# Roundworms in Dogs: Zoonotic Risk Deworming and Puppy Schedule


## Key Takeaways

- *Toxocara canis* is a highly prevalent canine roundworm with significant zoonotic potential, causing visceral, ocular, and neurological toxocariasis in humans, particularly children, via ingestion of embryonated eggs.
- Puppies are at highest risk due to transplacental and transmammary transmission, necessitating deworming to commence at 2 weeks of age and repeat every 2 weeks until 8 weeks, followed by monthly treatments until 6 months.
- Diagnosis relies on fecal flotation, though molecular methods like PCR offer enhanced sensitivity and species-specific identification, crucial for monitoring treatment efficacy and detecting subclinical infections.
- Effective deworming protocols utilize benzimidazoles (e.g., fenbendazole), macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin, moxidectin), and tetrahydropyrimidines (e.g., pyrantel), often in combination products, with adult dogs requiring treatment 2-4 times annually based on risk factors.
- Environmental hygiene, including prompt fecal removal and handwashing, is paramount for preventing zoonotic transmission, as *Toxocara* eggs are environmentally resilient and can persist for years.
- Emerging parasite threats such as *Angiostrongylus vasorum* and *Strongyloides stercoralis* require veterinary awareness due to their expanding geographic ranges and potential for severe, sometimes atypical, clinical presentations.

---

Roundworms, particularly *[Toxocara canis](/knowledge/parasites/pet-parasites/toxocara-canis-roundworm-dogs-puppies-visceral-larva-migrans-human)*, are among the most common [intestinal parasites](/knowledge/parasites/pet-parasites/intestinal-parasites-dogs-cats-identification-treatment) affecting dogs worldwide. These nematodes pose significant health risks not only to canine patients but also to human family members through zoonotic transmission. This comprehensive guide provides evidence-based information on roundworm biology, zoonotic risks, diagnostic approaches, and effective deworming protocols for puppies and adult dogs.

**Owner Triage Summary:** If your puppy or [dog](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/dog) has visible worms in feces, a distended abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, or failure to gain weight, contact your veterinarian promptly. Puppies should begin deworming at 2 weeks of age, with repeated treatments according to veterinary guidance. Roundworm infections are treatable, but they carry real zoonotic risks, especially for children. Do not attempt home remedies; professional veterinary care is essential for safe and effective parasite control.

## At a Glance: Roundworm Infection in Dogs

| Aspect | Key Information |
|----|---------|
| **Primary Pathogen** | *Toxocara canis* (also *Toxascaris leonina*) |
| **Zoonotic Potential** | High, especially for children; causes visceral, ocular, and neurological toxocariasis [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>] |
| **Transmission Routes** | Transplacental, transmammary, ingestion of embryonated eggs, paratenic hosts |
| **Clinical Signs** | Pot-bellied appearance, vomiting, diarrhea, poor growth, coughing, intestinal obstruction |
| **Diagnosis** | Fecal flotation, coproscopy, molecular methods (PCR), clinical signs |
| **Puppy Deworming** | Begin at 2 weeks of age, repeat every 2 weeks until 8 weeks, then monthly until 6 months |
| **Adult Deworming** | 2-4 times per year minimum; more frequent in high-risk environments |
| **Zoonotic Prevention** | Monthly heartworm preventives with intestinal parasite coverage, environmental hygiene, handwashing |
| **Prognosis** | Excellent with prompt treatment; guarded if complications develop |

## Understanding Roundworms: Biology and Life Cycle

Roundworms are large, white or light-colored nematodes that reside in the small intestine of dogs. The most clinically significant species is *Toxocara canis*, which has a complex life cycle involving multiple transmission routes and developmental stages [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>]. Adult worms can reach 4-6 inches in length and produce thousands of eggs daily, which are shed in the feces and contaminate the environment.

### The Life Cycle of Toxocara canis

The life cycle of *Toxocara canis* involves several distinct stages, each with specific implications for disease transmission and control:

1. **Egg Stage:** Adult female worms in the dog's intestine release unembryonated eggs into the feces. These eggs require 2-4 weeks in the environment to become infective (embryonated) under optimal temperature and moisture conditions [<a href="#ref-2">2</a>].

2. **Larval Stages:** Once ingested by a suitable host, embryonated eggs hatch in the intestine, releasing third-stage larvae (L3) that penetrate the intestinal wall and migrate through tissues [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>].

3. **Hepatic-Tracheal Migration:** In puppies, larvae migrate through the liver and lungs, are coughed up and swallowed, and develop into adult worms in the small intestine.

4. **Somatic Migration:** In adult dogs and paratenic hosts, larvae undergo somatic migration, encysting in various tissues including muscle, liver, and lungs, where they can remain dormant for years [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>].

5. **Transplacental Transmission:** In pregnant bitches, reactivated larvae cross the placenta to infect puppies in utero, making this the most important route of infection in young puppies.

6. **Transmammary Transmission:** Larvae can also be passed through milk during nursing, providing another route of early infection [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>].

### Host Adaptation and Virulence Factors

Recent molecular research has revealed important insights into how *Toxocara canis* adapts to different hosts. A 2026 study examined gene expression patterns of three key virulence genes: Toxocara excretory-secretory protein 1 (TcES-1), Toxocara cysteine protease-like gene (TcCPL-1), and Toxocara heat shock protein 90 (TcHSP-90) [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>]. The research demonstrated that larvae in human-model hosts (murine models) showed significantly higher expression of TcES-1 and TcCPL-1 compared with canine larvae, indicating stronger immune modulation and tissue invasion abilities in incidental hosts (p < 0.001) [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>]. This finding has important implications for understanding the pathogenesis of human toxocariasis and the parasite's ability to survive in different host environments.

## Zoonotic Risk: How Roundworms Affect Humans

The zoonotic potential of *Toxocara canis* represents a significant public health concern. Humans become infected through accidental ingestion of embryonated eggs from contaminated soil, hands, or objects, or through consumption of undercooked meat containing larvae from paratenic hosts [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>][<a href="#ref-2">2</a>]. Children are at highest risk due to their play habits, hand-to-mouth behavior, and closer contact with soil and pets.

### Clinical Syndromes in Humans

Human toxocariasis manifests in several distinct clinical forms:

**Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM):** This syndrome occurs when larvae migrate through internal organs, causing fever, hepatomegaly, eosinophilia, and pulmonary symptoms. The severity depends on the larval burden and the organs affected [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>].

**Ocular Larva Migrans (OLM):** Also called ocular toxocariasis (OT), this condition results from larvae migrating to the eye, causing visual impairment, strabismus, and posterior segment inflammatory changes [<a href="#ref-2">2</a>]. A clinically confirmed case in North Macedonia involved a 13-year-old boy with unilateral ocular disease, highlighting that OT remains a clinically important but easily overlooked manifestation of human infection [<a href="#ref-2">2</a>].

**Neurological Toxocariasis:** Larvae can migrate to the central nervous system, potentially causing seizures, cognitive deficits, and other neurological symptoms [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>].

### Environmental Contamination

The environmental resilience of *Toxocara* eggs contributes significantly to zoonotic risk. A retrospective study from North Macedonia found *Toxocara* spp. eggs in 3.0% of canine fecal samples (11/371) and 3.2% of feline samples (3/94), demonstrating ongoing zoonotic exposure potential even in regions with sporadic egg shedding [<a href="#ref-2">2</a>]. The study emphasized the need for improved awareness among clinicians and veterinarians, as well as strengthened preventive measures aimed at reducing environmental contamination and zoonotic exposure [<a href="#ref-2">2</a>].

### Geographic Prevalence

The prevalence of roundworm infections varies significantly by region and population. In a study from Gonzaga, Cagayan, Northern Philippines, hookworm ova were detected in 27.8% of environmental canine fecal samples by coproscopy, with PCR identifying 33.3% positive samples [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>]. While this study focused on hookworms, it illustrates the significant environmental contamination with zoonotic parasites in areas with free-roaming dogs and limited sanitation [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>]. Similar patterns exist for *Toxocara* species across many regions, with higher prevalence typically found in tropical and subtropical areas.

## Risk Factors for Roundworm Infection in Dogs

Several factors increase a dog's risk of roundworm infection:

**Age:** Puppies are at highest risk due to transplacental and transmammary transmission. The highest prevalence occurs in puppies under 6 months of age [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>].

**Housing Conditions:** Dogs housed in kennels, shelters, or multi-dog households face increased exposure risk. Research on vector-borne diseases has shown that housing three or more dogs is significantly associated with increased infection risk (P < 0.05) [<a href="#ref-4">4</a>].

**Geographic Location:** Regional differences in parasite prevalence affect risk. For example, studies in Lebanon and Peru have demonstrated varying prevalence patterns of different parasites, with environmental conditions favoring transmission [<a href="#ref-4">4</a>][<a href="#ref-5">5</a>].

**Immune Status:** Immunocompromised dogs are at higher risk for severe infections. A case report described *Strongyloides stercoralis* hyperinfection in a splenectomised dog, illustrating how immune compromise can lead to overwhelming parasitic disease [<a href="#ref-6">6</a>].

**Lifestyle:** Free-roaming and hunting dogs have higher exposure to contaminated environments and paratenic hosts [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>].

## Clinical Signs and Diagnosis

### Clinical Presentation in Dogs

Roundworm infections in dogs can produce a range of clinical signs, from subclinical to severe:

**Puppies:**
- Pot-bellied appearance
- Poor growth and failure to thrive
- Vomiting (sometimes with visible worms)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Coughing (due to larval migration through lungs)
- Dull coat
- Intestinal obstruction in heavy infections

**Adult Dogs:**
- Often asymptomatic
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Poor coat condition
- Coughing

### Diagnostic Approaches

**Fecal Examination:** Microscopic examination of feces using flotation techniques remains the primary diagnostic method [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>][<a href="#ref-2">2</a>]. However, this method has limitations, as it cannot always differentiate between similar parasite eggs [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>].

**Molecular Diagnostics:** PCR-based methods offer higher sensitivity and species-specific identification. Studies have demonstrated that PCR can detect infections missed by conventional coproscopy [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>]. In the Philippines study, PCR identified 24 positive samples (33.3%) compared with 20 (27.8%) by coproscopy [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>].

**Clinical Pathology:** In cases of disseminated infection, laboratory abnormalities may be present. For example, a case of *Angiostrongylus vasorum* infection presented with hypercalcemia, polyuria-polydipsia, and urinary incontinence, highlighting the variable clinical presentation of parasitic infections [<a href="#ref-7">7</a>].

**Imaging:** Radiography and ultrasonography can reveal parasitic lesions in some cases. A study on heartworm disease demonstrated the utility of radiography in assessing disease severity [<a href="#ref-8">8</a>]. Similar imaging approaches may be useful in evaluating roundworm complications.

## Evidence-Based Deworming Protocols

### Puppy Deworming Schedule

The cornerstone of roundworm control is early and repeated deworming of puppies. According to veterinary consensus guidelines, the following schedule is recommended:

**Initial Deworming:** Begin at 2 weeks of age. This timing is critical because transplacental transmission means puppies can be born with migrating larvae [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>].

**Frequency:** Repeat every 2 weeks until 8 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months of age. This aggressive schedule addresses the ongoing larval migration and maturation cycles.

**Product Selection:** Choose products effective against both adult worms and migrating larvae. Many monthly heartworm preventives also control intestinal parasites, providing comprehensive coverage.

### Adult Dog Deworming

**Routine Schedule:** Adult dogs should receive deworming treatment 2-4 times per year, depending on risk factors. Dogs with high exposure (hunting, free-roaming, multi-dog households) may require more frequent treatment.

**Combination Products:** Many veterinarians recommend products that combine multiple active ingredients for broader spectrum coverage. For example, products containing moxidectin and pyrantel provide protection against both internal and external parasites [<a href="#ref-9">9</a>][<a href="#ref-10">10</a>].

**Fecal Testing:** Regular fecal examinations (1-2 times annually) help guide deworming decisions and detect emerging infections early [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>][<a href="#ref-2">2</a>].

### Anthelmintic Resistance Concerns

The emergence of anthelmintic resistance (AR) in canine parasitology represents a growing challenge that affects deworming protocols [<a href="#ref-11">11</a>]. Research has documented multidrug resistance in canine hookworms (*Ancylostoma caninum*) and macrocyclic lactone resistance in heartworms (*Dirofilaria immitis*) [<a href="#ref-11">11</a>][<a href="#ref-12">12</a>]. While roundworm resistance is less documented, the potential for resistance development exists.

A 2026 study found evidence for a previously uncharacterized association between resistance to macrocyclic lactones (MLs) and benzimidazoles (BZs) in *A. caninum* [<a href="#ref-12">12</a>]. The study observed that ML resistance was associated with canonical BZ resistance mutations, and the F167Y mutation correlated with increased egg output and prolonged infection [<a href="#ref-12">12</a>]. These findings raise concerns about cross-resistance between drug classes and the potential for resistance spread.

**Implications for Practice:**
- Use targeted deworming strategies based on fecal testing
- Avoid unnecessary prophylactic deworming
- Rotate drug classes when appropriate
- Monitor treatment efficacy through follow-up fecal examinations [<a href="#ref-11">11</a>]

## Treatment Options and Evidence

### Anthelmintic Drugs

Several drug classes are effective against roundworms:

**Benzimidazoles:** Fenbendazole is commonly used for roundworm treatment, typically administered for 3-5 consecutive days. It is effective against both adult worms and some larval stages.

**Macrocyclic Lactones:** Ivermectin, moxidectin, and milbemycin oxime are effective against roundworms and are commonly included in monthly preventives [<a href="#ref-13">13</a>][<a href="#ref-10">10</a>]. These drugs kill third- and fourth-stage larvae, preventing the development of adult worms [<a href="#ref-13">13</a>].

**Tetrahydropyrimidines:** Pyrantel pamoate is effective against adult roundworms and is commonly used in puppy deworming protocols. It is often combined with other agents for broader coverage [<a href="#ref-9">9</a>][<a href="#ref-10">10</a>].

**Combination Products:** Fixed-dose combinations provide comprehensive parasite control. For example, products containing fluralaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel have demonstrated efficacy against multiple parasite species [<a href="#ref-9">9</a>]. A study evaluating this combination found it 99.0% effective in preventing establishment of *Angiostrongylus vasorum* infection when moxidectin was administered at 0.025 mg/kg [<a href="#ref-9">9</a>].

### Treatment Monitoring

After deworming treatment, follow-up fecal examinations are recommended to confirm efficacy. This is particularly important in areas with documented anthelmintic resistance [<a href="#ref-11">11</a>]. Studies have demonstrated that PCR-based methods can detect infections missed by conventional coproscopy, making molecular diagnostics valuable for monitoring treatment success [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>].

## Prevention Strategies

### Environmental Control

Reducing environmental contamination with roundworm eggs is essential for preventing both canine reinfection and zoonotic transmission:

**Fecal Removal:** Prompt removal and proper disposal of dog feces from yards, parks, and public spaces reduces environmental egg contamination [<a href="#ref-2">2</a>].

**Soil Management:** Since embryonated eggs can survive in soil for years, areas heavily contaminated may require soil replacement or treatment in high-risk situations.

**Kennel Hygiene:** In multi-dog facilities, rigorous cleaning protocols and parasite surveillance are essential. Research has shown that housing three or more dogs is significantly associated with increased infection risk [<a href="#ref-4">4</a>].

### Zoonotic Prevention

Protecting human family members, especially children, requires a multi-faceted approach:

**Hand Hygiene:** Thorough handwashing after handling dogs, gardening, or playing in soil is critical [<a href="#ref-2">2</a>].

**Children's Play Areas:** Keep sandboxes covered and prevent dogs from defecating in areas where children play.

**Routine Veterinary Care:** Regular deworming and fecal testing of pets reduces the risk of human exposure [<a href="#ref-2">2</a>].

**Public Health Education:** Veterinarians play a crucial role in educating pet owners about zoonotic risks and prevention strategies [<a href="#ref-2">2</a>].

### Integrated Parasite Control

Comprehensive parasite control programs should address multiple parasite species simultaneously. Many monthly preventives provide coverage against heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and other intestinal parasites [<a href="#ref-13">13</a>][<a href="#ref-10">10</a>]. The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round prevention, and similar principles apply to intestinal parasite control [<a href="#ref-14">14</a>].

Research on vector-borne diseases has demonstrated the importance of integrated control approaches. Studies in Lebanon and Peru have shown significant prevalence of multiple vector-borne pathogens in dog populations, emphasizing the need for comprehensive prevention strategies [<a href="#ref-4">4</a>][<a href="#ref-5">5</a>].

## Unsafe Home Remedies and Misconceptions

Several home remedies and unproven treatments for roundworms are commonly discussed but should be avoided:

**Garlic:** Despite popular belief, garlic has no proven efficacy against roundworms and can be toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities.

**Diatomaceous Earth:** While sometimes promoted as a natural dewormer, there is no scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for internal parasites.

**Apple Cider Vinegar:** No evidence supports the use of vinegar for treating roundworm infections.

**Over-the-Counter Dewormers:** Non-prescription deworming products may be ineffective or incorrectly dosed. Professional veterinary guidance ensures appropriate product selection and dosing [<a href="#ref-11">11</a>].

**Human Anthelmintics:** Never administer human deworming medications to dogs without veterinary supervision, as dosing and safety profiles differ significantly.

## Prognosis and Complications

### Expected Outcomes

With prompt and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for roundworm infection in dogs is excellent. Puppies typically respond well to deworming protocols, with resolution of clinical signs within days to weeks. However, severe infections can lead to complications:

**Intestinal Obstruction:** Heavy worm burdens can cause intestinal blockage, requiring surgical intervention.

**Failure to Thrive:** Chronic infections in puppies can result in permanent growth deficits.

**Respiratory Complications:** Larval migration through the lungs can cause pneumonia, particularly in young puppies.

### Emerging Parasite Threats

While roundworms remain the primary focus, veterinarians should be aware of emerging parasite threats that may complicate diagnosis and treatment:

**Angiostrongylus vasorum:** The "French heartworm" is expanding its geographic range across Europe and North America [<a href="#ref-15">15</a>][<a href="#ref-7">7</a>][<a href="#ref-16">16</a>]. A case in Germany demonstrated that disseminated angiostrongylosis can cause sudden death in dogs [<a href="#ref-15">15</a>]. The first autochthonous case in mainland Canada was reported in 2026, with hypercalcemia as the primary finding [<a href="#ref-7">7</a>].

**Strongyloides stercoralis:** This soil-transmitted helminth is increasingly reported in dogs across Europe, with zoonotic potential [<a href="#ref-6">6</a>]. A case of hyperinfection syndrome in a splenectomised dog demonstrated the severe consequences in immunocompromised hosts [<a href="#ref-6">6</a>].

**Dioctophyme renale:** The giant kidney worm can cause severe renal pathology. A case report described successful treatment of ectopic dioctophymosis in a puppy using gasless laparoscopy [<a href="#ref-17">17</a>]. Surgery remains the treatment of choice since this parasite shows low sensitivity to anthelmintic drugs [<a href="#ref-17">17</a>].

## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian

This article provides general information about roundworm infections in dogs, but individual cases can vary significantly. Breed-level information cannot predict how a specific dog will respond to infection or treatment. Several factors influence outcomes, including:

- Age and immune status of the dog
- Severity and duration of infection
- Presence of concurrent diseases or infections
- Geographic location and local parasite prevalence
- History of previous treatments and potential drug resistance

**Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following:**

- Visible worms in vomit or feces
- Distended, painful abdomen
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Coughing or difficulty breathing
- Lethargy or weakness
- Poor appetite or weight loss
- Pale gums (possible anemia)
- Any signs of illness in puppies under 8 weeks of age

Remember that many parasitic infections can be subclinical, meaning routine veterinary check-ups and fecal testing are essential even when your dog appears healthy [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>][<a href="#ref-2">2</a>].

## Frequently Asked Questions

### 1. How often should puppies be dewormed for roundworms?

Puppies should begin deworming at 2 weeks of age and receive treatment every 2 weeks until 8 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months of age. This schedule addresses the complex life cycle of *Toxocara canis*, including transplacental and transmammary transmission [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>].

### 2. Can I get roundworms from my dog?

Yes, roundworms are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from dogs to humans. Humans become infected through accidental ingestion of embryonated eggs from contaminated environments, and children are at highest risk [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>][<a href="#ref-2">2</a>].

### 3. What are the symptoms of roundworm infection in puppies?

Common symptoms include a pot-bellied appearance, poor growth, vomiting (sometimes with visible worms), diarrhea, coughing, and a dull coat. However, some infected puppies may show no obvious signs, making routine deworming essential [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>].

### 4. How are roundworms diagnosed in dogs?

Roundworms are typically diagnosed through microscopic examination of fecal samples using flotation techniques. More sensitive molecular methods like PCR can detect infections that might be missed by conventional coproscopy [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>][<a href="#ref-2">2</a>].

### 5. What is the best deworming medication for roundworms?

Several effective drug classes exist, including benzimidazoles (fenbendazole), macrocyclic lactones (ivermectin, moxidectin), and tetrahydropyrimidines (pyrantel). Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate product based on your dog's age, health status, and risk factors [<a href="#ref-11">11</a>][<a href="#ref-9">9</a>][<a href="#ref-13">13</a>].

### 6. How can I prevent my children from getting roundworms?

Prevention strategies include regular deworming of pets, prompt removal of dog feces from yards and play areas, thorough handwashing after outdoor activities, and keeping sandboxes covered. Children should be supervised when playing in areas where dogs may have defecated [<a href="#ref-2">2</a>].

### 7. Can roundworms cause serious health problems in dogs?

Yes, severe infections can cause intestinal obstruction, failure to thrive, and respiratory complications from larval migration. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heavy worm burdens [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>].

### 8. How often should adult dogs be dewormed?

Adult dogs should receive deworming treatment 2-4 times per year, with more frequent treatment for dogs in high-risk situations such as hunting, free-roaming, or multi-dog households. Regular fecal testing helps guide deworming decisions [<a href="#ref-11">11</a>].

## Veterinary Disclaimer

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health conditions.

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<a id="ref-12"></a>[<a href="#ref-12">12</a>] [ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MACROCYCLIC LACTONE AND BENZIMIDAZOLE RESISTANCE IN THE DOG HOOKWORM ANCYLOSTOMA CANINUM.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42349870/)

<a id="ref-13"></a>[<a href="#ref-13">13</a>] [Efficacy and safety of a sustained-release formulation of ivermectin (FILAPREV®) in preventing heartworm infection (Dirofilaria immitis) in dogs in two endemic areas of Italy.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42087229/)

<a id="ref-14"></a>[<a href="#ref-14">14</a>] [Comparative performance of the novel, point-of-care Pluslife Mini Dock Dirofilaria immitis/Dirofilaria repens detection test with the modified Knott's test in dogs.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42104384/)

<a id="ref-15"></a>[<a href="#ref-15">15</a>] [Disseminated angiostrongylosis with involvement of the central nervous system as a cause of sudden death in a dog in Germany.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42174611/)

<a id="ref-16"></a>[<a href="#ref-16">16</a>] [First molecularly confirmed Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in a dog in Estonia: Translocation risks and diagnostic pitfalls.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42317033/)

<a id="ref-17"></a>[<a href="#ref-17">17</a>] [First report of gasless laparoscopy for the treatment of severe ectopic dioctophymosis in a puppy.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42489958/)

<a id="ref-18"></a>[<a href="#ref-18">18</a>] [Clinicopathologic variables according to disease severity in dogs with heartworm disease.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42152057/)

<a id="ref-19"></a>[<a href="#ref-19">19</a>] [Subclinical Infections of Babesia and Dirofilaria in Dogs Presented to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital: Evidence for a Silent Reservoir of Infection in Sri Lanka.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42113286/)

<a id="ref-20"></a>[<a href="#ref-20">20</a>] [First molecular characterization of Dirofilaria vector species and the distribution of canine dirofilariasis in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42064220/)

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