Interrupting the Cycle of Worms in Dogs

Although they do not usually pose serious health care problems, worms in dogs always seem to be an issue which just won't go away, especially for puppies. This is because of the way their life cycle works. Because worms in dogs can cause health problems, to humans as well as dogs in some cases, it is important that as dog owners we intervene and try to break the worms in dogs 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. At the start of the cycle, a female puppy becomes infected through the placenta before she is born or throught drinking her 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. Once it has reached maturity by feeding on the part-digested food in the intesting, the worm releases eggs which leave the dog's body with the 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.

So that is the cycle and in order to break it, adult dogs must be treated 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.