Round worms are intestinal parasites commonly found in puppies and dogs. Because they are capable of causing diarrhea, vomiting, poor quality hair coats, weight loss and a pot-bellied appearance in puppies, getting rid of these worms is top priority. Owners should also be aware of the fact that roundworms can spread to humans and even children, and therefore can pose a public health risk, according to Dr. Eric Barchas, a veterinarian who lives and works in San Francisco.
Things You'll Need
- Fecal sample
- Plastic teaspoon
- Sterile container
- Scale
- Labels
- Pyrantel pamoate or fenbendazole based de-wormer
- Oral syringe (if using the liquid form)
Instructions
Collect a fresh fecal sample for your veterinarian. A teaspoon amount placed in a sterile container will suffice. Label the sample with your dog's name, time collected and date and take it to your vet.
Use the de-wormer your vet prescribed if the stool sample tested positive for round worms, or purchase a pyrantel pamoate or fenbendazole based de-wormer against round worms from a pet store.
Weigh your pet using an appropriate scale. Fill the oral syringe with the recommended dosage based on your dog's weight or administer the tablets. Follow all directions found on the de-wormer or doctor's prescription carefully.
Have your dog's stool sample tested again three weeks later, recommends Family Pet Animal Hospital based in Chicago, Illinois. This will help the vet determine if the dog has rid itself from the worms or if another cycle of de-worming may be necessary.