Even without t a stool sample, the use of a deworming product that is safe and effective against several of the common worms of the dog is recommended. It is important that deworming be repeated in about 3-4 weeks, because the deworming medication kills only the adult worms. Within 3-4 weeks, the larval stages will have become adults and will need to be treated. Dogs remain susceptible to reinfection with hookworms and roundworms. Periodic deworming throughout the dog's life may be recommended for dogs that go outdoors.
Tapeworms are the most common intestinal parasite of dogs.
When the puppy chews or licks its skin as a flea bites, the flea may be swallowed. Dogs infected with tapeworms will pass small segments of the worms in their stool. The segments are white in color and look like grains of rice. They may also stick to the hair under the tail. If that occurs, they will dry out, shrink to about half their size, and become golden in color.