Roundworm

Roundworm – Most Common

(Toxocara canis & Toxascaris leonina)

 

Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasites found in dogs – and especially in young puppies, that are often infected at birth, or soon thereafter.

• Female worms lay several thousand eggs a day, which are passed in the feces.
• Eggs can survive in the environment for several years.
• Canine roundworm infections are zoonotic meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Puppies

Puppies can also become infected by eating dirt or feces containing worm eggs and larvae, by licking contaminated fur or paws or by drinking contaminated water.

The larvae of one of the roundworms – Toxocara canis – lie dormant in the tissues of most adult female dogs. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can activate these larvae, which then migrate through the placenta to infect the unborn puppies.

Some immature forms of canine roundworms can also be transmitted through the nursing mother’s milk.

Adult Dogs

Most adult dogs become infected through contact with worm eggs and larvae in the environment

Treatment

Since most puppies have roundworms, it is recommended that you give your dog a broad-spectrum dewormer that is effective against the major canine intestinal parasites, according to the following schedule:

• at six, eight, 10 and 12 weeks of age
• once a month until the age of six months
• at least every six months after the age of six months