In Britain, the two main internal parasites to infest dogs are roundworm and tapeworm. It is vitally important that a thorough worming programme starts whilst your puppy is still with the breeder and that this is continued afterwards.

In adulthood, you should worm your dog about once every six months. Always purchase your worming treatment from a vet rather than a shop and weigh your dog carefully so that you can administer the correct dosage.

Because the flea is an intermediate host to the tapeworm, be sure that the worming programme is up-to-date if your dog has fleas.

What are roundworm?

As their name implies, these are worms which have round bodies, they are long, white and described as looking like spaghetti. On average, they are about 3-5 inches (7-12 cm) long. They live in the dog's intestines and consume partially digested food. Unlike hookworms, they do not attach to the intestinal wall; rather, they literally swim in their food.

What are it's effects?

Roundworm infection can have numerous negative effects. It is a common cause of diarrhea in young animals and can cause vomiting as well. Sometimes the worms themselves are vomited up which can be alarming as they can be quite large which females reaching lengths of up to seven inches.

The worms consume the host’s food and can lead to unthriftiness and a classical “pot-bellied” appearance. Very heavy infections can lead to pneumonia as the worms migrate and, if there are enough worms, the intestine can actually become obstructed.

Dangers

It should also be noted that roundworms can be passed onto humans and human infection by this parasite is very serious. If your dog has roundworms, it is important to minimize the risk of cross-infection by cleaning your dog's toilet area immediately after they do their business to reduce the exposure hazard to both humans and any other pets you may have.

Treatment and Prevention

• Prompt deworming should be given when any parasites are detected; periodic deworming may be appropriate for dogs at high risk for reinfection. Adult dogs remain susceptible to reinfection with roundworms throughout their lives.
• If you have a pregnant bitch, ensure that you start worm treatment in late pregnancy to reduce potential contamination of the environment for newborn puppies.
• All new puppies should be treated by 2-3 weeks of age.
• Dogs with predatory habits should have a fecal examination several times a year. Rodent control is desirable since rodents may serve as a source of roundworm infection for dogs.
• Prompt disposal of all dog feces is important, especially in yards, playgrounds, and public parks.
• Strict hygiene is especially important for children. Do not allow children to play in potentially contaminated environments.