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"Dog Parasites (flea, Tick, Worms, Etc.)"
Dog Parasites (Flea, Tick, Worms, etc.): Page 21
of 26
Roundworms
If you are a dog owner or have had a dog in the past, then chances are
you are very familiar with roundworms. Roundworms look very similar
to earthworms. They are organisms that are most likely to be found in
puppies and cause gastric and intestinal disorders in them.
Roundworms can grow up to about a half foot in length. They are a
very common parasite that usually invades your dog's small intestines
as well as his large intestines.
The process of invasion begins with the roundworm feeding on the food
in your dog's stomach and intestines. Next, the roundworm digs
through the organ walls and then goes inside the bloodstream. From
the bloodstream, the roundworm finds its path to the dog's liver and
subsequently to the lungs. The roundworm eventually goes into the
trachea and is expelled into the mouth through coughing. The
roundworm is then sent back to the stomach and intestines through
swallowing.
Roundworms that are left undetected are likely to migrate to a growing
puppy's muscles. Inside the muscles, the roundworms form cysts and
vegetate. If the host becomes pregnant later in her life, her whole
litter is also likely to be infected with the worms. The roundworms
will once again start their journey to the puppy's lungs where they
will remain. On a positive side, dogs do eventually and naturally
develop 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 infested food or feces.
There are several symptoms that are associated with roundworms. The
most common symptoms are pain and discomfort, loose stools, loss of
shine in coat, and upset stomach. 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.
In treating roundworms, your vet will need a stool specimen in order
to check for presence of the worms. There are several kinds of
effective drug treatment that your vet may prescribe to fight these
parasites. The treatment also gives the dog protection against
roundworm infestation. Your vet may also recommend that your dog's
stool will again be examined for worms at different stages of the
treatment.
In order to prevent roundworm infestation, 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, keep your dog out of the
trash where roundworms could be waiting. Giving your dog a proper and
filling diet will decrease the chance of him going through your
trash.
Copyright 2006 by Jay Jennings. All rights reserved.
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