What are Roundworms in Dogs?
Roundworms are among the most common intestinal parasites affecting dogs and cats, and they can be a real concern for new puppy owners. Understanding how these parasites work makes it easier to spot the warning signs early and get your dog the care it needs.
Below, we break down the two main types of roundworms, the symptoms to watch for, and how you can protect both your pet and your family.
The Two Main Types of Roundworms
There are two primary species of roundworms that infect dogs, and they behave a little differently once inside the body:
- Toxocara canis — This type can migrate throughout the body once it matures, making it especially concerning in young puppies.
- Toxascaris leonina — This type stays within the intestinal tract rather than traveling through the body.
Despite their differences, both species absorb nutrients directly from your dog and should be treated as soon as possible. Roundworms typically look like long, thin strands of spaghetti and commonly attach to the lining of your dog's intestines. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers helpful guidance on roundworms and other intestinal parasites in pets.
Symptoms of Roundworms in Dogs
A roundworm infestation can produce a range of signs. The most common symptoms include:
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Diarrhea
- Coughing
- Dehydration
- Lethargy or low energy
- A swollen or pot-bellied abdomen (more common in puppies)
- Pneumonia
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, contact your veterinarian promptly. A veterinary team can examine your dog's stool to confirm whether roundworms are present.
How Dogs Get Roundworms
Dogs can contract roundworms in several ways. The most common include:
- Eating or chewing soil that contains roundworm eggs
- Laying or walking on contaminated soil
- Hunting or retrieving animals carrying the parasite
- Nursing puppies contracting worms through their mother's milk
Because puppies are so often exposed early in life, deworming and routine veterinary care are especially important during their first weeks and months.
Diagnosing Roundworms
There are a couple of reliable ways to confirm a roundworm infection:
- Observing the worms directly in your dog's stool
- A fecal test administered by your veterinarian
A veterinary fecal exam is the most accurate method, since eggs may be present even when adult worms are not visible.
Treatment and Prevention
If your dog contracts roundworms, your veterinarian can prescribe a dewormer to clear the parasites from your dog's body. Prevention is just as important as treatment: keep your dog's living area clean, pick up feces promptly, and discourage your pet from eating soil or other things it shouldn't. For more detail on parasite control, the VCA offers a thorough overview of roundworm infection and treatment in dogs.
Why Roundworms Matter for People, Too
Roundworms pose a genuine risk to humans, not just pets. Contact with contaminated soil or dog feces can lead to human infection, and roundworm eggs can accumulate in significant numbers where pets deposit waste. In people, an infection can cause eye, lung, heart, and neurologic problems. This is one of the many reasons cleaning up after your dog is so important.
Starting Your Puppy Off Healthy
Whether you're welcoming a playful Labrador Retriever, an energetic Australian Shepherd, or a pint-sized Yorkshire Terrier, staying on top of routine deworming and veterinary checkups keeps your new companion thriving.
Ready to add a healthy, happy puppy to your family? Browse our available puppies at Petland Pensacola, explore all the dog breeds we carry, or ask our team about flexible pet financing options. We're here to help you every step of the way.