Puppies with mother (Image: Pixabay)
Roundworms are a common intestinal parasite seen in dogs, particularly in puppies. If left untreated, roundworms can have serious health implications for both pets and people. Understanding how roundworms are transmitted, recognising the symptoms, and knowing how to prevent infection are all key steps in keeping your pet and household healthy.
Roundworms are long, slender, parasitic worms that infect pets’ intestines. Roundworms can be very large, sometimes growing up to 35cm or more. They live in the gut but can travel through the body.
They are transmitted through contaminated soil, water, or food. Puppies are often infected in utero or through their mother’s milk.
Symptoms of roundworms
Symptoms of roundworms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and fever. However, there can sometimes be no symptoms at all. Roundworms can often cause a pot belly appearance and poor growth, particularly in puppies.
Treatment for roundworms
Roundworms can be treated with parasitic medication after being diagnosed via faecal examination. Roundworms are zoonotic, meaning they can infect humans through accidental ingestion of eggs from contamination.
You can take preventative measures to ensure your pet does not get infected with roundworms. For example, removing dog faeces from your garden immediately. You can also give routine worming treatment to your pet and wash your hands thoroughly after handling dogs or soil.
If you are a client of Coquet Vets and this article has raised any questions or concerns, please contact us on 01665 252 250 or email us at info@coquetvets.co.uk
