Roundworms in Dogs: Infection, Symptoms, and Treatment
Worms are among the most common parasites, alongside →fleas, →ticks, and mites. About 1 in 10 →puppies and young dogs carry roundworms, which make up the majority of their category. If your four-legged friend has a growling stomach, experiences recurring digestive issues, and especially if your young puppy appears unwell, it could possibly be a roundworm causing trouble.
What are Roundworms in Dogs?
The roundworm (Toxocara canis, rarely also Toxascaris leonina) is a type of threadworm (Nematoda) that is part of the endothermic parasites. Unlike ectothermic parasites like ticks, fleas, and mites, it infects internal areas of the body—primarily the intestines. With a length of up to 20 cm, the worms spread through their extremely resilient eggs, which can be found in a significant portion of numerous parks. Every day, female worms lay about 200,000 eggs, from which larvae hatch later.
How can my dog get infected with roundworms?
Any four-legged friend that loves to wander through forests and meadows runs the risk of getting infected with roundworms. Since long walks are a must and the favorite hobby of many dogs, the rule here is: prevention is better than cure. Infection occurs through your dog's mouth when it sniffs, licks, or eats something that is contaminated. Risk sources include feces, animal carcasses, carrion, and even soil.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Schnüffeln, schlecken, fressen: Beim Spaziergang können Spulwürmer übertragen werden, indem die Eier über das Maul in den Darm gelangen.
Once your four-legged friend has ingested the eggs, the larvae develop in the intestines. Notably, the parasite does not necessarily remain in the intestines, as it can migrate through your dog's vessels to other body parts like the lungs and muscles. Sounds gross? It is—especially for your four-legged friend. Often, part of the larvae encapsulates in organs and can be activated even after years. This is particularly common in pregnant females, as their puppies are usually directly infected, which is why young dogs often suffer from worm infestations.
Does your dog like to eat off the ground and gobbles up everything as soon as you look away? Such behavior not only increases the risk of a worm infestation but also the chance of encountering a →poison bait. With a tailored training, you can teach your dog to only eat on command or only from your hand when you're out and about. Give it a try—our delicious Pets Deli snacks are here to help. Guaranteed free from sugar, grains, and artificial flavorings!
Tolle Belohnungen für fleißige Hunde - unsere Snacks
Symptoms: How to Recognize Roundworms
Dogs do not always show symptoms when they become infected with roundworms. Especially in adult dogs, roundworms are more of a chance finding than an infection that is specifically looked for. In puppies and young dogs, however, infestation usually presents with symptoms such as:
- →Diarrhea
- →Vomiting
- →Abdominal pain
- →Loss of appetite
- severely swollen abdomen
- Weight loss
- Worms in feces or vomit
- →Dull coat
- Delayed growth
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
Especially if your dog is vomiting or coughing a lot, you may notice white threads in the vomit that look like spaghetti. This is a clear indication of a roundworm infestation, and it means for you: Off to the vet's office, and quickly!
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Insbesondere junge Hunde zeigen teils starke Symptome bei einem Befall durch Spulwürmer. Neben Durchfall, Erbrechen und Husten zählt Müdigkeit zu häufigen Symptomen.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Roundworms in Dogs
In addition to burdensome digestive issues, roundworms can also lead to increased susceptibility to infections and even weaken the effectiveness of vaccinations. This affects the entire immune system, and a quick diagnosis with treatment is important if your dog has been infected with the parasites.
For this, the →veterinarian examines the collected feces of your dog. Samples from three days are necessary to reliably determine if worms are present. If your dog is coughing or vomiting, a sample is also helpful, which will be examined under a microscope for further details.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Bei der Diagnose von Spulwürmern beim Hund erfolgt neben einer Untersuchung auch die Analyse vom Kot oder Erbrochenem. So kann sicher festgestellt werden, ob dein Hund infiziert ist.
What does the dog roundworm therapy look like?
Once the diagnosis is made, a deworming medication is sufficient, which is administered to your dog. Usually, these are (chewable) tablets, rarely creams or pastes, which are given orally. Typically, this therapy works well, but in cases of severe infestation, additional medications or infusions as well as injections may be given. You see: As creepy as the "spaghetti worm" is, veterinarians can quickly eliminate the parasite.
Most dogs are not fans of swallowing the small pills without hesitation. A bit of persuasion is necessary for that—how convenient that our Pets Deli liver pâté is a highly regarded assistant when it comes to getting your furry friend to take their medication.
How to Prevent Roundworms in Dogs
The key to preventing roundworms in dogs is regular deworming. It is not possible to completely avoid the parasites, but deworming allows for the early elimination of any worms in your dog. The medications are generally free of side effects and very well tolerated by your dog.
Many owners skip the regular administration of "worm treatments" and have their beloved four-legged friends' feces regularly checked for worms. This way, a quick response can be made in case of an infestation, and medications are only administered when an infestation is present.
Can roundworms be transmitted to humans?
Yes—that’s why it’s important to maintain proper hygiene and thorough handwashing in the event of an infestation in your dog. Sleeping and feeding areas should be frequently cleaned with hot water until the infestation has been eradicated. For children, public sandboxes also pose a danger. An infection rarely shows symptoms, but immunocompromised individuals can develop symptoms ranging from headaches to allergies to eye and liver damage. Regular deworming is also recommended if individuals with relevant pre-existing conditions live in the household.
