Roundworms, also known as ascarids, commonly occur in dogs. They can be passed on from pregnant dogs to puppies in the womb or while nursing. Dogs can also become infected after ingesting other animals that carry roundworms, such as rats, or eating soil that contains roundworm eggs. The roundworms mainly are found in the small intestine or respiratory system. Severe infestations can lead to digestive problems, anemia and intestinal obstruction or cause pneumonia in young puppies.
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Initial Treatment
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Puppies should be routinely dewormed starting at two weeks of age, since most are born with roundworm infections, according to Holly Nash, DVM. A medication containing pyrantel pamoate can be given orally.
Pregnant dogs also should be treated to reduce the risk of infecting their puppies. A medication containing fenbendazole can be administered two weeks before birth and during lactation. Fenbendazole and febantel medications, which are often used to treat roundworm infections in adult dogs, also protect against other types of worm infestations, including tapeworms and hookworms. Heartworm preventives containing milbemycin oxime or ivermectin can also be used to treat roundworms and prevent further infections. Other treatments include medications with piperazine salts or imidacloprid.
Follow-up Treatment
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Initial deworming kills adult worms, but does not eliminate the larvae. Deworming medication should be given again when puppies are four, six and eight weeks old to make sure that all adult worms are destroyed. Puppies that are not taking a heartworm preventive that also offers intestinal parasite protection should continue to be dewormed until they are six months old. Adult dogs taking fenbendazole or febantel medications should receive another dose between two to four weeks after the initial treatment. Heartworm preventives should be given year-round to provide maximum protection.
Prevention
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Dogs taking a year-round heartworm preventive that also protects against intestinal parasites should have a fecal exam performed once or twice a year to check for roundworm infestations. If a preventive is not used, fecal exams should be done up to four times a year.
Dogs should be prevented or discouraged from eating dirt. Picking up feces in the yard daily can lessen the chance of soil contamination. Since small rodents can carry roundworms, dogs should not be allowed to prey on these animals. Controlling mice and rat populations can reduce the risk of infection, but dogs and cats must be kept away from any areas containing poison. Dead rodents should be removed from the yard as soon as possible.
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