Roundworms are the most common type of intestinal parasite found in puppies and, when passed, resemble cooked spaghetti.  Adult worms, however, rarely leave the animal’s body unless they are dead.  Because of this, your pet may have roundworms, but you may never see them. 

Roundworms are picked up through your animal’s environment or from the mother.  Most puppies and kittens are born with worms, having been infested from the mother in the womb.  If they are not born with worms, they are very likely to pick them up from their environment and can even become infested through the mother’s milk. 

Older animals usually contract roundworms from areas where other animals have defecated.  Adult worms lay tiny eggs in the intestines that are then passed out with the feces.  These eggs then stay in the environment until either the area is cleaned or another animal picks them up.  Although eggs are passed through feces, they can easily rub off onto grass or other objects and eventually onto your dog’s toys or twigs. 

Because these eggs can pass so easily in the environment, the CDC recommends that all dogs be dewormed annually.  These parasites can and will infect humans.  Children are especially at risk since they are less likely to wash or discard dropped food or wash their hands after playing outside. 

Besides causing distended abdomens, roundworms can cause eventual diarrhea, lethargy, and even death in very young animals.