Infestations of Roundworms in Canines
Managing Roundworms in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment
Roundworms, a common intestinal parasite, were once prevalent in dogs. However, with the advent of monthly heartworm preventatives, dogs now receive a monthly dewormer as well as protection against heartworms. For dogs not receiving preventatives, roundworm infections remain a concern.
What are Roundworms?
Roundworms are parasites that infect not only dogs and cats but various mammals. They reside in the intestines of hosts, stealing nutrients. Although adults are rarely affected by severe infections, they can serve as a host for other intestinal parasites like hookworms and whipworms, which are contracted through a contaminated environment and spread through the fecal-oral route.
How do Dogs get Roundworms?
Roundworms are transmitted through a contaminated environment. Eggs excreted by infected animals can survive in the environment for weeks to months. After entering the environment, roundworm eggs develop into their infective stage - larvated eggs. Dogs may inadvertently come into contact with larvated roundworms in contaminated soil, animal carcasses, or infected animal tissue. Once contaminated, dogs may ingest these larvated eggs while cleaning themselves.
Puppies can also contract roundworms while in the womb, since they can infect a mother who is not shedding eggs and may reactivate during pregnancy due to a complex life cycle.
Can Humans get Roundworms from Dogs?
Humans can contract roundworms from dogs and other animals, particularly children with poor hygiene habits. The route of transmission is the same: coming into contact with a contaminated source and ingesting a larvated egg.
Symptoms in Dogs
Many adult dogs with roundworm infections show no symptoms. However, severe or untreated infections may result in:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition
- Poor hair coat
- Decreased energy
- Pot-bellied appearance
Puppies are more susceptible to roundworm symptoms, including poor growth or failure to gain weight. Severe roundworm infections can lead to intestinal obstruction or intussusception, which is more common in puppies and fatal if left untreated.
Diagnosis
Roundworms are diagnosed through a microscopic examination of a fecal sample. To perform the test, the sample is mixed with a special solution, centrifuged, and then examined under a microscope. Roundworm eggs have a specific shape that differentiates them from other parasite eggs. At the veterinary clinic, a centrifugation test typically takes place while you wait, while a laboratory test that detects roundworm DNA (PCR test) may take several days.
Treatment
Fortunately, roundworm treatment in dogs is straightforward with multiple oral medications available at your veterinarian's discretion, including pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole, moxidectin, and milbemycin oxime. Some preventative medications also contain these medications to eliminate and prevent roundworm infections. To completely eliminate a roundworm infection, multiple doses at certain intervals are required.
Prevention
Regular fecal testing and deworming treatments can prevent roundworm infections. To minimize exposure, maintain a clean environment by frequently picking up feces and preventing access to contaminated areas. Using preventative medications containing agents like ivermectin can also help ward off roundworms and other parasites.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage and prevent roundworm infections in dogs.
Mental health plays a crucial role in the overall well-being of dogs, as chronic stress or anxiety can weaken their immune systems, making them more susceptible to parasites such as roundworms. A healthy mentally stable dog is better equipped to fight off infections and maintain good health-and-wellness.
Scientifically, the life cycle and transmission of roundworms are well documented, demonstrating the importance of understanding the relationship between canine mental health and parasitic infections.
