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We know dog poop is not the best of topics to talk about! But do you know that dog feces can tell you a lot about your dog’s health? For today’s discussion, let’s see what the white specks in the dog excretion indicate.
Why does the dog have white specks in his poop? There are two major reasons for it. One is that the white specks are nothing but bones, rice, or grains.
However, it is a matter of concern if the white specks in the dog feces are moving. This moving matter may signify parasitic infection or worms.
Here are more details regarding what you should be looking for, common reasons for white specks, and when it can be a reason of alarm.
What Exactly Are White Specks?
White specks are the presence of seedy white material in the dog’s stool. White specks are quite common and are not always a cause of alarm.
However, these white specks could also be indicative of tapeworms, roundworms, and whipworms. Therefore, these should not be ignored.
Taking A Closer Look
Now, the question is how to identify flecks and know if this is normal or a reason for the inspection.
For this, you need to get up close and inspect the stool. It is important to look out and see if the white specks move. Please note that this may not be very easy to identify. You need to keep looking for several seconds. You may have to move the stool a bit to notice any movement.
If the speck is static, then it may not be a cause of concern. However, a moving speck is a different thing altogether and of concern. This may indicate infection.
Therefore, we suggest you consult your veterinarian if the white specks in the stool are moving.
Common Reasons For White Specks in Dog Poop
Here are the most common ones listed for you:
Diet
If the white specks in the fecal matter are not moving, then it may be nothing but indigestible food particles. This may commonly include rice, grains, or corn.
Further, dog food can also contain some meat bones that might be difficult to digest. These indigestible bones can come out along with the dog’s poop.
Some pet parents may not believe that their pet food may contain traces of bones. Also, all the pet foods may contain these bone traces. Therefore, it is not a matter of concern. These fragments are not very noticeable and thus not a cause of anxiety.
Fly larvae
If you found white specks in the stool kept outside for a long time, then it is possible that flies have laid eggs on it. Fly larvae often lay eggs on fresh dog stools. This is normal and has nothing to do with the dog.
The only issue is that the fleas can be carriers of infections that may affect the dog or the humans.
Medications
Certain medications can lead to white flecks. In this situation, you may see small white balls in the feces. This arises when the dog is unable to digest certain medications.
You should report it to your vet. Let them decide if the medications should be changed.
Worms/Parasites
If you see something moving in the dog’s stools, then it is indicative of sinister parasites. Tapeworms are parasites that stick to the walls of the dog’s intestines. These are long and flat, looking something like a string or shoelace.
When these tapeworms become adults, they lag eggs that are expelled with the stools. These eggs are moving and are thus identified.
Types Of Worms
Here are the different types of worms that could affect your dog:
- Tapeworms: Tapeworms are one of the most common types of parasites. These insidious creatures are noticeable as white specks in the poop.
- Roundworms: Puppies are most commonly affected by roundworms. These lead to no symptoms making it difficult to detect.
- Whipworms: It is an intestinal parasite that is named so because of its whip-like shape.
- Heartworms: Heartworms affect the arteries, lungs, and the heart if left untreated. These are not commonly found in the dog’s stool.
- Hookworms: Hookworms attach themselves to the intestinal wall. These are dangerous because they can lead to a drastic reduction in red blood cells (RBCs).
Symptoms Of Tapeworms
Tapeworms feed off your dog gradually. Thus, your pup may not show symptoms of discomfort initially.
Tapeworm infections are only noticeable in the stools. If the white specks are accompanied by diarrhea, then it is a clear sign of tapeworm infection.
Other symptoms include:
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Skin infections
We recommend making an immediate visit to the vet if you notice any of these symptoms.
Diagnosis
First, you should bring a fresh sample of stools to your veterinarian. Upon analysis, the vet may be able to recommend certain medications.
It may be difficult to determine tapeworm infection through a single fecal test. Therefore, you may have to run multiple tests to be certain if the dog is infected or not.
Adhesive tape test
The veterinarian, may conduct this test to confirm tapeworm infection. Accordingly, he/she shall place a tape across the pup’s anus and remove it slowly. This tape will be placed under a microscope and analyzed.
Treatment
The deworming of the dog is generally a lengthy procedure and more complicated than you think.
It is significant to remove the head of the tapeworm so that it doesn’t grow further. Tapeworm heads often attach themselves to the walls of the intestines. These grow again and cause infection.
Therefore, you must consult with your vet and ask for the best deworming procedure.
End Notes
Dog stools tell a lot about their health. Therefore, you should examine the dog poop and notice any abnormalities.
The white specks in feces could be undigested food items, medicines, fly larvae, or tapeworm. While the presence of the first three is not a cause of concern, the latter may require you to visit a vet and follow a deworming procedure.
Make sure you consult your doctor if you notice white specks in the dog’s stool or any other abnormalities.