Roundworms are a common health issue in dogs and puppies. These parasites can cause serious issues if not treated properly. Here’s what to know about roundworms in dogs and puppies:

What Are Roundworms in Dogs?

Roundworms (also called nematodes or ascarids) are one of the most common health problems in dogs. These worms are a type of parasite and are found in a dog’s intestinal system. Toxascaris leonina and Toxocara canis (T. Canis) are the two main species of roundworms to be aware of. T. Canis is the most serious of the species and most commonly infects puppies. It can be transmitted to people, as well.

These parasites feed off partially digested food, taking important nutrients from the dog. This is especially dangerous for puppies if they have a large amount of roundworms present as it can affect growth.

Roundworms may complete a life cycle in young dogs. However, as the puppy grows and their immune system reaches maturation, the larvae of the roundworm will be encased in a cyst. These encysted larvae can then stay in the puppy’s muscles. The encased larvae can remain dormant in a dog’s tissues, even if the adult worms were eradicated.

How Do Dogs Get Roundworms?

Dogs can get roundworms in a few different ways:

1. From Their Mother

The most common way a puppy gets infected with roundworms is from their mother. When a female dog becomes pregnant, the dormant larvae become active again. The roundworm is then passed to the puppies either in utero, after birth, or through the milk. These reactivated larvae can also stay in the mother’s body and cause illness.

If an adult dog swallows roundworm eggs, the larvae hatch. These larvae will then travel through the intestines and settle into several different tissues of the body. Here, the larvae stop developing and become dormant in cysts until a dog becomes pregnant.

2. By Ingesting Roundworm Eggs

Puppies and dogs may become infected with roundworms if they happen to ingest roundworm eggs. These eggs can be found in dirt, plants, or dog poop. There are a few reasons why dogs eat poop, so be sure to supervise your dog while outside to prevent them from eating any possibly contaminated source.

If your dog doesn’t normally eat poop, and has suddenly started trying to, pay attention and call your vet. Dogs will sometimes eat poop and a lot of other things if they are lacking nutrients. It could be a sign that you need to switch or supplement their food, or that something else is going on, like parasites or illness.

3. Eating Animals Carrying Roundworm Eggs

Rodents and birds are just a few of the animals that can transmit roundworm eggs. When a dog eats one of these animals, roundworm eggs will then infect and grow in the dog.

What Are the Symptoms of Roundworm?

Symptoms of roundworms in dogs and puppies are often caused by the roundworms taking nutrients the dog needs. In very few cases, a dog may have roundworms and not show any symptoms. However, there are specific symptoms that show up when a dog is infected with roundworms. There are symptoms you never ignore in your dog and can include:

• Stunted growth
• Vomiting
• Coat looks dull
• Swollen abdomen
• Diarrhea, ranging from mild to severe and may have mucus present
• Visible worms in vomit or feces
• Coughing

During a physical exam, your vet may also see fluid in the belly, kidney masses, or a fatty liver.

This is just an overview of what to know about roundworms in dogs. Since they can cause health problems, it’s very important to treat your dog and eradicate the parasites. Thankfully, proper treatment can help protect your dog and keep them healthy!