Roundworms are the most common of the parasitic worms found in a dog’s body. Few dogs make it through life without becoming infected with them at least once.
There are two species of roundworms that affect puppies and dogs. They are toxocara canis and toxascaris leonina. The good news is that both species can be treated with the same medications.
Roundworms can infest a dog’s body in several different ways, allowing them to easily spread while making it difficult to control them.
Puppies almost always get roundworms. In fact, many are born with roundworms that are passed on from the mother during the embryonic development stage and through the nursing process.
Dogs can also get roundworms by consuming soil that is host to roundworm eggs. This can take place through the normal grooming process when the dog licks him or herself.
Roundworms, which are also called ascarids, can be contracted by eating other animals such as mice that are infected.
It is important to note that roundworms do pose a threat to humans, who can ingest them through contact with infected soil or feces. Roundworm eggs can easily accumulate in the soil where pets do their potty business. It is best to keep your children from playing in the area where your dog goes to the bathroom. Adults should wear gloves or thoroughly wash their hands immediately after any contact with feces or infected soil.
Roundworms, which are commonly visible in a dog’s feces or vomit, are white or light brown in color and can reach up to seven inches in length. They closely resemble strands of spaghetti.
Some dogs will display signs of roundworm infestations; others will not. A lot depends on the severity of the infestation. Those that so show symptoms may suffer weight loss and have dull hair and a potbellied appearance. Some may experience vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. In severe cases, roundworms have been known to cause an obstruction of the intestines.
Roundworms in the intestines absorb nutrients from the food the dog has eaten. Thus, roundworms can interfere with normal digestion and can cause damage to the lining of the stomach.
If the roundworms migrate to a dog’s lungs, he or she may begin to cough. This is especially dangerous for young puppies that can easily develop pneumonia.
A veterinarian can diagnose roundworms by examining a dog’s feces. He or she will use a flotation solution that causes the eggs to separate from the rest of the stool sample. A sample of the fluid is placed on a slide and examined under the microscope.
Prevention can go a long way in keeping your dog free of roundworms. It is important to keep the dog’s living area clean. All feces should be removed from the yard regularly. Try to keep your dog from eating wild animals.
Fortunately, many heartworm medicines also control roundworms. Discuss these preventative medications with the dog’s vet.
Most veterinarians and breeders routinely worm young puppies for roundworms. Puppies should be treated at the ages of two weeks, four weeks, six weeks and eight weeks. A monthly preventative (most heartworm medications) treatment should keep your dog free of roundworms. However, it is a good idea to take a fresh fecal sample to the veterinarian’s office for testing at least once a year.
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Thank you very much for the information on Round Worms.. We were told by the vet that our 9 wk old puppy had round worms.. He gave us medicine for our little guy (Tyson). Which was given to him less than 24 hours ago and I am already seeing progress in Tyson, as well as dead worms in his stool..
I was just looking for some more information than what the vet gave us.
Sincerely, Lorie Annette