Roundworms, such as Toxocara canis, are parasites that live in dogs' intestines. They can cause serious health problems in dogs and can be spread to humans.
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Spread
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Roundworms can be spread from a female dog to a puppy through her milk and uterus, according to Pawprints and Purrs Inc. Both adult and young dogs can become infected by swallowing roundworm eggs or larvae, especially those found in soil.
Eggs
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Roundworms reproduce inside a host's intestine, and their eggs are sent outside of the host's body through the dog's feces. After eggs enter a new host's body, up to a month after leaving the first animal's body, they hatch and live in the dog's intestine
Larvae and Adults
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Roundworm larvae eventually move from the intestine to a host's respiratory system, circulatory system or other parts of the body, according to an article by Dr. Holly Nash, a veterinarian who holds a master's degree in epidemiology, on Peteducation.com. Adult worms move back to the intestine, sometimes after months or years, to reproduce, according to Nash.
Symptoms
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A roundworm infection can cause dogs to experience diarrhea, vomiting, gas, coughing, urinary problems, dehydration and/or pneumonia. Some pets may also develop a "pot-belied appearance," according to Nash.
Diagnosis
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Veterinarians often collect a stool sample from dogs and examine it under a microscope for roundworm eggs.
Treatment
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Dogs often are given medications, such as diethylcarbamazine, pyrantel pamoate, milbemycin oxime or fenbendazole, for between two and four weeks as treatment for roundworms. According to Pawprints and Purrs Inc., pets often need to take one or more other medications at the first treatment.
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