Roundworms in dogs can result in a potbelly, poor coat, slow growth, vomiting and diarrhea symptoms.

Although it is not common, heavy infections (especially in puppies), can lead to intestinal blockage, and even intestinal rupture, at times even causing death.

Health risk to people: zoonosis

Canine roundworm infections are zoonotic – they can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Although direct contact with animals may increase the risk of transmission, most infections in humans occur from accidentally eating worm eggs and larvae in the environment.

Because of their play habits – and their tendency to put things in their mouths – young children are more vulnerable to worm infections.

Most canine roundworm infections go undetected in humans. While roundworm infections are not fatal in humans, they can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

In some cases, roundworms have been known to migrate through body organs, occasionally causing damage to the liver, the lungs and the brain.

If larvae enter the eyes, blindness can result. This phenomenon, called visceral larva migrans (or ocular larva migrans), is serious enough to justify strict control measures for roundworms. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that over 10,000 such cases occur each year in the U.S.

Learn how to treat your dog roundworm at Canine Roundworm Treatment