Roundworms are one of the most common dog ailments that can be quickly treated. They are intestinal parasites contracted by consuming animal stools or soil contaminated with roundworm eggs. This is precisely why you can’t rule out the presence of roundworms even in the best kennels.
This parasite is classified as a “Zoonotic” organism because it can be transmitted to humans and certainly reinforces the necessity of washing hands after outdoor activities. So, be on top of cleanliness to avoid infections and further health complications.
Also, consider being prepared with pet insurance so tackling unanticipated health situations like this and many more is much easier. If you have a policy, contemplate reviewing it to get the best value; otherwise, inquire about the pet insurance cost across various pet insurers to sign up for a best-fit pet plan.
Meanwhile, read this article to learn what causes roundworms and signs of an infestation in a pet dog.
Causes
Ascarids or roundworms are parasites that plant themselves in a pet’s intestinal tract. It is a common complaint in adult dogs, and puppies are highly vulnerable to roundworm infections because the parasite can be carried from an infected mother dog to young puppies through birth or milk while feeding.
Adult dogs may contract roundworms by ingesting roundworm eggs in small infected rodents or animal feces that then hatch and transform into larvae that spread to the liver and crawl up to the windpipe. After which, the larvae are coughed up, swallowed, and moved down through the gastrointestinal tract.
Once these creatures settle in the intestines, they derive food from the host, grow into adult worms, and lay eggs (evidence can be found by testing a sample of your pet’s feces), and the cycle continues in a loop.
Symptoms
Not every dog shows signs of roundworm infestation; still, puppy owners must watch out for symptoms like bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, lethargy, and dull coat. Finally, the presence of roundworms in your puppy’s vomits or feces can confirm the disease.
Diagnosis and treatment
If you notice any of the above signs, take your puppy to the vet for testing and treatment. It is worth noting that when roundworms are left untreated, they can lead to chronic infections. When unsure, collect a stool sample and submit it to your vet’s lab for testing.
The tiny eggs can be easily detected under a microscope, and the roundworm species are identified. After this step, the vet can suggest a treatment plan that mostly includes puppy-safe and efficient deworming medications taken orally.
The number of doses and intervals between the doses can depend on your puppy’s age and the severity of the condition. Remember that the life cycle of roundworms is one month, so it is difficult to identify the parasitic infection in young puppies, which is why vets commonly administer deworming medications at about 2 to 3 weeks of age as a part of preventive care.
Roundworms are generally treatable but can cause chronic health complications when they move from the intestines to other body parts, which is why early diagnosis and treatment are necessary. Pet insurance can help with unexpected pet health expenses during such occasions and many others.
You must contemplate buying a policy if you don’t have one already because pet insurance cost can be much lower than unplanned vet bills that can quickly exhaust your savings. So, why wait to buy a policy?