Question:
I just got back from taking my dog to the vet for vaccinations and a check up. They said he has roundworm. Is there something I can treat the backyard with to get rid of them so it isn't an ongoing problem? This is all new to me and the vet didn't know.

A:  I would recommend using the dewormer your veterinarian prescribed and retrieving any feces from the yard.

Roundworms are a parasite, commonly found in dogs and cats.  This is a parasite that is found in the environment, usually from eating another dog's contaminated stool.  There is medication that can be given in two doses, two weeks apart, to expel the parasites from the gastrointestinal tract.  It is recommended to clear any stool from the yard during the treatment stage to prevent re-infestation.  Once the majority of the parasites are cleared, monthly heartworm treatment is usually all that is needed to prevent re-infection.  Heartguard, Interceptor, and Sentinel are all brands of heartworm prevention that also protect against a few of the intestinal parasites.

I should note that roundworms are zoonotic, which means they can infect people as well.  Please wash your hands after handling your dog's feces to prevent infection.  Children that are infected with the parasite can develop blindness.  Make sure your children are washing their hands prior to eating.

~Dr. Page Wages

Oberlin Animal Hospital