Roundworms in the Dog

Hi everyone! Today I am talking about roundworms in the dog. This is a common problem, because puppies can get them from their mom before they even get adopted or purchased by new owners. Roundworms are a common intestinal parasite in dogs, especially in puppies. They are long, spaghetti-like worms that live in the intestines and can cause digestive issues, malnutrition, and other health problems. Here’s what you need to know: Symptoms of Roundworms in Dogs Pot-bellied appearance (especially in puppies) Diarrhea Vomiting (sometimes with worms visible) Weight loss or poor growth Dull coat Lethargy Coughing (if the larvae migrate to the lungs) How Dogs Get Roundworms From the mother: Puppies can be infected in the womb or through nursing. Ingesting eggs: Dogs can swallow roundworm eggs from contaminated soil, feces, or objects. Eating infected animals: Rodents, birds, and other small animals can carry roundworm larvae. Diagnosis A vet can diagnose roundworms through a stool sample test (fecal exam) to detect eggs. Treatment Deworming medications: Vets prescribe antiparasitic drugs (e.g., pyrantel, fenbendazole) that kill roundworms. Multiple doses needed: Treatment is usually repeated to eliminate all worms. Regular deworming: Puppies are typically dewormed every 2-3 weeks until 8-12 weeks old, then monthly until six months old. Prevention Routine deworming: Regular deworming as recommended by a vet. Clean environment: Pick up dog feces promptly to prevent reinfection. Prevent hunting/scavenging: Limit exposure to wild animals that may carry worms. Flea control: Some parasites, like fleas, can carry worm larvae. Can Humans Get Roundworms from Dogs? Yes, roundworms are zoonotic, meaning they can infect humans, especially children who ingest eggs from contaminated soil or surfaces. This can cause toxocariasis, a condition that may lead to organ damage or vision problems if the larvae migrate.