Roundworms are the most common found parasite of dogs and cats, most often found in young puppies and kittens. They look similar to very thin pieces of spaghetti. Pets become infected by swallowing roundworm eggs or larvae found in soil or feces or by eating infected rodents, birds, and some insects. Puppies and kittens get roundworms from the mother while in the uterus or during nursing. Once infected with roundworms puppies to appear pot-bellied or bloated, anemic, have diarrhea, weight loss, vomit, and sometimes coughing.
Diagnosing roundworms requires a stool sample, ideally fresh, to be identified via microscopic examination. Routine preventative parasite treatment may be performed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. When puppies are brought in for their first vaccines a stool sample, intestinal parasite test, is checked for intestinal parasite adults and eggs (ova). Some veterinarians treat intestinal parasites as a prophylactic measure. Monthly use of some heartworm preventions helps treat and control roundworm infections.
Public Health Concern
Humans can become infected with roundworms by eating the larvae from contaminated stool or soil. When children play with puppies and kittens they should be aware of good hygiene and always wash their hands to avoid any ingestion.