There are several species of roundworms that infect dogs, but the most common species we see is Toxocara Canis. Roundworms are most often found in the intestines, soaking up nutrients from the dog's diet. They are most commonly found in puppies but can also affect adult dogs. Other Toxocara species exist like Toxocara Cati (which infect cats) and Toxocara Leonina (which is uncommon but can infect both cats and dogs). However, the main roundworm we will focus on in dogs is the most common one, Toxocara Canis.
What Are Roundworms?
Roundworms are intestinal parasites that are common in dogs. These parasites are round, up to 7 inches long, and white to pale brown in color. They look a little like spaghetti noodles. The medical term for infection with roundworms is ascariasis. As we stated earlier, Toxocara canis is a the most common type of roundworm in dogs and is frequently seen in puppies; it can also infect humans.
Signs and Symptoms of Roundworms
Roundworm infections can produce any of the following symptoms, though symptoms may only appear with heavy infections:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Roundworms in feces
- Failure to gain weight or weight loss
- Dull fur
- Pot-bellied appearance
- Diarrhea
- Coughing due to larval migration through the lungs
Causes of Roundworms
Roundworms can infect dogs in a number of ways:
- Puppies can be infected with larvae while still in their mother's uterus (a very common route of infection for puppies).
- Puppies can ingest larvae through their mother's milk.
- Puppies may ingest eggs from areas with previous roundworm fecal contamination which will hatch into larvae after being eaten.
- Puppies may eat rodents who have been infected with the larvae.
In puppies, the larvae (including those that are swallowed and ingested as eggs) migrate through the body tissues. Eventually reaching the lungs, they make their way up the windpipe and are coughed up, then swallowed. Once swallowed, the larvae become adult roundworms in the intestines. These produce numerous eggs, which are passed in the feces.
In adult dogs, the situation is usually different: After ingestion, the larvae migrate through the intestinal wall and into other tissues in the body, where they enter a dormant state. In a pregnant female, the larvae become active again. The larvae can cross the placenta into the pups and be secreted in the milk after birth. They can also produce an active adult roundworm infection in the mother's intestines; when this happens, the mother sheds numerous eggs that can also infect the pups.
Diagnosis of Roundworms
Roundworm eggs are detected under the microscope in a routine check of a stool sample (the test process is called fecal flotation) at the veterinarian's office. Roundworm eggs are not visible to the naked eye so even if you do not see worms in your pet's feces, they can still have an infection that needs to be diagnosed at the vet office. It is possible to identify the species of roundworm based on the appearance of their eggs. Of course, when roundworms appear in vomit or stool, the diagnosis is easier to make. In puppies, it is common for them to have other types of infections as well such as hookworms which makes it important for the veterinarian to run fecal floats on them to make sure no other parasite is also present.
Treatment
Treatment is the same, regardless of the species of roundworm. There are a number of medications that can be used to treat roundworms, and your vet can help you pick the one right for your dog. Medications will only affect adult roundworms, however, so should be repeated at two-week intervals to deal with any residual larvae as they mature.
The number of treatments necessary will depend on the age of the dog and their situation. The treatment course will be determined by your vet. If you have a pregnant dog, consult your vet for advice on deworming the mom and pups. Many of the monthly medications designed for parasite control will prevent roundworm infections on an ongoing basis. If your dog is not on one of these preventative medications, your vet will recommend a regular protocol to keep roundworms at bay. Keeping pet wastes picked up promptly, and preventing pets from eating rodents can also help prevent infection with worms.
People and Roundworms
The larvae of Toxocara canis roundworms can infect people, as well as dogs. This happens when eggs are ingested and it is most common in children. The larvae don't develop into adult roundworms in people, but the larvae migrating through the tissues can cause inflammation, especially in young children. Most cases are not serious, but in serious cases, organ damage is possible as result of the migrating larvae (e.g., liver, lung, brain), and sometimes the larvae can reach the eyes, leading to visual disturbances and even blindness.
How to Prevent Roundworms
Proper prevention of roundworm infection is important to prevent these human health problems. Good hygiene, including carefully cleaning up after dogs and washing hands after you touch your dog and before eating, can prevent infection.