The canine roundworm Toxocara canis can be up to several inches long. (Joel Mills/Creative Commons)
Adult roundworms live in the dog’s intestinal tract, where they feed on partially digested food. The worms can cause malnourishment, which can be especially of concern in a small puppy. Younger dogs are especially vulnerable to roundworms because their immune systems are not fully mature yet and they aren’t able to fight off the adult worms as effectively as an adult dog can.
Here’s how this happens: The canine roundworm has unfortunately evolved a very efficient way to propagate itself. If a dog has ever had roundworms, a number of dormant (“encysted”) larvae can remain in body tissues, even if the dog was treated and the adult worms eradicated. These encysted roundworm larvae can remain dormant for the rest of the dog’s life—unless the dog is a female and becomes pregnant, at which time the larvae reactivate and are then passed to her puppies. The puppies can be infected either while still in the mother’s body or after they are born, through her milk. So even with a very healthy, well-cared-for mother dog and puppies, the puppies should routinely be treated for roundworms (see below), starting at a very young age. Owners of pregnant dogs should ask their vet about safe deworming treatment of the dam during pregnancy that could reduce transmission to the puppies.
Larvae that have been reactivated during the female’s pregnancy can also remain in her body and make her sick.
Encysted roundworms can also progress to the adult form and cause sickness in male and female adult dogs who have certain underlying health conditions.
While playing outdoors, puppies and dogs can pick up roundworm eggs that got into the soil from the stools of infected dogs.
Although it is possible for a dog to have roundworms and not show any symptoms, there are certain signs that can accompany a case of roundworms.
Roundworms can especially be a health concern for puppies.
When a dog has roundworms, the owner might see one or more of the worms in the dog’s vomit or stools. Needless to say, it can be quite alarming (and disgusting) to see these large, pale-colored, spaghetti-like worms—sometimes still moving. If this happens, call your vet as soon as possible, explain what you saw, and make an appointment to bring your dog or puppy in for treatment very soon.
(If you see small, rice-size worms in your dog’s stool, rather than roundworms these could be a common parasite called tapeworms that are carried by fleas. Contact your vet if you see or suspect any parasite affecting your dog.)
It's important for people to pick up after their dogs right away in yards and outdoor areas to reduce the risk of roundworm transmission to humans.
The roundworms that affect dogs do not complete their full life cycle in humans. However, they can still make humans very sick. Significant health problems can result if a person accidentally ingests the eggs of canine roundworms, such if a child gets dirt in her mouth. In humans the eggs can turn into larvae that become encysted in various organs of the body, which can sometimes cause serious disease.
Because of the risk of transmission to humans, it is recommended that dogs receive treatment and preventative for roundworm and that dog stools in yards, parks, playgrounds, and other outdoor areas are picked up and removed right away. It's best to keep children from playing on ground known to be contaminated with dog feces, and to be sure that children's hands are washed frequently if they're playing outdoors where dogs may have been.
Be sure to talk with your vet for expert information on roundworms and any concerns you may have regarding the health and well-being of your puppy or dog.
Note: This article is designed to help inform you about roundworms in dogs and is not meant to take the place of a veterinary diagnosis or consultation. If you think your dog might have roundworms or any parasite, contact your vet right away to set up an appointment for an examination and to ensure that your dog receives the safest and most effective treatment.
You might also be interested in: Your Puppy's First Vet Visit: What to Expect
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