Gastrointestinal Parasites in Dogs: Nero’s Spaghetti Diarrhea
Puppies contract intestinal worms through their mother’s milk. The parasites’ clever life requires multiple treatments to eliminate them from their system.
The common intestinal parasites in dogs include:
- hookworms
- roundworms
- whipworms
- tapeworms
In puppies, severe infestation can become a life-threatening problem.
Depending on which parasite is ailing the puppy, symptoms might include:
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- excessive gas
- weight loss
- pot-bellied appearance
- anemia
- secondary infections
- stunted growth
Further information: A Primer On Intestinal Worms

Nero’s story
Nero was a five-months-old Cockapoo. His family brought him home when he was a little puppy. Nero received loving care—his parents had him vaccinated, wormed, and treated for fleas.
Shortly after he settled in his new home, Nero developed diarrhea with blood in it. His mom took him to a veterinarian. Because Nero got his deworming medication and the veterinarian couldn’t discover an obvious problem, he recommended a bland diet of chicken and rice. Nero’s belly could have been unhappy from stress or change in his diet.
A disturbing discovery
One morning Nero had diarrhea in the house but the pile contained more than loose poop. The poop was full of spaghetti-like worms. How could that happen?
Nero ended up back at the veterinary clinic. Could it be that the treatment was not effective? Nero was treated with quality topical product that should kill fleas and intestinal worms. Nero received a dose appropriate for his weight when the veterinarian prescribed it—but that was a month earlier. As it turned out, Nero grew faster than expected.
The amount of medication Nero received weakened the worms but it wasn’t enough to kill them all.
The solution
The veterinarian prescribed a higher dose as well as regular weight checks to stay on top of things.
Source story:
Nero, a five-months-old Cockapoo
Related articles:
A Primer On Intestinal Worms
Canine Intestinal Parasites: Cookie Has Tapeworm Infection
Further reading:
Internal Parasites in Dogs