How to Treat Roundworms in Dogs

round worms can live in a dog's intestines

Dogs can contract roundworms by licking or eating roundworm-infested soil as well as by eating or drinking infected food and water. Roundworms live in the intestines, feeding off what the host eats. Dogs can become sick from roundworms, causing nausea, bloating, vomiting, abnormal feces, and coughing. With treatment, your pet will get rid of the roundworms and their health will improve.

Instructions

1. Take your dog to the veterinarian. If your pet shows signs of roundworms, your veterinarian will conduct an exam to determine the best treatment.

2. Deworm your dog. The veterinarian will prescribe a dewormer such as pyrantel pamoate. This is one of the fastest ways to treat your dog for roundworms. However, pyrantel can cause side effects, so your veterinarian will need to determine if this is the best treatment for your pet. Pyrantel only kills adult worms, so a second treatment is required four weeks after the first dose.

3. Use natural remedies to treat roundworms. If your dog does not have a severe case of roundworms, you may consider other treatments aside from pyrantel such as food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE). This treatment dehydrates the roundworms, killing them within several hours. Add one teaspoon into each meal. Use only food-grade DE.

4. Take your dog to the veterinarian for surgery. If your dog is unable to get rid of the roundworms with the above treatments, your veterinarian may have to perform surgery to remove those remaining. Surgery is only necessary in severe cases.

References

• Health Remedies: "Roundworms"
• Petmd: "Dog Conditions"

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish