Symptoms of Roundworm in Dogs
In relatively minor cases of Roundworm, a dog may not display any visible symptoms. However, in dogs with more severe cases of Roundworm, there are many key symptoms that can be indicative of a possible health problem. As some of these symptoms could possibly be related to another medical condition, initial diagnosis of Roundworm may be difficult for a veterinarian.
The most definitive sign that a dog is infected with Roundworm is that visible worms or worm larvae are present in a dog's urine, feces, saliva or vomit. It is generally not possible to identify Roundworm eggs, as they are shed exclusively in a dog's feces, and are usually not visible to the naked eye.
Abnormal Stool
This is probably the first symptom that many dog owners notice when their dog is infected with Roundworm. Dogs with Roundworm may have bloody, irregular stools, and may even have visible adult Roundworms in their feces. In addition to this, many dogs who are infected with Roundworm may experience moderate to severe diarrhea, depending on the progression of the Roundworm infection.
Loss of Appetite
A dog infected with Roundworm may experience a gradual loss of appetite. This symptom may or may not occur, depending on how severely the Roundworm has infected a dog. With a loss of appetite, there are other related symptoms that may be present – such as weight loss, diagnosed anorexia, malnutrition, lethargy and depression.
Coughing
This symptom is commonly displayed when the Roundworm larvae have traveled into a dog's lungs. A dog with Roundworm may cough incessantly, and may even cough up a worm itself. Roundworms appear as thin white "spaghetti-like" worms. They are not to be confused with Tapeworms, which are flat, may appear short, and whose larvae appear as “rice-like” (according to a veterinary description).
Vomiting
In addition to coughing, vomiting is also very common in dogs that are infected with Roundworm. Some dogs may not experience this symptom, depending on the localization and severity of the infection. When vomiting, it is possible for a dog to vomit up Roundworms or Roundworm larvae.
Distended Abdomen
This symptom is usually only present in dogs that are experiencing a severe infection of Roundworm. Having a distended abdomen means that a dog's Roundworm infection has reached an advanced stage, and it is necessary to seek veterinary attention immediately.