Adult T. canis worms are easily identified; they are 4 to 6 inches long, stout, and white. It is important that you be able to identify the adult worms because clients often bring you worms that they found in their dog's vomitus or feces.
How big can roundworms get?
Roundworms can live inside the small intestine for up to 2 years. The worms are about as thick as a pencil. They can grow to be about 13 inches long. They reproduce very quickly. Female roundworms may lay more than 200,000 eggs a day.
How long can a dog live with roundworms?
There are basically 4 species of roundworms that can affect dogs and/or cats: Toxocara canis, Toxocara leonine, Toxocara cati, and Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm). Roundworms live an average of 4 months and have a life cycle ranging from as early as 14 days to as long as 80 days depending on the species.
Can you see roundworms in dogs?
Many dogs do not have signs of infection; however, dogs with major roundworm infections, especially puppies, show diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, dull hair, and a potbellied appearance. The dog may cough if the roundworms move into the lungs. You may notice the adult roundworms in your dog's feces or vomit.
How fast do roundworms grow in a dog?
After a period, which may vary from weeks to months, the eggs develop into infective larvae. Under ideal conditions, this takes approximately four weeks.
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