In the UK our dogs are very commonly affected by one particular type of worms in dogs: roundworms. This is due to the lifecycle which is virtually impossible to break. Their lifecycle virtually guarantees that puppies are either born with an infestation or will get one almost immediately after birth. Treatment for this type of worms in dogs cannot be neglected because it is so prevalent and potentially harmful to humans.

Roundworms can be caught by unborn puppies in the womb or passed from mother to puppy via milk. Older dogs can also pick them up from contaminated faeces and soil. The larvae of this type of worms in dogs have the ability to migrate through the body’s internal organs, are coughed up and swallowed, allowing them access to the digestive system which becomes their home as they mature. The adult worm will then feed on semi digested food from its host’s intestines before releasing eggs which the dog passes with his stools. Also, larvae can migrate to various areas of tissue in the dog’s body where it can lie dormant in cysts. They become active again when the host is pregnant and infect puppies. Larvae lying dormant cannot be killed with worming treatment. This makes it almost impossible to prevent round worms in dogs.

Puppies rather than adult dogs suffer the most: vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of energy and delayed growth are common signs. Puppies will very often have a swollen stomach. In sever infestations, puppies may die from intestinal blockage.

Unfortunately, regular treatment is the only way to fully eliminate infestation because there is no treatment which will kill the larvae. Also, because worm eggs remain viable in the environment for as long as two years, adult dogs aren’t free from the risk of picking up and infestation.

This type of worms in dogs is even more concerning because of the risk it poses to human health. Worm larvae can damage human internal organs, and even lead to blindness. It is children who are most at risk of picking up worm eggs from contaminated soil or sand because of their propensity to put dirty fingers in their mouth.