Roundworms (Ascarids)   
It is not surprising that Roundworms are often referred to in two separate words as in Round Worms because the description of these parasites is that they look like worms which have round bodies. These types of worms are called Ascarids. Roundworms measure between 0.3 - 0.5 inches (7-12 cm) long and live in the dog's intestines and live off partially digested food. There are many different types of dog and puppy parasites and most puppies are born infested with 'worms' - their mother can carry roundworms and infect puppies before they are even born. The generic term "worms" is usually used to describe Roundworms - the most common of all the canine worms. Severe infection, if left untreated, can create intestinal obstruction and even cause death in puppies. Please note that Roundworm can be carried from dogs to people.

Worms are the common name for Canine parasites which exist internally and externally. As internal parasites they live off the puppy or dog robbing them of vital nutrients needed to stay healthy. Left untreated, intestinal parasites will stunt the growth and weaken young puppies.

Worms - invade the environment and infect other dogs
Worm eggs, or larvae, are shed into the environment via faeces and can infect other dogs or humans.

The Spread of Round Worms to People
The Spread of Parasitic Worms, including the Roundworm, can be transferred from one animal to another and from animals to humans. The biggest risk is to our children who often do not pay care and attention to basic sanitary and cleansing requirements.

Transmission and Prevention of  Roundworm
The risk of transmission and the spread of worms, including Roundworm, can be minimised by:

• Exercising sensible sanitary measures

• Ensuring all excrement is removed from pet areas

• Ensuring that hands are washed and clean after contact with the dog or puppy

• Ensure that all produce grown in the garden is washed thoroughly

• Ensure your dog is free of worms at regular intervals

Preventing or reducing the occurrence of dog and puppy worms by taking de-worming measures prevents the shedding of parasite eggs by your dog or puppy. These eggs contaminate the environment, and, as they can lay dormant for some considerable time, can later re-infect your dog or puppy.

Symptoms of Roundworms
The symptoms of Roundworms are as follows:

• Anaemia

• Dry hair

• Poor weight-gain

• Apathy

• Diarrhoea

• Bloated abdomen in puppys

• Coughing

Dogs susceptible to Roundworms
Dogs are susceptible to worms, including Roundworm, at all ages of dogs but the greatest frequency is found in puppies. These particularly refer to the Tapeworms and the Roundworms. Worms are typically found in babies and puppies, whilst tapeworms are more common in older dogs.

Puppy susceptibility to Roundworms - Treatment Schedule
Puppies are particularly susceptible to Roundworm and they may start passing roundworm eggs at the age of just 21 days when it is necessary to commence the first treatment. Pups can also be re-infected via their mother's milk. The mother and pup should therefore be treated until weaning has taken place. Medication to control the Roundworms can be prescribed by a Veterinary Surgeon at 6, 9, and 12 weeks of age. This will enable the Vet to detect any " Worms" and ensure that your pet is free of dog parasites. Medication should be prescribed to treat the Roundworms regardless of whether parasite eggs are detected in the stool of the puppy or bitch. This is because the eggs of the parasites may not have yet developed or are not numerous enough to be detected.