Roundworms
 

Roundworms is a general term that includes several different types of intestinal worms.  These worms may be visible in the stool or they may be vomited up (this is more common in puppies and kittens).  Roundworms look like pieces of spaghetti. 

Causes

• Puppies and kittens get roundworms directly from their mother's milk when they start to suckle. 
   
• Dogs and cats can pass the worms and eggs in their stool or vomit.  Pets can acquire them easily by smelling and eating other animals' feces.  It is best to assume that all the pets in a household are infected if one case of roundworms has been positively confirmed. 

Signs

• Diarrhea
   
• Weight Loss
   
• Loss of appetite, or the animal may be very hungry but not gain weight. 
   
• Vomiting
   
• Poor-looking coat of hair
   
• Bloated abdomen
   
• You may or may not see actual worms in the stool or vomit
   
• Anemia (pale gum color)
   

First Aid

 1.    Take the animal to a veterinarian along with a sample of the stool.  If you see worms in the vomit or stool, make sure the sample includes the worm. 

 2.    Have your pet's stool checked for worms at their yearly physical examination or sooner if you suspect an infestation. 

It is very important to treat roundworm infections, as they may be transmitted to humans.  Any pet who has been treated for worms should have a follow-up fecal examination to ensure success of the treatment. 

Prevention

• Remove your dog's stool after defecation. 
   
• Have your pet's stool checked yearly by a veterinarian. 
   
• Don't introduce a new animal into your household without first having the animal checked and treated for worms. 
   
• Don't allow your dog or cat to eat or sniff feces of other animals.