Dog Roundworms - Diagnose, Treat and Prevent Roundworms in Dogs

Dog Roundworms - Diagnose, Treat and Prevent Roundworms in Dogs

Dog Roundworms

Roundworms are parasites that live in your dog's intestines, where they float freely, unlike tapeworms, which attach to the intestinal wall. In dogs and puppies, roundworms can lead to problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and bloating. In extreme cases, roundworms can obstruct the intestines, leading to death. Roundworms are easy to eradicate with products such as Panacur. Though generally not life threatening, it is best to deal with them quickly as they can also be transmitted to humans.

Symptoms of Roundworms in Dogs

Roundworms are approximately 2 to 5 inches in length with eggs that can be observed in feces under a microscope. Roundworms can sometimes be observed directly in diarrhea or vomit. While roundworms generally cause weight loss, abdominal bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea, they can make your dog appear listless and his coat and eyes seem dry and dull in more severe cases.

Transmission of Dog Roundworm

Dog roundworm is generally transmitted in a circular process. First, your dog either picks up the worms via a host animal (usually through biting) or from the soil where worm eggs carried in feces have been deposited, sometimes entering the larval stage. These worm eggs or larva then grow inside your dog's intestines, where they lay eggs that are passed back to the soil in excrement, continuing the cycle. In the case of puppies, two other possible routes of transmission exist, the first being when roundworms are passed from mother to child during birth, the second being when the roundworms are passed from mother to child during nursing.

Treatment of Roundworms in Dogs

Dog roundworms are relatively easy to kill with numerous medications available from National Pet Pharmacy, such as Drontal Plus and Piperazine. Roundworm eggs, however, are harder to destroy, so a preventative such as Heartgard Plus is usually prescribed to insure against any remaining eggs hatching and causing a new infestation.

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