Warning for Aussie dog owners

Aussie dog owners are being warned to keep their pets safe from a potentially harmful infection that can cause health issues for both dogs and humans.

University of Melbourne parasitologist Vito Colella said there was an increased risk of exposure to Toxocara roundworms after recent warm and wet weather.

This parasitic roundworm can cause toxocariasis, a rare infection caused by eating roundworm larvae found in the small intestines of dogs and cats.

If ingested, it can cause a range of mild but chronic health issues.

“The majority of dogs develop something called pot-bellied syndrome,” Dr Colella told 7News.

“The belly, especially in puppies, is dilated, it’s particularly swollen.

“The Toxocara parasites can take up the nutrients that should have gone to the animal.”

In dogs symptoms can include diarrhoea, vomiting, failure to gain weight and a swollen belly.

Dr Colella said intestinal obstruction could also sometimes occur, while there’s also a chance of anaphylaxis causing death.

Toxocara roundworms are usually passed on through the animal faeces if contaminated with the microscopic larvae.

However, Toxocara roundworms can even be transmitted from animals to humans by eating the contaminated soil, which could occur if a child was playing in a playground where a dog defecated.

“They could get infected from the environment where the dogs live, especially public parks or if they are in the garden, if the faeces are not picked up in a short time and disposed of properly,” Dr Colella said.

Humans infected with Toxocara roundworms can develop health issues including abnormal blood test results, enlargement of the liver, loss of appetite, muscle and joint pains, abdominal pain and rashes.

While most humans recover without specific treatment, it is extremely rare for toxocariasis to cause severe disease or death.

Dog can be receive simple treatment for Toxocara roundworms through the use of different drugs.

Dog owners can keep their pets safe by deworming their dogs monthly, annually treating them for external parasites and continuing regular check-ups with their vet.

Dr Colella urged dog owners to pick up their pet’s faeces as quickly as possible and also wash their hands after interacting with soil to stop the potential spread.

“This is important for all dog owners but particularly so for those with young children who we know are at greatest risk,” he said.