Roundworms. Are these parasites truly a danger to your dog? There is no question that they are a potential danger, but the actual risk of contracting roundworms depends on a number of conditions. Perhaps you have already had to deal with roundworms. I hope not, but if so, then you know they are a very common parasite. Generally speaking they start out by taking over the upper and lower intestinal tract of the dog and are usually discovered in puppies. The first indication you may have that there is a problem is GI (gastrointestinal) tract difficulty. If, when examining your dog's poop, you find earth-worm like "things," then you dog probably has roundworms and you need to get it to a vet. Roundworms can grow up to 18 to 20 inches in length.
So, how does the process begin? Roundworm contamination kicks off with the worm feeding on the contents your dog's stomach and intestines. Next, the roundworm works its through the organ walls and penetrates the tissue barrier to enter the bloodstream. From the bloodstream, the roundworm finds its path to the dog's liver and subsequently to the lungs. The roundworm eventually enters the trachea and is expelled into the mouth through coughing. The roundworm is then sent back to the stomach and intestines through swallowing.
So, what happens if a dog remains untreated, and the worms just stay in the animal's body? Eventually, the parasites will infect the muscle tissue, and there they form cysts. If a female with roundworms bears puppies, the new litter will likely be born with the worms already installed and feeding.
Roundworm infestation brings about a pretty standard set of symptoms: pain and discomfort, loose stools, loss of shiny coat, stomach upset, sudden loss of energy, distended belly, and respiratory problems. In fact, dogs may even develop pneumonia due to damage of the alveoli, the tiny tubes in the lungs that allow oxygen absorption from air.
Treatment begins with analysis of a stool sample, which will show the presence of worms if they are there. Once proof of contamination is determined, the vet will put your dog on a course of medication that will kill the existing parasites and build resistance to the future presence of worms. Expect stool analysis throughout the course of treatment as a means of checking the progress of the process the de-worming.
In order to prevent roundworm contamination, make sure that the female dog is thoroughly checked and treated before you breed her. To make sure that all worms are detected early, every dog should have stool specimens checked twice per year. Also, you can be proactive by simply practicing common sense preventive measures such keep your dog out of garbage and trash where roundworms would normally be found. Giving your dog a proper diet will decrease the chance of your pet seeking out garbage, though the best way is to simply keep garbage out of your dog's reach and to see that your dog is kept in generally clean area.
So, how does the process begin? Roundworm contamination kicks off with the worm feeding on the contents your dog's stomach and intestines. Next, the roundworm works its through the organ walls and penetrates the tissue barrier to enter the bloodstream. From the bloodstream, the roundworm finds its path to the dog's liver and subsequently to the lungs. The roundworm eventually enters the trachea and is expelled into the mouth through coughing. The roundworm is then sent back to the stomach and intestines through swallowing.
So, what happens if a dog remains untreated, and the worms just stay in the animal's body? Eventually, the parasites will infect the muscle tissue, and there they form cysts. If a female with roundworms bears puppies, the new litter will likely be born with the worms already installed and feeding.
Roundworm infestation brings about a pretty standard set of symptoms: pain and discomfort, loose stools, loss of shiny coat, stomach upset, sudden loss of energy, distended belly, and respiratory problems. In fact, dogs may even develop pneumonia due to damage of the alveoli, the tiny tubes in the lungs that allow oxygen absorption from air.
Treatment begins with analysis of a stool sample, which will show the presence of worms if they are there. Once proof of contamination is determined, the vet will put your dog on a course of medication that will kill the existing parasites and build resistance to the future presence of worms. Expect stool analysis throughout the course of treatment as a means of checking the progress of the process the de-worming.
In order to prevent roundworm contamination, make sure that the female dog is thoroughly checked and treated before you breed her. To make sure that all worms are detected early, every dog should have stool specimens checked twice per year. Also, you can be proactive by simply practicing common sense preventive measures such keep your dog out of garbage and trash where roundworms would normally be found. Giving your dog a proper diet will decrease the chance of your pet seeking out garbage, though the best way is to simply keep garbage out of your dog's reach and to see that your dog is kept in generally clean area.
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