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parasitic disease Dog Transmissible to humans

Dog roundworms

Roundworms, also called roundworms, are the most common intestinal parasites in dogs. The main one, Toxocara canis, looks like white spaghetti several centimeters long and lives in the small intestine. Many puppies are infested from the fir...

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Definition Signs Causes Transmission Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Zoonosis Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Many puppies are infested from the first weeks of life: the larvae pass from the mother to the fetus during gestation, then through milk.

In healthy adult dogs, the infestation often goes unnoticed. However, the animal continues to emit eggs which permanently contaminate the soil.

Key point

Mild in adults, potentially serious in very young and untreated puppies.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Bloating Diarrhea Vomiting Stunted growth Dull coat Weight loss Loss of appetite Cough Visible worms in stools Hard or painful abdomen

In puppies: swollen and hard belly which contrasts with a thin body, dull and dull hair, stagnant growth.

Diarrhea, sometimes alternating with normal stools.

Vomiting which may contain whole, white, coiled worms.

Worms visible in the stools, round, a few centimeters in size.

Transient cough in very young puppies, linked to the passage of larvae into the lungs.

In adults, most often no signs: the parasite is discovered during stool analysis.

In case of massive infestation, stomach pain and signs of intestinal obstruction.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

The infestation is due to roundworms of the roundworm family, mainly Toxocara canis and, more rarely, Toxascaris leonina.

The dog becomes infected by swallowing ripe eggs present in the earth, on its coat or on soiled objects, or by eating a rodent carrying larvae.

In females, larvae remain encysted in the tissues for years then reactivate at the end of gestation to reach the puppies.

Young age: puppies and dogs under six months of age are most affected.

Pregnant and lactating dogs.

Community life: breeding, shelters, large litters.

Access to shared grounds, public gardens and sandboxes.

Dogs that hunt or eat rodents.

Lack of regular deworming.

Transmission

Eggs are eliminated in large numbers in the stools. They are not immediately contaminating: they need several days in the external environment to become infective.

Once mature, they survive for months, even years, in damp soil, sand and shady areas.

Contamination therefore occurs mainly through the ground, and not by simple contact with a clean dog.

From mother to puppies, the passage takes place before birth and during breastfeeding.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

Diagnosis is based on a stool analysis in the laboratory, which looks for eggs under a microscope. Sampling spread over several days improves reliability, because egg release is irregular.

In puppies, the presence of worms in vomit or stools is often enough to refer the veterinarian.

The examination also assesses the general condition: weight, hydration, color of the mucous membranes, flexibility of the stomach.

Treatment

The treatment is based on a dewormer prescribed by the veterinarian, chosen according to the age, weight and condition of the dog.

A single pass is not always enough: the larvae present in the tissues escape certain products, which justifies repeating the treatment according to the indicated rhythm.

In a heavily infested puppy, the massive elimination of worms can cause temporary digestive discomfort, which should be reported to the veterinarian.

Supportive care, rehydration and adapted nutrition are sometimes necessary for weakened young people.

Products intended for humans or purchased outside the veterinary circuit are not suitable and expose you to accidents.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Deworm the puppies from the first weeks of life, then at short intervals until weaning, treating the mother in parallel: the exact rhythm is set by the veterinarian.

In adults, plan regular deworming several times a year, adapted to their lifestyle; stool tests can guide this rhythm.

Picking up droppings without delay, at home or on a walk: it's the action that breaks the cycle.

Cover the sandboxes and prevent children from playing in areas frequented by dogs.

Wash your hands after handling a dog, gardening or playing outside; Wash garden vegetables well.

Possible complications

In puppies: growth retardation, anemia, dehydration.

Obstruction or even perforation of the intestine in the event of a massive infestation.

Migration lung damage in very young people, with cough and difficulty breathing.

A parasitized puppy is less resistant to other diseases and responds less well to vaccination.

When to see a veterinarian

You see white worms in your dog's stool or vomit.

Your puppy has a swollen belly even though he is not gaining weight.

Diarrhea lasts more than two days or contains blood.

The puppy vomits repeatedly, remains depressed, or refuses to nurse.

You have just adopted a dog with an unknown deworming history.

A child in the home has unexplained fatigue, a persistent cough or vision problems.

Transmission to humans

Yes, this parasite can infest humans: we then speak of toxocariasis, or “visceral migrating larva”.

It is not caught by petting a dog, but by swallowing eggs that have become ripe in the ground, carried to the hands then to the mouth, or placed on poorly washed food. Young children, who play on the ground and put their hands to their mouths, are most exposed.

In humans, the larvae never become adult worms: they migrate into the organs and can cause fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, cough or, more rarely, eye damage.

The protective measures are simple and effective: deworm the dog, pick up its droppings, wash your hands before eating, do not let children play in soiled soil.

In the event of suggestive signs in a child living with dogs, a doctor should be consulted.

Prognosis

Very good when treatment is given on time: adult worms are eliminated quickly and the puppy generally catches up with its growth delay.

The real issue is not the severity in adult dogs, but the lasting contamination of the soil, which maintains the cycle and exposes those around them.

Frequently asked questions

My adult dog has no symptoms: should I still deworm him?

Yes. A carrier dog without symptoms continues to shed eggs into the environment and exposes those around them, especially children. Regular deworming protects both the family and the animal.

At what age can a puppy be dewormed?

Very early, from the first weeks of life, with a product adapted to your age and weight. The veterinarian sets the schedule and usually treats the mother at the same time.

Can you get worms from being licked by your dog?

It's very unlikely. Freshly released eggs are not contaminating; they become so after several days in the ground. The risk comes from soiled soil, not from affectionate touch.

Does a dewormer protect for several months?

No. A dewormer eliminates the worms present on the day it is given, but does not protect against reinfestations that follow. This is why it is repeated according to a rhythm defined with the veterinarian.