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.
Many people are searching for different means to have pets.... Read More
Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, which can cause... Read More
Dog eye problems can occur at any time. You should... Read More
One of the benefits of registering your pet with a... Read More
Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care... Read More
The large animal organizations and the public money.It is said... Read More
The city I live in just increased its fees for... Read More
Some sources seem to indicate that living with a serval... Read More
Losing your cat is a worrying experience, use these 'How... Read More
The shutting and opening door trick can be taught to... Read More
The other day I was doing a research online for... Read More
Even a cat that compulsively cleans itself can benefit from... Read More
Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More
Why does one breed appeal to a person over another?... Read More
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More
So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More
Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More
Still remember that very moment when you first laid your... Read More
Doggie day care is becoming more and more prevalent in... Read More
Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable,... Read More
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More
If your feline friend could speak your language, here a... Read More
Puppy CarePuppy care can be a lot of work, but... Read More
Introducing your puppy to the crate should be an easy... Read More
Dog crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More
house cleaning company Lincolnshire ..I know there are differing opinions on the subject of... Read More
Last summer, we added a new pet to our family... Read More
The teaching and training of dog tricks while not a... Read More
Puppies have a natural instinct inside that causes them to... Read More
Are cats and children a good mix?So, you had a... Read More
The most common dog problems:Dog Owner's commonly ask me the... Read More
Vitamins for Pets - How Essential Are They?A vitamin supplement... Read More
Let's think about this for a minute: God did not... Read More
A puppy wanting to chew makes you want to scream!... Read More
Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea... Read More
While excitement and anticipation will be at the top of... Read More
Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More
Do you want a long and healthy life for your... Read More
Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always... Read More
We have a long history with domesticated animals and even... Read More
A pet can be as important a member of the... Read More
Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
When you take into account that there are over 68,000,000... Read More
Let me begin by saying that I am not an... Read More
Proper training of your dog should begin when he is... Read More
Why is it that cats get no respect? Are they... Read More
Are you nuts? You think banging your finger with a... Read More
a) GrowlingIf your rabbit growls or grunts at you, she... Read More
Your cat scratching at your furniture can not only leave... Read More
Pet |