Roundworms are common intestinal parasites in dogs, mainly caused by Toxocara canis and sometimes Toxascaris leonina. These parasites are especially harmful to young puppies and can lead to serious health problems if not treated.
In India, roundworm infections are quite common, affecting more than 10% of dogs. The eggs of these worms are very tough and can survive in soil for years, which makes it easy for dogs to get infected again even after treatment.
How does your Pet Pick up Roundworms?
Transmission occurs due to ingestion of infective eggs, a paratenic host containing infective larvae, transplacental migration of larvae (mainly T.canis) to the fetus, and by trans mammary route, infective larvae through milk. Post ingestion of infective egg, larvae hatch in the intestine and migrate through the liver, lungs, and return to the intestine for maturation in young pups of 3 to months, whereas in adult dogs, larvae get encysted in tissues and activated during pregnancy to infect pups either by transplacental or trans-mammary route. Heavily infected young ones exhibit stunted growth, vomiting (containing worms), diarrhea with mucus/blood, pneumonia due to larvae migration in lungs, and a “potbellied” appearance due to a distended or bloated abdomen. Mortality is also observed due to the blockage of the intestine. However, adult dogs are usually asymptomatic, though they can act as carriers, with occasional signs like vomiting or diarrhea.
Accidental ingestion of infective eggs through contaminated soil, water, vegetable or while handling a dog or cleaning litter leads to visceral larva migrans (VLM), causing systemic illness or Ocular larva migrans (OLM), leading to vision loss. High densities of stray dogs, combined with poor sanitation and public awareness, contribute to the transmission of these roundworms.
Sustainable control of these roundworms is important as it has zoonotic potential, hamper the growth of puppies, have a high prevalence rate, and are transmitted in different ways.
Healthy Moms, Happy Pups – Roundworm Protection Tips
Treatment of pregnant dogs focuses on reducing prenatal transmission to puppies, with fenbendazole 50 mg/kg/day of granulated fenbendazole administered daily from day 40 of gestation through the 14th day postpartum. Ivermectin and moxidectin are also effective if administered 20 and 42 days of gestation or 03 week before and after whelping at a weekly interval.
Deworming Protocols and Environmental Control
Deworming of puppies should start at 2 and 3 weeks of age, respectively, until three months, and then at a monthly interval up to 6 months of age.
Prompt removal and disposal of dog feces from kennels, parks, sports grounds, and public areas is essential to prevent environmental contamination.
With proper care, regular deworming, and good hygiene, roundworms can be easily managed and prevented. Know the symptoms and don’t ignore them! Timely treatment ensures your pet stays happy and healthy!
(Dr. Rajesh Katoch, Dr. Rajesh Godara, Dr. Sanku Borkataki, and Dr. Anish Yadav – Division of Veterinary Parasitology, FVSc and AH, SKUAST-Jammu)