Roundworms in Dogs

Roundworms are very common in dogs. Due to their widespread prevalence, routine deworming of dogs is a common practice, even if an infection has not been confirmed.

Roundworms can also pass from dogs to humans, and immunocompromised people are especially vulnerable. Any dog with roundworms requires immediate veterinary intervention to prevent transmission.

Puppies, elderly dogs, or otherwise sick dogs are more at risk. Most roundworm infections are not an emergency, but require prompt veterinary care to treat the infection. In particularly severe cases, the worms can migrate through the lungs, causing pneumonia, which is a medical emergency.

In cases where larval migration leads to pneumonia, symptoms of respiratory compromise may occur.

In rare cases, the adult roundworms can cause an obstruction of the intestinal tract.

Roundworm eggs develop in feces in the environment. As the feces decompose, it contaminates the dirt beneath it. A dog coming into contact with contaminated soil through rolling in the dirt or licking itself after walking outside may become infected. Roundworm eggs are unable to develop into adults within the intestine, so increasing adult worm populations arise from repeated exposure to eggs in the environment.

Dogs can also become infected with roundworms through eating, licking, or biting an infected prey animal, such as birds or small rodents.

If a dog is pregnant, their puppies can be infected in the womb before whelping. In some cases, puppies may also acquire the infection through milk when they nurse from an infected mother.

Roundworm infections usually produce no symptoms. Usually the worms stay inside the animal’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract, laying microscopic eggs.

In severe infections, or if a dog has been recently dewormed, the parasites may pass with the animal’s fecal matter. Roundworms look similar to spaghetti noodles.

An initial suspicion of roundworm infection is based on physical examination. Roundworm infections are confirmed via a fecal exam to identify the parasite eggs. False negatives are possible on fecal examinations, and sometimes multiple tests are necessary for diagnosis.

Infections are usually treated with deworming medication, which targets adult worms so they pass in the pet’s stool. This medication only affects worms already in the intestines, so repeated treatments are needed to ensure all worms in the animal’s system have been removed.

With regular deworming, a roundworm infection typically resolves within six weeks. In most cases the prognosis is excellent. In cases of severe infections resulting in pneumonia, or infections in particularly young or old dogs, the prognosis is more guarded.

Deworming medication gets rid of worms in the dog’s body, but does not prevent the animal from becoming infected again in the future. Proper hygienic care, including removing feces from the environment, and checking for worms during a pet’s health checkup is beneficial.

Roundworm infections are contracted through fecal matter. Ensuring that feces is cleaned up promptly, and that a dog’s accessible area is kept clean, reduces the likelihood of infection. Bathing a dog can wash roundworm eggs or feces from their fur, preventing ingestion and the development of infection.

Following veterinary recommendations for deworming and checking fecal samples is important, especially for pregnant and breeding dogs. Missing or delaying doses decreases the effectiveness of the treatment.

Roundworm infections are very common in dogs.

• Anti-parasitic medication