Roundworms in Dog, internal parasites
Unlike hookworms, they do not attach to the intestinal wall; rather, they literally swim in their food. Roundworms, sometimes called ascarids, can produce thousands of eggs in a day which are found in the dog's stool. Like hookworm eggs, they must be found with a microscope. These eggs are protected by a hard shell and can exist in the soil for years.
Mothers that have had roundworms at any time in the past can transmit them to their puppies before birth.
Another major source of dog roundworm infection for puppies is the mother's milk. Roundworm larvae may be present in the mother's mammary glands and milk throughout the period of nursing the puppies.
Both puppies and adult dogs may become infected by swallowing roundworm eggs which contain infective larvae. The larvae hatch out in the dog's stomach and small intestine and migrate through the muscle, liver, and lungs.
After several weeks, the larvae make their way back to the intestine to mature. When these worms begin to reproduce, new eggs will pass in the dog's stool, and the life cycle of the roundworms in dog is completed.
They are not highly pathogenic (harmful) to adult dogs, but large numbers can cause weight loss and a pot-bellied appearance to puppies and weak adults. Decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea will be observed on occasion. Puppies will sometimes die with serious cases of dog roundworms. Roundworms in dog are diagnosed by a microscopic examination of the dog's stool. They pass a moderate number of eggs, so examination of more than one stool sample may be necessary to find them. Occasionally, the mature worms can be found in the dog's stool or vomit. Several very safe and effective drugs are available to kill dog roundworms. Some of these drugs temporarily anesthetize the worms so that they pass out of the dog with a normal bowel movement. The live or dead worms are found in the stool. Because of their large size, they are easily seen. At least two or three treatments are needed; they are typically performed at 2-4 week intervals. None of these treatments will kill the immature forms of the worm or the migrating larvae. The eggs are highly resistant to most commonly used disinfectants and to even harsh environmental conditions. Therefore, removal of the dog's stool is the most effective means of preventing reinfection. A 1% solution of household bleach can be used to remove the sticky outer coating of the eggs, making it easier to rinse them away. This does not, however, kill the eggs.
Most heartworm prevention products contain a drug that will prevent dog roundworm infections.
However, these products will not kill the adult roundworms so they must be treated if present.
Roundworms in Dog Protector 2X Double Strength Liquid Wormer 2 Oz Btl - Click Here!
Then at 4 months you should start your puppy on a monthly heartworm prevention that will also prevent the roundworms in dog infections.
HeartGard - Prescription Heartworm Medication for Dogs - Click Here!
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