Nearly every puppy in the world is born with roundworms. This is because the roundworm's larvae are transmitted from the mother to the puppy while it is still in the womb. A female dog can harbor roundworms in her tissue, often making them immune to dewormings. The roundworms then have the opportunity to emerge during pregnancy through the mother's bloodstream and infect the unborn puppies. Roundworms can also be transmitted to newborn puppies through the mother's milk during nursing.
Roundworms are also easily transmitted to humans. Young children are most susceptible because they are always sticking their fingers in their mouths! Roundworms are transmitted to humans and dogs through eggs that are in a dog or puppy's stool. They can either be ingested through direct eating of the stool or by eating something else that has eaten the stool (the dog eats a bird, mouse, etc. that has eaten the dog's stool).
Everyone should wash their hands frequently after handling the puppy or dog and make sure that all feces is removed from the yard and disposed of on a daily basis. Most infections in people are mild and cause no symptoms at all. However there have been cases of worms migrating to the liver, brain, and eyes.
Symptoms of roundworms in humans include:
? Anemia
? Appetite Loss
? Difficulty Breathing
? Constipation
? Cough
? Cramping
? Diarrhea
? Fever
? Hives
? Itching
? Nausea
? Chest Pain
? Muscle Pain
? Passing of Worms
? Rash
? Skin Lesions
? Swelling
? Vision Disturbances
? Vomiting
? Weight Loss
Infected puppies can become quite ill and heavy infestations may lead to convulsions and even death. Most puppies that die are around the age of two to three weeks old. Puppies should be wormed at ages 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age. Adult dogs should receive yearly stool samples from their veterinarian to check for worms. Roundworms will look like spaghetti in the puppy's feces.
Symptoms of roundworms in dogs include:
? Potbelly
? Diarrhea
? Gas
? Vomiting
? Lack of Energy
? Slow Growth Rate
? Dull Coat
? Coughing (if immature roundworms have migrated to the puppy's lungs)
Some dogs may show some or all of these symptoms while others may show no symptoms at all. When adult roundworms are seen in the dog's stool this is often because of ongoing disease in the bowel or sometimes because the worm burden had become so great that the worms are crowding each other out.
Treatment of roundworms is not dangerous and is highly effective. Buy your wormers from the vet and give them regularly as instructed. The tablets are not difficult to give if you train your dog to take them in tiny bits of cheese or put them into sweets. The best way to protect your family and dogs from roundworms is through a regular program of both medication and prevention (keeping the yard clean of feces).
About the Author:
Jennifer Bryant is a life-long lover of dogs. Jennifer loves and breeds American Pit Bull Terriers in her North Georgia home with her 2 young children. Her love of dogs has inspired her to create a website for herself (as well as other dog breeders) to advertise their occasional litter of puppies and to educate others with dog breed information and useful articles.
Bryant's Red Devils
Red Nose American Pit Bull Terriers
Puppies and Dogs for Sale .com
This article may be reprinted on your website, but the content and signature of the author must remain intact.
How many times have I hear fellow dog owners say,... Read More
1. Clipping the quick when cutting nails.Don't be in a... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
What happens when we die? In our society, death is... Read More
Domesticated rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart... Read More
Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that... Read More
Every day, people by the millions pour food from a... Read More
We all know that good food, a loving home and... Read More
Was he the world's greatest horse trainer of all time?... Read More
If you are looking for tips on breeding tropical fish,... Read More
Their scientific name is Cavia Tschuldi and their nickname in... Read More
1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous... Read More
Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet... Read More
Are you concerned when your dog or cat eats grass,... Read More
Vaccinations play an important part in the preventive healthcare of... Read More
Over the last 20 years, vaccinations have generally been started... Read More
Thinking of getting a pet for your little ones? How... Read More
Cats are living longer lives thanks to dedicated care from... Read More
Of all the aggressive behavior in dogs dog bites is... Read More
If your kids have been begging you to get a... Read More
My name is Shadrach, and I am a dog -... Read More
Keeping fish as pets takes more than just feeding them... Read More
You may wish to consider a chinchilla as a possible... Read More
Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like... Read More
As many of you know America is serious about our... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..If your cat has recently decided not to use the... Read More
If you have a hard time in summer imagine how... Read More
Which kind is your pet? The pooch who is the... Read More
Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for... Read More
I really do not hope your are eating something, but... Read More
"Where's the harm? My cat seems to enjoy chocolate and... Read More
For thousands of years, dogs have been "man's best friend."... Read More
A few years ago, before I decided to stay home... Read More
When you get a new puppy it is imperative that... Read More
The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have... Read More
Your dog's dental health is so important for his total... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
Why should you use the dog crate training method?Is the... Read More
Westies dogs' owners delight in the companionship their dogs give... Read More
Moving is about as stressful a time as any in... Read More
Let's face it ? everything is cute when it's small... Read More
My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More
Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always... Read More
The American Humane Society estimated that last year alone; fifteen... Read More
"Dogs have owners; cats have staff," and I have worked... Read More
Your poor pooch is scratching himself all over. Plus, you... Read More
Almost all communities in the U.S. require at least one... Read More
Cockatiels are one of the most lovable pets in the... Read More
Pet |