If they are in their definitive host they develop for several weeks, then enter the intestinal lumen, mature, mate, and produce eggs, which are carried out in the fecal stream.

If the larvae are in a paratenic host, they break into the bloodstream and enter various organs, particularly the central nervous system.

The larva moves rapidly to escape, seeking out the liver, eyes, spinal cord or brain.

If the larva does not cause significant damage in vital organs, then the victim will show no signs of disease.

Since the worms are often at too early a stage in development to begin shedding eggs into the feces, a fecal test may not detect the parasite, and the pet should be pre-emptively treated with dewormers antiparasitacides.

[citation needed] According to Parasitism in Companion Animals by Olympic Veterinary Hospital, hand washing is an important countermeasure against ingestion, and decontamination of other surfaces is accomplished by thoroughly flaming with a propane torch or treating with lye.

[9][better source needed] Other forms of high heat such as boiling water or steam will accomplish the same result.