[harley_quinn]

She usually sniffs it, and I tell her NO and she walks away. This time I thought she was looking for a place to do her business and she picked up a small turd of another dog (or cat, but I thought they buried their business), I quickly ran to her and said NO! She dropped it out of her mouth, but I'm freaking out because I know parasites can be spread by eating feces from an infected animal. What can I give her to avoid tapeworms and such? Should I be worried?

[Marc]

Don't deworm her yet. Dewormers cannot kill eggs. If this just happened, then you won't be accomplishing anything.

Wait about a month before you act. It takes a long time for parasites to harm a dog unless the dog already has an impaired immune system. After a month, you should take a stool sample into your vet to have it analyzed (this should be cheaper than an office visit if you just take the sample in yourself).

If this isn't an option, then you can use over the counter dewormers, but you're going in blind. There are typically two dewormers; one for hookworm and roundworm, and one for tapeworm only.

[Ozzy29]

Although creepy and disgusting there is no need to panic. Many dogs actually do this. Just keep an eye on her she'll be fine.

[harley_quinn]

Thanks a whole lot. Yeah I'll take that stool sample advice if I suspect she has any parasites.

[Lunareclipse]

Just sit down and talk to your dog and explain the hazards of such a gross habit.

[nattiej1976]

I wouldnt worry about it too much, we take our dogs out and about all the time without knowing how well other people take care of their animals, however as long as you keep your dog up to date on worming medications, and vaccines, you are doing your best to prevent, or keep at bay any major infestation. Continue on with your normal worming routines, and everything should be OK, if you are really concerned have a chat to your vet, but I would suggest that they will probably advise something similar.

[Yorkie Mommy]

I saw on the Dog Whisperer that this means they are missing a nutrient so he gave the dog some of a banana. If the dog ate it he said to give it some everyday. Might try that.

[harley_quinn]

Banana? Okay, I'll look it up. Thanks.

[~Kazoo & Soy Monster~]

I've heard about lack of a certain nutrient too. My pup is always trying to sneak a terd from the kitty litter box. As gross as it is - it's not bad.

[harley_quinn]

Yeah she's not so bad about it, but on our walk I have to make sure she's not sniffing a turd on the ground.

[Lala]

Hi Harley,

I think there is not need to panic. I have seen a few dogs eating poop. i know it is disgusting, but pay attention to her. She'll be fine.

All the best,


Lala

[harley]

If your dog is on heartworm meds like interceptor or heartgard then it protects the dog from whipworms, roundworms, and hookworms. If not and you are concerned wait a month or so and deworm her.

[zsa zsa]

my puppy is 4 months old and loves eating deer poop..i have had to take it out of her mouth a few times..gross!!!!i'm going to try the banana too!!!!

[beks]

we took one of our dogs with us on a trip to visit some family, that had cats, the cat food was kept near the litter box, i found my dog eating the cat food once, and the next time i saw her in the room i thought she was doing the same. when i told her no and out, she spat out a chunk of cat poo full of litter! Gross! although as far as i know she doesnt eat dog poo. Dogs have strange and gross behavior some times!