Roundworm in Dogs
Roundworms are caused by a parasite known as toxocariasis. In dogs, the parasite is Toxocara canis. Toxocariasis is zoonotic, which means that an infection can pass from your pet dog to you. According to Companion Animal Parasite Council, the most common parasites found within your dog will be the roundworm. It is important to treat the roundworms in order to prevent complications for your dog, and to prevent the spread of the infection to you and your family.
-
Infection
-
According to the Centers for Disease Control, puppies can develop roundworm within their mother's womb, from drinking their mother's milk when the mother is infected, or ingesting soil infected with larvae. In rare cases, your dog can also get roundworm from ingesting small animals infected with the disease. Once your dog is infested, the larvae begin to grow rapidly within their intestines.
Developmental Stages
-
Eggs of roundworms are passed from stools of an infected animal. These eggs can remain in an environment for months to even years. Once your animal picks up an egg, the larvae from the egg will hatch within your dog's intestinal track. The newly hatched worms will then begin to burrow out of the intestines, and migrate to other areas of your dog's body. A life cycle of hatching of eggs and burrowing roundworms can proceed indefinitely without treatment.
-
Signs and Symptoms
-
Once the larvae become adults, they will live and multiply within your dogs intestines. In most cases, your dog may not show signs or symptoms of an infection. However, if the adult roundworm infection becomes severe, your dog may begin to show signs, especially in a puppy. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, a puppy can begin to exhibit weight loss, fur that is dull, and have a belly that is distended. An adult dog will have stool infected with worms that can be long, and look like spaghetti. These worms will either be white or light brown. Your dog may also vomit up segmented parts of a roundworm, and have severe diarrhea.
Transmission to Humans
-
Treatment is important for your dog, not only for the animal itself, but for you as well. There is the potential risk that a roundworm infection can pass to you. The risk is greater in children. According to the Centers for Disease Control, your child can be infected if they swallow any contaminated eggs from the soil or from other surfaces contaminated with eggs. In a hypothetical situation, if your child played in an area where your pet defecated, and then passed their hands into their mouth without washing their hands, infection can easily occur.
Prevention/Solution
-
Always keep your dogs outside conditions clean, which means regularly cleaning up feces. Don't let your dog eat wild animals. If your pup gets infected, have them treated at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks and at two months. Make sure your adult dog is tested for roundworms, and follow through with treatments if they are. Always wash you hands, and you children's hands after outside play, or if you're working out in the backyard.
-
