Posted: 10/21/2013 12:39:16 PM EDT
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My dog was positive a couple months ago for round worms and was treated and has since been clear of them. My vet mentioned that I may want to burn and till up my back yard, where the dog usually relieves himself.
Has anyone ever heard of this being done? My yard is quite small so it wouldn't be too much work, but is it really necessary? I do have children and they are always the biggest concern. We do pick up after him immediately after he goes. Thanks guys here's a picture of Sarge, our 4 month old Catahoula: 
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Quoted:
I posted a similar question a while ago and the general reply was that they can't be spread unless the dog is eating poop or dead stuff like birds or mice. If that is true then I would think as long as you are picking up after him, he should be fine. Thanks, I couldn't find anything with a google search |
| Round worms are pretty uncommon in AZ- well at least in Phx and the desert areas. I think you'll be fine just cleaning up after him. If he's on heartworm preventive like Heartgard or similar products that are given monthly then those effectively deworm the dog every months in addition to preventing heartworm disease. |
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Worm parasites use the technique of putting out eggs that pass through the animal's digestive system and out. It isn't just dogs, and it isn't just piles of poop (although they are the most likely candidates)
Eggs stay on the ground until they get picked up. Animal isn't necessarily eating poop. A stick that lays in the yard could potentially get some eggs on it, then dog picks up stick with mouth and into the system they go. Dog could walk on eggs, then later chew on foot to relieve an itch and into the system they go. There have been instances of humans getting worms from having a bit of dirt under fingernails and then chewing nails, or gardening and wiping mouth/nose area with back of glove. Worm parasites put out a LOT of worms. If dog poos and you pick up poo, the tiny bits left on the grass can still have eggs in them. Eggs could be sitting on the surface from a dog that lived there with worms 10 years ago. If you think dog is getting eggs from yard (as opposed to taking him to a park where other dogs are, or something similar) tilling the yard would probably put 99% of the eggs deep enough in the dirt that they'd not be exposed for easy pick-up. |
| I think the simple answer is that dogs are always exposed to worms. The trick IMO is to continually treat for worms (set up a treatment cycle). If you do it correctly you can get on a regimen to eliminate his worms. You can search the internet on ways to treat for worms your self. If you want some help send me a message. Vets will have you come in with a fecal sample and check it on the annual visit. |