What are Roundworms?
Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasites found in dogs and cats. Pets can become infected through contaminated soil or feces or by eating infected rodents, birds and some insects. Puppies and kittens are quite frequently born with roundworms. Once the pet has swallowed the larvae, the larvae travel through the body to the intestine where they become mature worms. The adult females lay eggs, which pass with the stool. The only means of diagnosis is through the microscopic examination of the stool.

It is possible for humans to become infected with roundworm larvae, but this is rare since it is necessary to eat contaminated stools or soil to become infected. Because of this the most common human occurrence is in children and to protect against this, the best thing to do is to keep your pets free of roundworms.

Your veterinarian will discuss the following areas of treatment and prevention with you:

  -Medication is given twice, two weeks apart, and it is very important that the medication be given as directed.
-Your veterinarian may recommend a vitamin supplement for your pet for a brief time to correct any possible anemia problems caused by the roundworms.
-Good sanitation is critical. Remove any stools from your pet's area as soon as possible.
  -Your veterinarian may recommend that you treat your pet's area to remove the possibility of re-infection.
-Bring in a stool sample about a week after treatment has been completed to be sure that the treatment has worked.
-If you are planning to breed your female dog, have her checked for roundworms before breeding her.
-Puppies and kittens should be checked for roundworms before they are weaned.