What Should I Expect After Deworming My Dog?

It is common to see worms in your dog's stools following treatment for deworming. However, deworming a dog may have other effects, including digestive upsets, lethargy and eventual positive health changes.

  1. Expelled Worms

    • Dog worming products are used to free the dog of parasites. It is normal to see whole worms or pieces of worms in the dog's stools for a short period after worming. According to VetInfo.com, some medications only paralyze the worms before they are expelled, resulting in live worms appearing in the dog's stool.

    Digestive Upsets

    • According to The-Puppy-Dog-Place website, dogs may experience an upset stomach or diarrhea after deworming. Your dog may vomit a bit after deworming, maybe even bringing up some worms. While unpleasant, this effect is normal and simply indicates that the medication working. As with vomiting, diarrhea is a normal effect of deworming. Repeated bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, however, or expulsion/excretion of a lot of worms is cause for concern and the dog's veterinarian should be consulted.

    Lethargy and Other Temporary Effects

    • After deworming, some dogs or puppies may lack energy or appetite, just as they might if they have a mild reaction to a vaccination. While mild symptoms are nothing to worry about, call the veterinarian if this behavior lasts more than a day or two or if your dog seems to be in distress.

    Positive Physical Effects

    • Dogs should feel better about 24 hours after worming. If your dog has lost coat condition or has experienced other physical effects, it should gradually return to good health. A new fecal exam should be done two weeks after the first treatment to ensure that all of the worms have been eliminated.