What is Toxocara Canis?
Toxocara Canis are roundworms that predominantly camp in the alimentary tract of dogs. It is capable of causing significant disease in young puppies and can also affect humans. Female worms can measure up to 15 cm in length. If you notice visible worms in your dog’s feces or vomit, have your dog checked by the veterinarian as soon as possible
Causes of Toxocara Canis in Dogs
In Adult dogs, Toxocaora Canis transmits via the oral route. Infection occurs when ingestion of eggs or larvae of Toxocara canis that are passed in feces and dirt. Following the ingestion, the eggs hatch in the small intestine, grow as worms, penetrates the gut wall and spread to other body parts such as the heart, liver, and lungs. On reaching the Lungs, the adult worms get coughed out and swallowed back into the small intestine. The Adult worms again lay eggs in the small intestine that are passed out in the faeces.
In Young Puppies, the transmission occurs from mother via the placenta and milk.
Symptoms of Toxocara Canis in Dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Anemia
- Loss of Appetite
- Worms in the Voit or stool
- Swelling in the Abdomen
Toxocara Canis in Dogs Treatment
- Prevention of illnesses from Toxocara Canis is better than cure infections
- Bitches should be wormed from day 40 of pregnancy with fenbendazole
- Worm pups regularly from 14 days of age
- Worm your Adult dog regularly at intervals recommended by your veterinarian
- Pick up after your dog has pooped
- Encourage your children to wash their hands after playing with dogs or pups or playing outside