Dog Health
Issues - Description of Roundworms ( Ascarids )
It is not surprising that Roundworms are often referred to in two
separate words as in Round Worms because the description of these
parasites is that they look like worms which have round bodies.
These types of worms are called Ascarids. Roundworms measure
between 0.3 - 0.5 inches (7-12 cm) long and live in the dog's intestines
and live off partially digested food. There are many different
types of dog and puppy parasites and most puppies are born
infested with 'worms' - their mother can carry roundworms and
infect puppies before they are even born. The generic term "worms"
is usually used to describe Roundworms - the most common of all
the canine worms. Severe infection, if left untreated, can create intestinal
obstruction and even cause death in puppies. Please note that Roundworm can be carried
from dogs to people.
Internal
Worms - live off the dogs
Worms, including the Roundworm are the common name for Canine parasites which exist
internally and externally. As internal parasites
they live off the puppy or dog robbing them of vital nutrients
needed to stay healthy. Left untreated, intestinal parasites will
stunt the growth and weaken young puppies.
Worms - invade the environment and infect other dogs
Worm eggs, or larvae, are shed into the environment via feces and
can infect other dogs or humans.
The
Spread of
Round Worms
to People
The Spread of Parasitic Worms, including the Roundworm, can be
transferred
from one animal to another and from animals to humans. The biggest risk
is
to our children who often do not pay care and attention to basic
sanitary and cleansing requirements.
Transmission
and Prevention of Worms,
including Roundworm
The risk of transmission and the spread of worms, including
Roundworm, can be minimised
by:
Exercising sensible sanitary measures
Ensuring all
excrement is removed from pet areas
Ensuring that hands are washed and
clean after contact with the dog or puppy
Ensure that all produce grown
in the garden is washed thoroughly
Ensure your dog is free of
worms at regular intervals
Preventing or reducing the occurrence of dog and puppy worms by
taking de-worming measures prevents the shedding of parasite eggs by your
dog or puppy. These eggs contaminate the environment, and, as they
can lay dormant for some considerable time, can later re-infect
your dog or puppy.
Dog Health
Problems - Symptoms of Roundworms
The symptoms of Roundworms are as follows:
Anaemia
Dry hair
Poor weight-gain
Apathy
Diarrhoea
Bloated abdomen in puppys
Coughing
Dog Health
Questions - Puppy susceptibility to Roundworms - Treatment
Schedule
Puppys are particularly susceptible to Roundworm and they may
start passing roundworm eggs at the age of just 21 days when it is
necessary to commence the first treatment. Pups can also be
re-infected via their mother's milk. The mother and pup should
therefore be treated until weaning has taken place.
Medication to control the Roundworms can be prescribed by a Veterinary
Surgeon or Canine Health Specialist at 6, 9, and 12 weeks of age.
This will enable the Vet to detect any "Worms" and ensure that
your pet is free of dog parasites. Medication should be prescribed to treat the Roundworms regardless of
whether parasite eggs are detected in the stool of the puppy or
bitch. This
is because the eggs of the parasites may not have yet developed or
are not numerous enough to be detected.
Dog Health
Issues - Different Types of
Worms
There are several types of worm parasites which affect pets
and are as follows:
Hookworms also referred to as
Hook worms (Ancylostoma caninum)
Tapeworms also referred to as
Tape worms (Dipylidium caninum)
Whipworms also referred to as
Whip worms (Trichuris vulpis)
Heartworms ( also referred to as
Heart worms which live inside the dog's heart )
Dog Health
Advice
We hope that the canine health information and dog health advice
has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are
in doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Health
Specialist.
Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
The sole purpose of the Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems is as a reference
manual to provide useful information to dog and puppy owners. It
is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a
substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please
remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health
please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately.
