How do dogs get roundworms?

Dogs get roundworms mostly when they play in grassy areas and come into contact with roundworm egg cysts. Once the infectious egg cysts enter the dog's digestive tract, they will breed. Dogs can also be infected by contacting sick dogs or consuming food or water contaminated by them.

When are dogs more susceptible to roundworms?

The occurrence of roundworm disease is not greatly related to the age of dogs. The only way dogs become infected with roundworms is by ingesting worm eggs, such as eating contaminated feces in the courtyard or licking the butt of an infected animal. Infection can also be transmitted through the placenta. For young dogs (2-3 months old), elderly dogs, and dogs with weak resistance, roundworm disease can cause severe consequences, with the most common symptom being diarrhea, which may also cause bloody stools.

Symptoms of roundworm infection

After a dog is infected with roundworms, it will mainly excrete bloody stools, loose stools mixed with mucus and a small amount of blood, and shed intestinal mucosal epithelial cells. The dog may also show symptoms of anemia, such as loss of appetite, weight loss, and pale mucous membranes. Some dogs may vomit. Adult dogs have stronger resistance and may show milder symptoms, such as mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Young dogs with weak resistance may refuse to eat or drink, causing severe symptoms such as hypoglycemia or shock due to dehydration.

What to do if your dog has roundworms

If your dog has roundworms, you can take it to a pet hospital based on its condition or buy roundworm medicine yourself for treatment. If the dog has severe diarrhea and bleeding after becoming infected with roundworms, it needs immediate medical attention. When purchasing roundworm medicine at a hospital, be sure to explain the dog's recent condition, age, and weight to the doctor to ensure the proper medication is prescribed.