Roundworms are the most common of the parasitic worms found inside a dog. Almost all dogs become infected with them at some time in their lives, usually as puppies. Roundworms may be contracted in different ways, making them easy to spread and hard to control.
Your dog may be infected with roundworms from the time it is born because often the mother passes the worms to the puppy while it is still in her body. Roundworms can also develop in a puppy after it is born when the puppy eats larvated eggs from the environment or drinks worm larvae (young worms) in the mother's milk. Another way roundworms are passed is when roundworm larvae are present in the tissues of a mouse or another small mammal and the puppy eats the animal.
How will roundworms affect my dog?
Adult roundworms live in the affected dog's intestines. Many dogs do not have signs of infection; however, dogs with major roundworm infections, especially puppies, show diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, dull hair, and a potbellied appearance. The dog may cough if the roundworms move into the lungs.
You may notice the adult roundworms in your dog's feces or vomit. They will appear white or light brown in color and may be several inches long.
How do I prevent my dog from getting roundworms?
Because roundworms can enter your dog's body in many different ways, it is essential to keep your dog's living area clean, remove feces regularly, and, if possible, prevent your dog from eating wild animals that may carry roundworms.
To get rid of roundworms that are passed from the mother dog, puppies should be treated at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age and then receive a preventive treatment monthly. Fecal (stool) examinations should be conducted 2 to 4 times during the first year of life and 1 or 2 times each year in adults. Nursing mothers should be kept on monthly preventive and treated along with their puppies to decrease the risk of transmission.
Many heartworm preventives also control roundworms. Ask your veterinarian about prevention and treatment choices that are appropriate for your dog.
Can humans be harmed by roundworms?
Roundworms do pose a significant risk to humans. Contact with contaminated soil or dog feces can result in human ingestion and infection. Roundworm eggs may accumulate in significant numbers in the soil where pets deposit feces. Once infected, the worms can cause eye, lung, heart and neurologic signs in people.
Children should not be allowed to play where animals have passed feces. Individuals who have direct contact with soil that may have been contaminated by cat or dog feces should wear gloves or wash their hands immediately.
For veterinary professionals, more detailed information on roundworms can be found at https://www.capcvet.org/guidelines/ascarid/.
FAQs
Parasite Prevention in Pets
- Practice good hygiene, including regular hand washing after touching your pets or cleaning up after them.
- Have your pet groomed regularly to reduce the risk of coat contamination.
- Check for fleas and ticks on your dog or cat's coat after being outside or with other pets.
Passing these worms on to humans is simple. After all, who can resist cute puppy kisses? Roundworm eggs can hang out on an animal's tongue, ready to migrate to organs, eyes, and the brain in people. In general, roundworms are spread through the fecal-oral route.
How do you get rid of parasites in pets? ›
Getting rid of them requires specific treatment, depending on what they have. For example, heartworm is treated with either monthly treatment or injections. Coccidia would require treatment like Albon, and giardia requires either Panacur, metronidazole, or both.
Can I touch my puppy if he has worms? ›
The short answer is yes, many worms infesting dogs are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. Different worms cause different diseases, and each have their own symptoms.
How to get rid of parasites in your body? ›
Some infections clear on their own, but most people need prescription antiparasitic drugs to get rid of intestinal parasites. These drugs work by paralyzing parasites, stopping their growth, or killing the parasite or its eggs.
How can I tell if my dog has a parasite? ›
Symptoms of Parasites in Dogs
- Loose stools and/or diarrhoea.
- Vomiting.
- Weight loss.
- Distended abdomen.
- Visible worms in faeces.
- Respiratory issues.
- Malnutrition and loss of appetite.
It works because unlike other vinegar it increases the alkaline levels in the dog's intestines making it inhospitable for parasites and worms. Add 1/4-1 teaspoon of raw organic ACV to your dog's water every day you may also notice an improvement in coat condition along with several other health benefits.
What are the signs of a parasite? ›
Signs and Symptoms
- Abdominal pain.
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Gas or bloating.
- Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus)
- Rash or itching around the rectum or vulva.
- Stomach pain or tenderness.
- Feeling tired.
The answer is yes. Unfortunately, even cats that never venture outside are still at risk for intestinal parasites like tapeworms and roundworms. That's why it's important to familiarize yourself with the types of worms your indoor cat could get, as well as the treatment options.
Can I let my dog lick me if he has worms? ›
Human and dog mouths have “a large number and a wide variety of bacteria,” Fobian says. Fortunately, most of it doesn't make us sick, but some can. Parasites like hookworm, roundworm, and giardia can be passed from dog to human through licking. Salmonella, too, can be passed from your dog to you, or vice versa.
Household surfaces and dog potty areas must be properly sanitized during an active parasite infection otherwise they can re-contaminate themselves, people, or other animals. Disinfect your yard: Rinse your yard where your dog normally uses the bathroom thoroughly with a yard safe disinfectant.
What are the white worms in my poop? ›
Pinworms are small white worms about 1/2 inch long and as thin as a thread. They can sometimes be seen in and around the child's bottom (anus) and in bowel movements. These worms live in the intestine. The adult female worm crawls out of the infected person's anus at night and lays her eggs in the surrounding skin.
How can we prevent and control parasites in animals? ›
Reducing animal numbers, reducing stocking density, and avoiding overgrazing will reduce parasite exposure, as will rotating pastures and grazing other types of livestock on rested pastures. New horses should have an FEC on arrival, and be dewormed if warranted, before being turned out with resident horses.
How can internal parasites be prevented in animals? ›
Numerous strategies can reduce exposure:
Maintain proper forage height; don't graze shorter than four inches. Maintain proper stocking rate. Rest contaminated areas for at least 60 days if possible; longer is better.
How do animals avoid parasites? ›
Antiparasite behavior can be similar to the behaviors employed in avoiding predators — using camouflage, spending time in groups to take advantage of the dilution and selfish herd effects, and avoiding areas frequented by the predators/parasites.
What is the best parasite prevention for dogs? ›
The Safest Parasite Control for Dogs
| Product name | Frequency | Prevents |
|---|
| Proheart injection | Annually | Heartworm |
| Bravecto oral chew | Quarterly | Ticks and fleas |
| Seresto tick collar | 4-monthly | Ticks and fleas |
| Milbemycin* tablet or Drontal oral chew | Quarterly | Intestinal worms |
Roundworms are the most common of the parasitic worms found inside a dog. Almost all dogs become infected with them at some time in their lives, usually as puppies. Roundworms may be contracted in different ways, making them easy to spread and hard to control.
regularly, and, if possible, prevent your dog from eating wild animals that may carry roundworms.
