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roundworms are the most common parasites and are most often found in puppies. They can grow up to 5inches in length in dog's stomach and intestines and are similar in appearanceto the earthworm.
The eggs of this parasite are hardy and can remain alive in the soil for years. The adult roundworm lays her eggs in the stomach and intestines of the dog. The eggs may hatch and the life cycle be ran inside the dog, or the eggs may be passed in the dogs bowel movements, or may be vomited and develop outside the dog. About 10 days later the eggs will infectious to any dog who digs in the soil and eats food or other material on which the eggs are deposited.
In the nursing mother, roundworm eggs can adhere to the skin and be ingested by the puppies as they nurse. The eggs hatch inside the body. The larvae enter the blood stream and travels to the lungs, where they can burrow into air sacs. They are usually coughed up by the dog and then swallowed . Back in the stomach, the worms mate, and once again the cycle begins.
The eggs are laid in 2-3 week peroids so treatment for roundworms should be at 2 week intervals. One worming will not completely rid a dog of roundworms.
Roundworms can cause diarrhea, anemia, dull coat, and potbelly. there can be serious injury to lungs, and the puppy can develope pneumonia as the worms migrate from the blood vessels to the air sacs of the lungs.
The best prevention for roundworms is proper diet so that the dog will not be hungry and likely to pick up scrapes from the ground. Keep the dog yard sanitary to prevent reinfestation. The kennel should be clean and dry, and thus unconducive to hatching worms.


Hope this helps i found it in Your Dogs Health and Happiness.