Honestly, I just don't know what exposure of children to a dog who has roundworms is safe. Washing everything all the time and using areas the way you are doing makes sense. Also, when you take the dog to the veterinarian, take a fresh stool. Use a very clean plastic bag, put it over your hand, pick up the stool with it as if it were a glove, then turn it inside out so the stool is inside and the outside is clean. Then tie the top of the bag shut or use a wire tie. The stool needs to be very fresh when you take it is. Some worms show up best this way, and I think roundworms are among those. Pick up the stool immediately when the dog does it, before the worms crawl away.



To eliminate the odor that stimulates a dog's instincts to use the same spot in the house to potty again, apply undiluted clear vinegar to the spot, deeply. The vinegar odor won't last more than a day, and be sure not to say anything harsh to the dog when you apply it. Let the scent be the message! It works really well.



Every new dog you get, especially a puppy, needs to go to your veterinarian pronto. Within 24 hours is ideal. But the holiday makes it complicated.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

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