That would be a roundworm. And if that doesn’t sound gross enough, consider the roundworm’s means of survival: it gluts on partially digested food as it passes through a pet’s gastrointestinal tract. Roundworms earned their name because of their tubular, or “round,” shape. There a couple of different species that can affect your pet but the most important to know are Toxicaris canis and Toxicaris leonina.
Dogs and cats can get roundworms from a variety of carriers. The most common source is other pets. Because infected dogs shed microscopic roundworm eggs in their feces, your pet could become infected by getting too close to another pet’s poop. He or she doesn’t even have to eat it – a simple sniff or lick is all that’s needed. Roundworms can also be spread by other animals such as rodents, earthworms, cockroaches, and birds.
Once roundworm eggs are ingested, they undergo a complicated life cycle before establishing themselves in the intestinal tract. In fact, as they mature from larvae to adult, roundworms are capable of migrating through various bodily tissues. This is important because in a pregnant female dog, this means that unborn puppies can be infected very easily. In fact, most puppies and kittens are born with roundworms. In addition, roundworm larvae may also enter the mother’s mammary glands and be transmitted through milk.
Diagnosis
To determine if your pet has roundworms, your veterinarian will perform a microscopic examination of your pet’s feces. Puppies and kittens are at a greater risk of developing health problems from roundworms because they have less developed immune systems, meaning that roundworms are able to more easily mature in their digestive tract.
Treatment is simple and effective. Most likely, your veterinarian will administer a broad-spectrum de-wormer medication and will establish a regular de-worming protocol and monthly preventive program.
Danger to humans Roundworms aren’t just a danger to your pet. They can actually be transmitted to humans. This is especially true in very young children or any individual with a compromised immune system. Because of this, it is extremely important to consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog or cat has roundworms. The Center for Disease Control recommends that pet owners take steps to keep pets free from roundworm infection. Your veterinarian will likely recommend a monthly heartworm preventative that is also highly effective against roundworms and other parasites such as hookworms and whipworms.
Prevention is always best when it comes to illness or disease. And it's simple and easy. Talk to your veterinarian today.
http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/roundworm-dogs
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