the long ones are either tape worms or hook worms or another type... when my dog was a puppy she had the same thing... I probably wouldn't wait until Monday to take him in i would take him to a pet emergency hospital if hes not eating or anything.... If the puppy is 3 months its really un likely that he has been wormed 3 times hes too young and it would have worked. If you payed for that dog and the person sold you a sick dog you will really want to look into that.. First its not right.. Second now your going to have to pay for the vet bills...... OOO also you need to keep everything clean.. Don't let the dog lick your face and after your done holding him you will want to wash your hands well... parasites are really contagious... if your bringing the dog in to the vet you need to bring a sample of the stool in to them so have that ready in a baggie..... I hope your dog gets better iam really sorry to hear this..!!!!

Unfortunately in an enclosed kennel environment it is particularly hard to eradicate worms in puppies. So get the worming medicine from your vet and apply the correct doses to your puppy. It is alarming to see a lot of worms; but once you have put your puppy through a course of treatment he will be fine.

They sound like tape worms to me. That requires a different medicine than roundworms, which is the most common infestation you would find in a puppy's bowels.

he was clearly mistreated and the women must have lied provide him with water and make ur puppy comfortable but it sounds like he has had worms for a very very long time and they can harm him take him to the vet