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.
Whether purely for looks or for a bird's home, bird... Read More
Dog SupplementsA good nutritional program of dog supplements is just... Read More
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
So you're thinking about trying cichlids. A good choice. In... Read More
Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as... Read More
The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More
Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care... Read More
Many people consider their dog to be part of their... Read More
Puppies have a natural instinct inside that causes them to... Read More
Pug puppies make wonderful pets. Pugs are very affectionate and... Read More
Many people think cats are asocial, but in fact they... Read More
When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More
Clone a Cat, Go To Jail ...or at least... Read More
So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More
Animal lovers come in all shapes and sizes. Undoubtedly if... Read More
Westies dogs' owners delight in the companionship their dogs give... Read More
What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can... Read More
Is your cat talking to you?Many cat lovers claim that... Read More
My name is Shadrach, and I am a dog -... Read More
Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best... Read More
Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet... Read More
The groups of fishes commonly referred to as Cichlids, comprise... Read More
I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More
Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More
General Info.Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly... Read More
experienced cleaning professionals Bannockburn ...Domesticated rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart... Read More
Caring for your dogs teeth is a vital part of... Read More
Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's... Read More
When I first started my interest in reptiles I was... Read More
Problems with Commercial Flea Killers & TraditionalFlea Bite Treatments***Chemicals that... Read More
Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know... Read More
When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More
Opening your heart to a Pomeranian can be fun, but... Read More
One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy... Read More
When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More
Their scientific name is Cavia Tschuldi and their nickname in... Read More
There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was... Read More
1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous... Read More
If you are looking for tips on breeding tropical fish,... Read More
'I named all kittens, although they were all stillborn.' 'My... Read More
This may come as a surprise...but if the tables were... Read More
As many of you know America is serious about our... Read More
1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More
"Where's the harm? My cat seems to enjoy chocolate and... Read More
Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and... Read More
How to Deal With Anxiety in Your DogAnxiety in dogs... Read More
Is your bird a seed only eater? Did you know... Read More
West Highland White Terriers began their history as the undesirable... Read More
Our dogs are now, more than ever, a very important... Read More
Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so... Read More
Pet |