Yes, dogs with worms often drink more water due to dehydration from diarrhea, nutrient loss, or inflammation, but increased thirst can also signal serious issues like kidney disease, diabetes, or Cushing's disease, so excessive drinking always warrants a vet visit to diagnose the underlying cause, including worms.
While the specific symptoms can vary depending on the type of worm, some common signs include weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, a bloated or pot-bellied appearance, coughing, and changes in appetite. Weight loss is often one of the first signs of a worm infestation in pets.
Giardia Symptoms in Dogs
Because of diarrhea, your dog may experience weight loss and dehydration. If left unchecked, giardia can cause other symptoms such as lethargy, appetite loss, and vomiting. You may also observe behavioral changes in your dog, such as increased thirst and reluctance to play.
Common Reasons Dogs Drink More Water
Warmer weather or increased activity: Dogs cool themselves by panting, which leads to more water loss. Dietary changes: Kibble-fed dogs often drink more than dogs on wet or fresh food diets. Medications: Some medications, like steroids or diuretics, can make dogs thirstier.
Signs of worms in dogs include a pot-bellied appearance, weight loss, diarrhea (possibly with blood/mucus), vomiting, lethargy, a dull coat, changes in appetite, and scooting (dragging their rear on the ground). You might also see worms or "rice-like" segments in their stool or vomit, and puppies often show these signs more prominently, needing quick treatment to avoid serious issues like anemia or blockages.
Vegetables and fruits are great for deworming dogs. They contain high levels of fibre which help to bulk up the stools and expel the worms. Pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, and papaya are all excellent choices. Feeding your dog a couple of these a day will help to clean them out and keep them healthy.
After a deworming treatment, it's normal for your puppy to continue passing worms in their stool for 7–10 days. In some cases, depending on the severity of the infestation, it may take up to 14 days for all worms to be expelled.
In some cases, changes in your dog's body temperature may be detectable when petting his ears, legs, or feet. Excessively drinking water. Many dogs will drink water until just before death and some will even show increased thirst in dogs. Don't assume your dog is well because he is still drinking.
Generally, it becomes an emergency if a dog goes three to four days without water. If a pet parent notices a decreased water intake—as well as dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, or weakness—they should contact their veterinarian as soon as possible. These are signs of dehydration, which should be treated immediately.
A closer look: Increased Thirst (Polydipsia) in Dogs
Persistent or sudden increased thirst with no known cause such as exercise, or along with other symptoms of illness, is cause for concern and warrants medical attention. Increased thirst indicates an EMERGENCY if observed with certain additional symptoms.
Worms in Stool: After deworming, it is common for dogs to pass worms in their stool, indicating the medication's effectiveness in eliminating parasites. Fatigue: Temporary tiredness may occur as a side effect, resolving within a day or two as the dog's system adjusts and eliminates parasites.
If symptoms do appear, you may see: loose stool; diarrhea; blood in the stool; weight loss; an inability to gain weight; a dull, coarse coat; or in some cases, worms visible in the feces.
Basically, your dog is using this scooting action to try and itch the affected area, or they will bite or lick their bottom to do the same too. If your dog seems to be 'coughing' more there are many causes to consider but this could be a sign of your dog having worms.
A pet with a heavy worm burden (i.e., population) can experience gastrointestinal irritation and upset, causing them to vomit. Adult worms can also block the intestine, causing a stomach content backflow. Vomiting is often accompanied by diarrhea, and worms may be present in both.
Vomiting or diarrhea. Blood in feces or urine. Increased frequency of urination. Coughing or sneezing.
Here are the eight most common signs of parasitic infection:
Shifts in drinking habits, like a dog drinking a lot or showing excessive thirst, can point to conditions like kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, Cushing's disease, or urinary tract infections. They can also signal a reaction to medications or other changes in your dog's body.
Early kidney failure often shows subtle signs that pet parents might miss. Mild symptoms include slightly increased thirst and urination, occasional decreased appetite, and mild weight loss over time. Your dog might seem a bit less energetic but still engage in normal activities.
What is Polydipsia? Polydipsia (increased drinking) is defined as more than 100ml per kg per day. Some pets may have noticeably increased drinking, whilst still drinking less than this amount. More than 50ml/kg/24hrs may raise suspicion about polydipsia, whereas over 100ml/kg/24hrs is definitely polydipsia.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
"Silent killer" in dogs usually refers to deadly diseases that progress with few early symptoms, primarily Heartworm, Hemangiosarcoma (a type of cancer), and sometimes Leptospirosis or Canine Parvovirus, all characterized by vague initial signs, rapid progression, and severe organ damage, making prevention and early detection crucial.
Changes in eating, drinking, and sleeping habits
Dogs in pain often sleep more as they try to heal, or it might even be difficult for them to move around and be active. A loss of appetite and noticeable differences in the amount of water they're drinking are often common symptoms.
You should also expect your puppy to experience some diarrhea after treatment. Puppies with high worm burdens might become ill after deworming. This is because when all of the parasites die at once, the lining of the intestines becomes inflamed, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.
Sometimes you'll see the worms pass. Other times, like with the tapeworm medication, the worms do not pass because they are digested and broken down. You might notice an improvement in diarrhea or loose stool. To be sure, we usually do a repeat stool check several weeks after deworming to ensure they're gone.
When a dog is infected with worms, the eggs or larvae are often present in their feces. If a person, especially a child, comes into contact with this contaminated soil or feces and then touches their mouth or food, the infection can be transmitted.