Roundworms are one of the most common parasites and can affect many animals, especially dogs. Roundworms are a parasite that live in the intestinal track of the infected dog or other animal. Dogs can become infected by ingesting animal matter or stool of another infected animal. Puppies can also contract roundworms from their mother if she is infected, either before they are born, or while they are nursing and consume infected milk. Learning the symptoms of a roundworm infection can help prevent severe health problems for your dog and family.
Things You'll Need
- Stool sample
Instructions
Observing Symptoms of Roundworms
Look for diarrhea. Diarrhea and gas are common symptoms of a roundworm infection and may be present before any worms are visible. Watch your dog for straining as it tries to defecate, as this is common.
Notice a bloated stomach or weight loss. The roundworms can cause a dog to have a bloated, almost pregnant appearance. This is often coupled with weight loss, and the dog's ribs may become visible.
Check your dog's vomit. A dog may vomit if the roundworm infection is bad enough, and the worms may be seen in the vomit. The worms are normally a white color and may be small or up to several inches in length.
Examine your dog's stool. This is probably the most common way in which owners detect a roundworm infection in their dog. The worms can be seen readily in the stool because they are white, and contrast to the natural color of the stool. If the infection is bad enough, the dog may begin to expel only worms when he defecates, with no stool present at all.
Take a stool sample to your local veterinarian. He will check the sample under a microscope. Roundworm eggs are often visible using such a method long before the worms are visible to the naked eye.
Observe your dog for coughing. Though far less common, a dog may begin coughing if the roundworms have moved up into his lungs. This is serious and needs to be treated as soon as possible.