Advertisements for flea and tick medications are common. But did you know that roundworms are one of the most common parasites that affect dogs? Almost all puppies are born with roundworms, and the eggs of the parasite can survive in the environment, causing them to be a persistent and pervasive pest to our canine companions.
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What are roundworms?
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Roundworms are a common parasite that infect dogs, cats, foxes and even birds and reptiles. The parasites live in the intestinal walls of the host, where they generally grow to a length of 3 to 4 inches. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, roundworms are prolific reproducers, and a single adult roundworm can lay up to 85,000 eggs a day.
How do dogs get roundworms?
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Roundworms can be transmitted in a variety of ways. The most common mode of transmission is by eating the eggs passed by an infected animal. When a dog eats roundworm eggs in any food source, the larvae migrate through the body, and eventually end up in the intestines. There, the larvae mature in the intestinal tract, and the cycle of laying eggs, releasing the eggs into the environment through feces or vomit, and the process of infecting another animal begins again.
Roundworms can also be passed to puppies before they are born and through the mother's milk. A dog may also become infected with roundworms if he or she eats another animal already infected.
What are the symptoms of roundworm infection?
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Adult roundworms in the intestines can interfere with digestion in the infected dog. If the infection is advanced, the dog may start to become malnourished and develop a pot-bellied appearance. The coat will dull, and some dogs will become anemic. As the infection progresses, dogs will often develop diarrhea, vomiting and coughing. In the most severe cases, a roundworm infection may cause an obstruction in the intestines, requiring surgery to save the dog's life.
Treatment for Roundworms
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Several prescription and non-prescription medications are available to treat roundworms. Before beginning any treatment, you should confirm a roundworm infection through a fecal exam at a veterinarian. Puppies should begin treatment for roundworms at two weeks of age, since almost all puppies are born with roundworms passed from the mother. For ongoing prevention, consider a monthly heartworm/dewormer combination medication such as Revolution or Advantage Multi.
Dog roundworms be passed from my dog to me?
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Roundworms can infect people. Transmission occurs when a person ingests eggs from the environment or from their own hands. If your dog has been diagnosed with a roundworm infection, take careful precautions to wash your hands and clothes regularly and disinfect indoor areas with a bleach solution. Roundworm infections in people can cause damage to internal organs, blindness and pneumonia.
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