Ascarids of dogs and cats

What are dog and cat roundworms?

They are round, elongated worms, which are often called “dog and cat roundworms” because they are similar to human roundworms.
Adult roundworms live in the intestines of dogs and cats and can be found in vomit and feces. The adult worms will lay microscopic eggs that will end up in the environment, following the elimination by the droppings.

Adult ascarids as seen in the droppings or vomit of puppies and kittens. © Alan R. Walker, Creative Commons

Modes of contamination

  • By the oral route (e.g. ingestion of food contaminated by eggs)
  • During gestation (contamination of puppies in the womb)
  • During lactation (ascarid larvae can be found in the milk of mothers and contaminate their offspring).

Limit the contamination of the environment

  • Pick up the poop
  • Do not allow your pets access to the vegetable garden, beaches or play areas.

Limiting human contamination

  • Cook meat thoroughly, especially offal
  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Wash the vegetables thoroughly.

Deworming

– In order to protect yourself and your pets, you should deworm your animals

– Deworming of puppies : from the age of 2 weeks, then at 4, 6 and 8 weeks, then every month until the age of 6 months.

– Deworming of kittens : from the age of 3 weeks, then at 5, 7 and 9 weeks, then every month until the age of 6 months.

– Deworming of adult dogs and cats: 4 times a year (every 3 months). In case of contact with young children or fragile people, a deworming every 4 to 6 weeks is preferable because it completely reduces the risk of contamination of the environment by parasite eggs.

– Deworming of breeding bitches and cats: mothers should be treated at the same time as their young. They can also be dewormed at the end of gestation with a larvicidal dewormer.

Only your veterinarian can prescribe the right dewormer for your pet.

For more information

You can visit the ESCCAP website

You can call our Veterinary Assistants and make an appointment for a consultation on 02/3802492.