Roundworms are the most common parasitic worm found in cats and dogs. Studies have shown that nearly all puppies are born infected with the parasites, and more than 25 percent of cats and 30 percent of dogs younger than 6 months old have tested positive for infection. They are relatively easy to spread as they can be contracted by your pet through his environment, by consumption of an infected small animal, such as rodents or birds, earthworms and some insects or transmission from an infected mother to her offspring, either before they are born or through the mother’s milk. The variety of ways in which roundworms can infect your pet means they are difficult to control.
These parasitic worms can grow up to seven inches in length and lay up to 200,000 eggs each day. They live in the intestines of cats and dogs, living off the partially digested food found there and robbing their hosts of vital nutrients. This can result in stunted growth or, in severe infections, malnutrition that leads to death if not treated. Roundworms can cause numerous additional issues for their host, including weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea, and severely infected pets may pass worms in their stool or vomit. Pets infected with roundworms may also have a dull coat or a potbellied appearance. If the roundworms move into the pet’s lungs, a cough may also be observed. It is possible, due to the unique reproductive cycle of the roundworm, for a pet to be infected and for no worms to be observed. This is why regular fecal examinations and prevention are so important to maintaining the health of your pet.
Puppies and kittens should be treated for worms every two weeks (from 2 to 8 weeks for puppies and 3 to 9 weeks for kittens) and then receive a monthly preventive. Older pets should be on a monthly preventive to help avoid infection. Some heartworm preventives also include protection against these parasites. We can help with the options available so your pet gets the right preventive. Routine testing (at least four times in the first year of life and at least two times per year for pets older than one year) is recommended to ensure the preventive your pet is using is effectively protecting him from roundworm infestation.
In addition to ensuring your pet receives a monthly preventive medication, you need to make sure his environment is kept clean to minimize the opportunities of parasite transmission. Pick up and properly dispose of any dog waste and keep kitty litter boxes cleaned. Roundworms can infect humans, just not in the same ways they infect pets. These infections can still cause significant health issues, so while it’s always a good idea to wash up after playing with your pet, be especially vigilant if your pet has been diagnosed with a roundworm infection.