Just how serious a threat are roundworms to your dog? The answer to that question depends on a number of conditions, such as the hygiene of your dog's living environment. However, roundworms do present a potential threat, but the actual danger depends on your knowledge of the worm. Roundworms are, in fact, a worm-like creature that can grow as long as 18 inches. Roundworms are perhaps one of the most common sorts of parasites to which dogs are vulnerable. The worm enters the animal's gastrointestinal tract, both upper and lower, and is most often found in puppies. We will discuss why that is later, but while all dogs are vulnerable, puppies are more so.
The path of contamination is fairly straight forward. The process starts off with the worms in the stomach and intestines where they feed on the contents. From there the parasites gradually penetrate the walls of the organs and enter the blood stream. Once in the blood, the roundworms reach the liver and from the liver migrate to the lungs, where they may stimulate coughing and respiratory disorder. Here, the worms may make their way into the trachea at which point coughing can force them into the mouth. And then, now in the mouth, they can be swallowed or re-swallowed and the cycle begins over again.
When left undetected, roundworms are likely to migrate to a growing puppy's muscles. Inside the muscles, the roundworms form cysts and remain dormant. If the host dog becomes pregnant after infestation, her whole litter is also likely to be infected with the worms. Once that happens, the roundworms will once again start their journey to the puppy's lungs where they will remain. If there is a positive side to this, it is that dogs do eventually develop natural immunity to roundworms after a period of time. However, it is possible for some dogs to develop the condition again if they come into direct contact with contaminated food or feces.
When should you suspect roundworms? Contamination is typically associated with a common set of symptoms. The most common of which are pain and discomfort, loose stools, loss of shine in coat, and upset stomach. Also, pay attention to sudden loss of energy. Puppies with regular roundworm infestation tend to have distended abdomens and may appear to be potbellied. Respiratory problems will also develop if there is a significant lung involvement. Puppies often get pneumonia from roundworm migration due to the alveoli becoming damaged.
Treatment begins with analysis of a stool sample, which will show the presence of worms if they are there. Once proof of contamination is determined, the vet will put your dog on a course of medication that will kill the existing parasites and build resistance to the future presence of worms. Expect stool analysis throughout the course of treatment as a means of checking the progress of the process the de-worming.
In order to prevent roundworm contamination, make sure that the female dog is thoroughly checked and treated before you breed her. To make sure that all worms are detected early, every dog should have stool specimens checked twice per year. Also, you can be proactive by simply practicing common sense preventive measures such keep your dog out of garbage and trash where roundworms would normally be found. Giving your dog a proper diet will decrease the chance of your pet seeking out garbage, though the best way is to simply keep garbage out of your dog's reach and to see that your dog is kept in generally clean area.
The path of contamination is fairly straight forward. The process starts off with the worms in the stomach and intestines where they feed on the contents. From there the parasites gradually penetrate the walls of the organs and enter the blood stream. Once in the blood, the roundworms reach the liver and from the liver migrate to the lungs, where they may stimulate coughing and respiratory disorder. Here, the worms may make their way into the trachea at which point coughing can force them into the mouth. And then, now in the mouth, they can be swallowed or re-swallowed and the cycle begins over again.
When left undetected, roundworms are likely to migrate to a growing puppy's muscles. Inside the muscles, the roundworms form cysts and remain dormant. If the host dog becomes pregnant after infestation, her whole litter is also likely to be infected with the worms. Once that happens, the roundworms will once again start their journey to the puppy's lungs where they will remain. If there is a positive side to this, it is that dogs do eventually develop natural immunity to roundworms after a period of time. However, it is possible for some dogs to develop the condition again if they come into direct contact with contaminated food or feces.
When should you suspect roundworms? Contamination is typically associated with a common set of symptoms. The most common of which are pain and discomfort, loose stools, loss of shine in coat, and upset stomach. Also, pay attention to sudden loss of energy. Puppies with regular roundworm infestation tend to have distended abdomens and may appear to be potbellied. Respiratory problems will also develop if there is a significant lung involvement. Puppies often get pneumonia from roundworm migration due to the alveoli becoming damaged.
Treatment begins with analysis of a stool sample, which will show the presence of worms if they are there. Once proof of contamination is determined, the vet will put your dog on a course of medication that will kill the existing parasites and build resistance to the future presence of worms. Expect stool analysis throughout the course of treatment as a means of checking the progress of the process the de-worming.
In order to prevent roundworm contamination, make sure that the female dog is thoroughly checked and treated before you breed her. To make sure that all worms are detected early, every dog should have stool specimens checked twice per year. Also, you can be proactive by simply practicing common sense preventive measures such keep your dog out of garbage and trash where roundworms would normally be found. Giving your dog a proper diet will decrease the chance of your pet seeking out garbage, though the best way is to simply keep garbage out of your dog's reach and to see that your dog is kept in generally clean area.
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