My German Shepherd Had a Worm: What Happened & What I Learned

It was one of those beautiful, crisp desert mornings that reminds me why I love living here. The sky was clear, the air was cool, and I headed outside to start my usual morning routine, helping to care for a sweet German Shepherd, who I call Lady Cyan.

I had a doggie wipe in my hand, intending to clean the “sleepies” from her eyes. Instead, I ended up dealing with something I was definitely not prepared for. A worm. A very long worm. And it happened right in front of me.

A Very Unexpected Morning

Lady Cyan started acting uncomfortable and gave a little yelp. Then I saw it: a worm, probably around 12 inches long, coming from her butt and just hanging there. Thankfully, I already had an Earth Rated Dog Wipe in my hand. I calmly approached Lady Cyan as she tried to wipe herself on the desert dirt and helped remove the worm. Then I used the wipes to clean her up.

She looked confused and, honestly, a little embarrassed. I didn't want to frighten her, so I just talked to her calmly. The worm eventually landed in a cactus, which seemed like an appropriately strange ending to an already bizarre morning.

When Something Doesn't Look Right, I Start Researching

I've never dealt with anything like this with Lady Cyan before, so once she was cleaned up, I grabbed my phone and started researching.

ChatGPT wanted a picture of the worm, and based on what I found, I believed it was a roundworm. That gave me somewhere to start, but I also learned that identifying intestinal parasites correctly is important because different parasites can require different treatments. So I started researching deworming options and what would be appropriate for a dog her size.

Lady Cyan Has a Story

Lady Cyan is a little skittish. She isn't trained, she does not trust people, and getting her into a car and taking her to the vet was not an easy option. We've been working on our relationship, and every day, I try to show her that she's safe and that she can trust me. It's been a slow process, but we've made progress. So when I realized something was wrong, I wanted to help her immediately.

Looking Back, There Were Signs

There was actually something I had noticed before the worm incident. Sne had stopped drinking her normal amount of water. She usually drinks about a bowl a day, but recently she hadn't been finishing it. I even started putting ice cubes in her water (it’s over 100F outside now) because I was trying to encourage her to drink.

At the time, I didn't know what to make of the change. After seeing the worm, though, I started thinking about those little differences in her routine. That's one thing I've learned about caring for animals: you learn what “normal” looks like for them. When that changes, it's worth paying attention.

What I Did

Lady Cyan weighs a little over 50 pounds but less than 60, so I researched deworming products appropriate for her weight and purchased Safeguard Canine Dewormer. I followed the product directions and the treatment schedule I had researched, mixing the medication into her wet food for three nights. After treatment, the worms were gone, and Lady Cyan returned to her usual behavior and water consumption. I was incredibly relieved.

That said, what I did was specific to my dog and our circumstances. I wouldn't recommend using my experience as a substitute for veterinary advice. Different parasites can require different treatments, and a dog's age, health, weight and medical history can all matter. If your dog has visible worms or other concerning symptoms, it's best to consult a veterinarian about identification and treatment.

The Reality of Loving an Animal

Pet ownership isn't always cute pictures, walks and cuddles. Sometimes it's cleaning up something disgusting before you've even had your coffee. Sometimes it's researching things you never expected to learn about. And sometimes it's standing in the middle of the desert with a dog wipe in one hand and a very confused German Shepherd looking at you.

But that's part of taking care of an animal. You pay attention. You notice when something changes. And when they're scared or uncomfortable, you do your best to make them feel safe.

That's what meant the most to me about this whole experience. Lady Cyan was once a frightened dog who didn't trust people. Now she trusts me enough to let me help her when something is wrong. That's a pretty big deal.

And Yes, I'm Keeping the Wipes Handy

The whole experience reminded me that sometimes the smallest details matter. A change in drinking habits. A different appetite. Acting uncomfortable. A change in bathroom habits. Being quieter than usual. 

Those things may be nothing—or they may be clues that something deserves attention. In Lady Cyan's case, the clue eventually became impossible to miss. A very long worm. I'm just glad I happened to be standing there with a doggie wipe in my hand. 

Lady Cyan is back to being her normal self now, and I'm incredibly grateful I was there to help her.

And yes, I still keep the wipes nearby. You never know.

Want to learn more? These are the links to the products mentioned at no additional cost to you, and it's a great way to support my channel:

Earth Rated Dog Wipes for Paws & Butt, Deodorizing, Unscented, 400ct

https://amzn.to/4Ayy5gb

Link to dogs up to 20 lbs https://amzn.to/3VRtKof (blue box)

Link for dogs up to 40 lbs https://amzn.to/3V2VW7w (red box)