Puppies & Roundworms

Puppies are more at risk for roundworm infection than older dogs.

Roundworms are types of intestinal parasites affecting puppies and dogs, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. Roundworms affect mostly puppies, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council. Most dogs experience roundworms at some stage in their lives, and the parasite is very treatable.

Types

There are two types of roundworms affecting puppies and dogs, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center in Los Angeles. These are Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. A veterinarian can determine the type of worm a puppy has with a fecal flotation test. Puppies contract roundworms through consuming worm eggs from soil, by nursing from an infected mother, from consuming a prey animal infected with roundworms or through pregnancy. Pregnancy is the way the majority of puppies contract roundworms, according to Mar Vista.

Identification

The main way to identify roundworm infection in a puppy is through the symptoms. Puppies often show weight loss, dull hair, a potbellied appearance and may cough, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council. Roundworms have a spaghetti-like appearance, according to the Dog Breed Info Center, and can reach 8 inches in length. The worms can appear in the puppy's stool but this does not always happen.

Time Frame

Since puppies are so prone to catching roundworms, the Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends treating puppies at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age. After 8 weeks, the puppy requires monthly roundworm preventative treatment, often found in monthly heartworm preventative medication. For the first year of life, a puppy should have a fecal examination two to four times.

Prevention/Solution

While it is not possible to prevent the spread of roundworms from mother to puppy, owners can prevent the spread of the parasite in other ways. Keeping the puppy's living area clean, removing feces regularly and keeping the puppy away from wild animal carcasses that could carry the parasite are all ways an owner can help, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council.

Warning

Roundworms can be dangerous to humans, especially children, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Roundworms that find their way into a human body get lost, often ending up in the eye. Once in the eye, the parasite causes blindness if it dies. Roundworms can also be a serious danger to puppies, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. If left untreated, the parasites can cause the puppy's bowel to rupture.

References

• Companion Animal Parasite Council: Roundworms in Dogs
• Dog Breed Info Center: Worms
• Mar Vista Animal Medical Center: Roundworms in Dogs and Puppies