Roundworms are intestinal parasites that derive their nutrition from the partially digested food contents in the intestines. Dogs usually get infected with these parasites when they sniff or ingest roundworms from the feces of the infected dogs. However, other animals like earthworms, roaches, rodents and birds can also transmit roundworms eggs in dogs. The two most important species that infest dogs are Toxocara Canis and Toxascaris leonina. Well, the latter one can also be transmitted to humans as well. To know more about roundworm infection in dogs, go through the list below.
Roundworms can be transmitted from a pregnant dog to puppies
Most of the puppies, as well as kittens, inherit roundworms from their carrier mothers. It is not uncommon that the mother shows no signs of infection, still, the offsprings get worms. Therefore, it is important to get the puppies checked for the infection first off and if they do show positive, get them dewormed immediately. Deworming puppies and kittens every 6 months ensures that the pup stays free of worm infections throughout the year.
In Dogs Roundworms Has A Complicated Lifecycle
A roundworm matures in the dog’s body in several stages and migrates from one tissue to the other. Unlike in other animals, roundworm eggs mature into their juvenile forms when they reach the dog’s intestines and these immature worms then travel to various organs like lungs and into the placenta of the female dog. Roundworms in lungs often cause coughing and sneezing in dogs and lead to breathing issues if not treated early. On the other hand, when they traverse the placenta the eggs are transmitted to the unborn babies during the pregnancy.
Roundworm Infection shows typical symptoms
Though roundworm infection may be asymptomatic in pregnant dogs, some clinical signs in puppies include – potbelly, stunted growth, abdominal pain, frequent diarrhea, coughing and pneumonia in extreme cases.
Roundworms Can Pass On To Humans Through Dog’s Saliva
Yes, dog’s infected saliva can transmit the roundworm eggs in humans as well. When you cuddle your pet and he licks your hands, some of the eggs get transmitted onto your hand and when you unknowingly touch your mouth with the same hand, the eggs get transmitted to the inside of your body. Therefore, you must wash your hands thoroughly if your dog has been playing with you.
Heartworm Preventatives Can Kill Intestinal Worms Like Roundworms
Some heartworm preventatives have the formulation that also acts on the intestinal worms and hence can be super beneficial in eliminating roundworm infection. Besides, there have been recent introductions in the market that also kill roundworm larvae apart from killing its adult forms.
Roundworms infection can hamper the growth of your furry munchkin and can even land you into trouble hence preventing the infestation is the best way to keep this menace at bay. And, regular use of roundworm preventatives is the only way to keep the worms from infecting the furry kid, thereby keeping you out of trouble. So, make sure you deworm your dog every 3-6 months for complete protection.