๐ In this article
๐ก The quick scoop
Roundworms are common intestinal parasites in dogs, especially puppies. Infected dogs pass microscopic eggs in their poop, and the CDC says those eggs can survive in the soil for months or even years. That makes your yard the hidden reservoir. Regular deworming plus picking up poop quickly is how you break the cycle.
Roundworms are one of the most common parasites in dogs, and most people never see the real problem: the yard. Here is how roundworms work, the signs to watch for, and why a clean yard is one of the best ways to protect your pets and your family.
What are roundworms?
Roundworms are intestinal parasites that look a bit like spaghetti. The most common dog roundworm is Toxocara canis. Adult worms live in a dog’s intestines and lay eggs that pass out in the dog’s poop.
How do dogs get roundworms?
- Before birth: Roundworm larvae can pass to puppies while they are still in the womb. Veterinarians often assume puppies are born infected and deworm them early.
- Through nursing: Puppies can pick them up through their mother’s milk.
- From the environment: Dogs swallow infective eggs from contaminated soil, often just by sniffing, licking their paws or grooming.
- From prey: Eating an infected rodent or other small animal.
Why your yard is the real problem
This is the part most people miss. According to the CDC, roundworm eggs need about 2 to 4 weeks in the environment to become infective, and they have a strong protective layer that lets them survive for months or even years under the right conditions. Veterinary sources describe the eggs as famously hardy, even surviving freezing temperatures.
That means poop left in the yard does not just disappear. As it breaks down, the eggs move into the soil. Your dog sniffs, digs, licks its paws, and can pick them right back up. In a multi dog home, or a yard that is not cleaned regularly, the soil can keep reinfecting pets over and over.
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GOOD TO KNOW
Fresh dog poop is not what makes roundworms contagious. It is the soil after the eggs mature. That is why picking up poop quickly, before the eggs have time to develop and spread into the dirt, matters so much.
We scoop the whole yard every week and sanitize our tools between every home. Your first cleanup is free.
Signs of roundworms in dogs
- Worms that look like spaghetti in poop or vomit
- A pot bellied look, especially in puppies
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Poor growth or weight loss
- A dull coat
- Coughing, as larvae move through the lungs
Many dogs, especially adults, show no signs at all. That is why routine fecal tests at your vet matter.
Can people get roundworms from dogs?
Yes. In people, the infection is called toxocariasis. The CDC says people usually get it by accidentally swallowing dirt or food contaminated with roundworm eggs, and the eggs get into the soil through dog and cat waste. Young kids who play in the dirt and put their hands in their mouths are at the highest risk. Most infections cause no symptoms, but in rare cases larvae can travel through the body and affect organs or the eyes.
How to prevent roundworms
- Deworm on your vet’s schedule. Puppies usually need several rounds, and many monthly heartworm preventives also cover roundworms. Ask your vet.
- Pick up poop often. The CDC recommends picking up pet waste daily and bagging it for the trash.
- Get regular fecal tests. Bring a stool sample to annual checkups.
- Wash hands after yard work, playing outside or handling pets, and teach kids to do the same.
- Keep kids and gardens away from dog potty areas. Never use dog poop in compost for food gardens.
Frequently asked questions
How long do roundworm eggs live in soil?
According to the CDC, roundworm eggs can survive for months or even years under the right conditions.
Can roundworms be killed in the yard?
The eggs are very resistant to weather and many common disinfectants, which is why removing poop before eggs reach the soil and keeping your dog on a deworming plan are the most practical defenses.
Are roundworms contagious to other dogs?
Not directly from dog to dog, but through contaminated soil and feces. Dogs sharing a yard can keep reinfecting each other if poop is left on the ground.
Can my kids get roundworms from our dog?
It is possible if they swallow soil contaminated with mature eggs. Regular deworming, quick poop pickup and handwashing make it much less likely.
What do roundworms look like in dog poop?
They look like long, white or light tan strands of spaghetti, sometimes moving. Many infections show nothing visible, so fecal testing matters.
๐ Our sources (4)
- CDC: How Toxocariasis Spreads
- CDC DPDx: Toxocariasis
- Veterinary Partner (VIN): Roundworms of Dogs and Puppies
- Iowa State University CFSPH: Toxocariasis Fast Facts
This article is for general education and is not veterinary or medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian or doctor about your specific situation.
We are a locally owned pet waste removal company in Newark, Delaware, scooping yards across Delaware and Cecil County, Maryland every week. We write these guides from what we see in real yards and back every fact with public health and veterinary sources.
