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Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s greatest joys, but it also comes with responsibilities, including protecting your furry friend from parasites like roundworms. Roundworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites in puppies, and while they’re treatable, they can cause serious health issues if left unchecked. Let’s explore the symptoms, causes, and treatments for roundworms so you can keep your puppy happy and healthy.
⚠️ What to Watch For
Roundworms can be sneaky, as some puppies may not show obvious symptoms at first. However, there are key signs to look out for that might indicate an infestation:
- A pot-bellied appearance
- Diarrhea or soft stools
- Vomiting, sometimes with visible worms
- Lethargy or reduced energy
- Weight loss despite a good appetite
- Coughing, especially in severe cases
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to act quickly. Roundworms can not only affect your puppy’s health but can also pose a risk to humans, especially young children.
🔍 Possible Causes
Puppies are particularly vulnerable to roundworms because they can be exposed to them in several ways:
- From their mother: Puppies can contract roundworms through their mother’s milk or even before birth if the mother is infected.
- Ingesting contaminated soil or feces: Roundworm eggs can survive in soil for years and may be accidentally ingested during playtime.
- Eating infected prey: Though less common, puppies can get roundworms by eating small animals like rodents that carry the parasite.
Understanding how roundworms spread can help you take preventive measures to protect your puppy and family.
✅ What You Can Do at Home
While roundworms can sound scary, there are practical steps you can take to manage and prevent them:
- Regular deworming: Puppies should be dewormed every 2–3 weeks starting at 2 weeks of age and continuing until they are about 12 weeks old. After that, monthly preventatives can help keep parasites at bay.
- Clean up immediately: Dispose of your puppy’s feces promptly to reduce environmental contamination and limit the spread of roundworm eggs.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands after handling your puppy, especially before eating or preparing food.
- Keep play areas clean: Avoid letting your puppy play in areas that may be contaminated with feces from other animals.
These simple steps can go a long way in preventing roundworm infections and keeping your home a safe environment for everyone.
💡 When to Call a Vet
While prevention is key, it’s crucial to know when to seek veterinary care. You should contact your vet if:
- Your puppy shows signs of a roundworm infection, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or a pot-bellied appearance.
- You see worms in your puppy’s stool or vomit. Roundworms look like spaghetti and are easy to spot.
- Your puppy seems weak, has lost weight, or has a persistent cough.
Your vet may recommend a fecal exam to confirm the presence of roundworms and prescribe the appropriate deworming medication. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure your puppy recovers quickly.
FAQs
Q: Can I get roundworms from my puppy?
A: Yes, roundworms are zoonotic, which means they can infect humans. Children are especially at risk, as they may accidentally ingest roundworm eggs from contaminated soil or surfaces. Proper hygiene and regular deworming of your puppy can reduce this risk.
Q: How often should I deworm my puppy?
A: Puppies should be dewormed every 2–3 weeks starting at 2 weeks of age, continuing until they are about 12 weeks old. After that, monthly deworming or a parasite prevention plan recommended by your vet is ideal.
Q: Are over-the-counter dewormers effective?
A: While some over-the-counter dewormers are available, it’s best to consult your vet for a prescription treatment. Veterinarian-recommended medications are more effective and tailored to your puppy’s specific needs.
Book a $49 online vet consultation at https://www.dialavet.com for fast, expert advice.
