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Ascarids (Roundworms)
Ascarids,
commonly known as roundworms, they are the most common type of intestinal
parasite found in both puppies and adult dogs. The adult worms are round in width and of whitish
colour. They are usually three
inches or longer in length and may be seen curled up in the pet feces or
vomit. The adult female
roundworm, which lives in the intestines can lay up to 200,000 eggs a day
that are shed with feces.
These eggs are protected by a hard shell and can live for years in
the soil.
 Toxocara
canis
Dogs
and cats can acquire roundworms through contact with soil containing the
eggs.
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The
eggs enter through the mouth and hatch in the intestines. The larvae are carried to the lungs
by the blood stream where they are coughed up and swallowed.
During
this phase, your pet will often have bouts of coughing and gagging. The larvae then return to the
intestines where they develop into adult worms to breed and start the cycle
all over again. The life cycle
tends to occur mainly in puppies and kittens and its affects may have
serious consequences. In
general, adult dogs and cats seem to be more resistant to infestation of
roundworms. Puppies and
kittens can also acquire this disease from their mother¡¦s milk. Dogs and cats can also become
infected by eating other animals with ascarid infections such as rabbits, mice, rats
and earthworms.
Puppies and kittens with a heavy roundworm infection may have a
potbellied appearance, dull coat, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and
failure to thrive.
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