Whilst they do not normally present any major problems to dog health, worms in dogs are a problematic issue in that they always seem to come back. This is especially true in puppies and is imply because of the way their life cycle works. Worms in dogs can cause health problems to dogs and in some cases to humans as well, so all dog owners have a responsibility to do all that they can to break the cycle and keep it broken.
In the UK, the roundworm is the most common worm infestation seen in dogs, because most puppies are born with an infestation. Infestation causes swollen abdomens in puppies and might lead to delayed growth. In serious cases it may even kill them by causing intestinal blockage.
As with all types of worms in dogs, this cycle cn be interrupted with knowledge and treatment. The cycle begins when a female puppy is infected from her own mother, either in the womb or as a pup through the mother's milk. Then, in the infected puppy, some worm larvae will migrate through the intestine wall, into the bloodstream and into muscles where they will form cysts which cannot be destroyed. Later in life, during pregnancy, the larvae awaken and move back through the bloodstream to infest any unborn puppies.
Not all the larvae in the young puppy will form the cysts previously mentioned. Instead, some will remain in the intestine and grow into adults. Having reached maturity by feeding of the partially digested contents of the intestine, the worm will release eggs which will be passed with the dog's faeces. In the open environment, the eggs begin to pose a risk to other dogs and humans. There is more of a risk to humans from touching contaminated soil than from handling puppies.
That is how the cycle works and to break it, owners must treat adult dogs for worms every three months. As they are more likely to have worms, puppies should be treated every two weeks from the age of two weeks to twelve weeks and then every month until the age of six months. People who keep dogs must be responsible and clean up after their dog as well as make sure that their family practice good hand hygiene. This will reduce the risk of worms in dogs to other dogs and people.
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To find out more about worms in dogs and their effect on your pet dog, visit the Pet Health Info website: http://www.pethealthinfo.org.uk/dogs/health_worms.html
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