Toxocara Canis In Dogs - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Toxocara canis (or toxocariasis in dogs) is a parasitic worm that is located in a dog's stomach and intestines. Here, this roundworm can reach a considerable length of almost 20 centimeters. Female roundworms can also sometimes release a large number of resistant eggs into this environment, where the eggs can survive for years.

Dogs can become infected with roundworm during the prenatal period, i.e., pregnancy of a dog. However, it is also common for a dog to become infected with toxocariasis through drinking breast milk (containing roundworm eggs) or, alternatively, by ingesting infested prey.

The biological toxocara canis life cycle begins when the eggs reach the stomach. Through blood circulation, the larvae move to the lungs and, from there, reach the trachea and are ingested again. Once back in the stomach, these larvae transform into adult worms ready to lay eggs that are already capable of infecting other animals, thus restarting the cycle.

It should be noted that this cycle is highly efficient in perpetuating the infection, making it crucial for dog owners to ensure regular deworming and hygiene practices to break this cycle.

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As dogs grow, they develop resistance to toxocara canis, which helps to prevent many of these parasites from completing their biological cycle. However, sometimes, these larvae encyst in different parts of the body and activate in bitches, specifically during gestation periods. Here, these roundworms then migrate to the placenta and mammary glands.

Toxocara canis does not usually cause any apparent symptoms in adult dogs. However, toxocara canis symptoms in puppies are visible as:

• Intermittent vomiting and diarrhea.
• Visible worms in expulsion (looks like spaghetti).

Serious toxocara canis symptoms in puppies may include:

• Puppies won’t grow correctly or efficiently.
• Puppies will appear pale.
• Swollen abdomen.
• Pain on palpation.
• Anemia.
• Larvae in the lungs can cause coughing and nausea.

In some severe cases, the infestation can lead to more critical issues such as intestinal blockages or severe nutritional deficiencies that require immediate veterinary intervention.

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Observation of parasites in a dog’s feces is a direct diagnostic method. You can also take a stool sample to a veterinarian who can then examine the stool under a microscope, allowing for correct identification of toxocara canis eggs. If any of these above symptoms are noticed, immediate veterinary treatment is necessary.

It should be noted that early diagnosis significantly improves the prognosis for affected dogs, as it allows for timely intervention that can prevent more severe health issues.

For more, we recommend reading:

• Deworming my pregnant dog.
• Deworming dogs: preventing and treating parasites.

Toxocara canis in dogs treatment must be prescribed by a veterinarian, since only a professional can identify the parasite. There are several drugs on the market which fight against toxocara canis. A veterinarian will be the one to choose the most appropriate treatment according to your dog’s specific case, gender, breed, and age. It is important to look for a product that also eliminates the encysted larvae, such as milbemax.

The best way to fight and avoid internal parasites is through prevention. Establishing a proper deworming calendar that should begin at fifteen days of age is necessary. This treatment should be repeated every two weeks until the end of your puppy’s vaccination schedule. In addition, it should be maintained every 3-4 months throughout your dog's life.

We recommend deworming your pregnant dog two weeks prior to the approximate date of delivery and during lactation. This should decrease the parasitic load of the environment and reduce chances of puppy infestation.

Regular veterinary check-ups and maintaining a hygienic environment are also critical in minimizing the risk of re-infection. For more about how to recognize if your dog has worms, we recommend reading our article about the: types of dog poop and what they mean.

Toxocara canis is zoonotic, which means it can be transmitted to humans from dogs. Toxocara canis causes a disease in humans called visceral larva migrans. This infection occurs due to the ingestion of the parasitic eggs. Therefore, children who eat dirt and have deficiencies in hygiene habits are more at risk.

Spaces shared by dogs and children, such as parks, can become pockets of contamination. In this sense, it is essential to always pick up and properly dispose of your canine’s excrement. Toxocara canis life cycle in humans is different than that in dogs, as larvae in humans are unable to reach adulthood. Instead, visceral larva migrans in humans cross the intestinal wall and migrate to the liver, lungs, and skin.

When largely infested, toxocariasis symptoms in humans include:

• Abdominal pain.
• Coughing.
• Itching or rash.
• Larvae can spread to the heart, kidneys, spleen, brain, or eyes.

It should be noted that the risk of severe complications increases with the number of larvae present, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.

Prevention in humans involves keeping animals properly dewormed, especially puppies and pregnant bitches. This is in addition to educating children about basic hygiene habits.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Toxocara Canis In Dogs - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment, we recommend you visit our Parasitic diseases category.