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What are the common signs and symptoms of roundworm infection in pets?
Identifying Roundworms in Your Pet
Taking good care of your pet includes knowing what signs and symptoms to look for to detect any potential health issues. Roundworms, for instance, are one of the most common parasites that can affect pets. It’s important to know how to identify roundworms in your pet and take the necessary steps to keep them safe and healthy.
Roundworm Symptoms
Roundworms in pets are visible under the skin and can range in size from millimeters to several inches. Typical symptoms that may indicate roundworms are visible in your pet include:
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Abdominal swelling
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Diagnosing & Treating Roundworms
Your veterinarian can examine a stool sample from your pet and look for the presence of roundworms. In addition to stool sample testing, your veterinarian may recommend a complete physical exam and full blood test to check for the presence of roundworms and other parasites. Once you’ve verified the presence of roundworms, your veterinarian can provide you with the necessary treatment options to get rid of them.
Common Treatments for Roundworms
The most common treatments for roundworms in pets are medications and dewormers. Your veterinarian may prescribe a dewormer such as pyrantel pamoate or ivermectin to kill the roundworms in your pet’s system. It may also be necessary to put your pet on a regular deworming schedule as a preventative measure.
Preventing Further Infection
In addition to treating your pet for roundworms, you can also take steps to prevent them from further infection. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are recommended, and consistently cleaning and disinfecting their living environment. Dispose of their waste properly, and keep your pet away from the stool of other animals. Also be sure that your pet gets the proper amount of exercise and nutrition.
If you think your pet may have roundworms, it’s important to take the necessary preventive measures. Early detection and treatment of roundworms can help keep your pet healthy and prevent further infection.
