What happens if my dog has roundworms

On This Page What is toxocariasis? Who is at risk for toxocariasis? How can I get toxocariasis? What are the clinical manifestations of toxocariasis? How serious is infection with Toxocara?

How is toxocariasis spread? What should I do if I think I have toxocariasis? What is the treatment for toxocariasis? How can you prevent toxocariasis? To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: Email Address.

In puppies, it is common for them to have other types of infections as well such as hookworms which makes it important for the veterinarian to run fecal floats on them to make sure no other parasite is also present. Treatment is the same, regardless of the species of roundworm. There are a number of medications that can be used to treat roundworms, and your vet can help you pick the one right for your dog.

The number of treatments necessary will depend on the age of the dog and their situation. The treatment course will be determined by your vet. If you have a pregnant dog, consult your vet for advice on deworming the mom and pups.

Many of the monthly medications designed for parasite control will prevent roundworm infections on an ongoing basis. If your dog is not on one of these preventative medications, your vet will recommend a regular protocol to keep roundworms at bay. Keeping pet wastes picked up promptly, and preventing pets from eating rodents can also help prevent infection with worms.

The larvae of Toxocara canis roundworms can infect people, as well as dogs. This happens when eggs are ingested and it is most common in children. The larvae don't develop into adult roundworms in people, but the larvae migrating through the tissues can cause inflammation, especially in young children.

Most cases are not serious, but in serious cases, organ damage is possible as result of the migrating larvae e. Proper prevention of roundworm infection is important to prevent these human health problems. Gastrointestinal Parasites Of Dogs. Contact your vet if you see or suspect any parasite affecting your dog. The roundworms that affect dogs do not complete their full life cycle in humans.

However, they can still make humans very sick. Significant health problems can result if a person accidentally ingests the eggs of canine roundworms, such if a child gets dirt in her mouth. In humans the eggs can turn into larvae that become encysted in various organs of the body, which can sometimes cause serious disease. Because of the risk of transmission to humans, it is recommended that dogs receive treatment and preventative for roundworm and that dog stools in yards, parks, playgrounds, and other outdoor areas are picked up and removed right away.

Be sure to talk with your vet for expert information on roundworms and any concerns you may have regarding the health and well-being of your puppy or dog. Note: This article is designed to help inform you about roundworms in dogs and is not meant to take the place of a veterinary diagnosis or consultation. If you think your dog might have roundworms or any parasite, contact your vet right away to set up an appointment for an examination and to ensure that your dog receives the safest and most effective treatment.

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Additional Resources AKC. Get Started in Dog Training. Once infected, the worms can cause eye, lung, heart and neurologic signs in people. Children should not be allowed to play where animals have passed feces. Individuals who have direct contact with soil that may have been contaminated by cat or dog feces should wear gloves or wash their hands immediately. It may not be obvious even if your puppy or dog has roundworms, and yet people can be infected by them. For this reason, it is a good idea to have a regular program of preventative treatment starting with puppies at two weeks of age.

Dogs should have fecal stool exams 2 to 4 times in their first year of life and once or twice a year thereafter. The best way to control roundworms is to be sure to use a parasite control product recommended by your veterinarian every month.

How will roundworms affect my dog? How do I prevent my dog from getting roundworms?