A few days ago, I (25F) took my dog (3F), Lucy, to a local park with a lake. Some friends joined us, and we were all having a great time.
Lucy was absolutely thrilled. Her favorite part was leaping into the lake and sipping water from it. She was hilarious, splashing around and trying to catch tiny fish.
Everything seemed fine, but a couple of days later, I started noticing something unusual…
Strange Behavior
Lucy wasn’t her usual playful self. She seemed tired and low on energy, and her appetite was noticeably off.
At first, I thought it might just be the heat or muscle soreness from all that swimming. But then, during one of her bathroom breaks, I noticed something alarming.
There were tiny white pieces in her poop that looked like grains of rice. That’s when I realized something was wrong.
My Worst Fears
I did what anyone would do—I Googled it. That’s when I learned those “rice grains” were actually tapeworm segments. 😲 My heart sank.
I felt so guilty for not knowing about the risks of letting her drink from the lake. I immediately bought a dewormer to treat Lucy.
Later, I found out that Lucy had likely swallowed infected water or ingested a flea containing a tapeworm larvae.
Fortunately, the treatment was simple: a dose of dewormer, followed by another, to ensure the parasites were completely gone.
(Side note: Even if your dog doesn’t show symptoms, it’s a good idea to give them dewormer occasionally. Dogs can pick up all sorts of things over time, especially when they’re out exploring parks and other outdoor areas.)
Within a few days, Lucy was back to her happy, energetic self.
Lessons Learned
Now, I’m much more careful about where Lucy drinks water. I carry a portable water bottle for her whenever we’re outdoors. I also check for fleas regularly and make sure she has her flea protection.
The big takeaway? Always be proactive about your dog’s health. I’ve definitely learned my lesson.