Hookworms are a common parasite affecting dogs, and their presence can lead to serious health issues if not addressed promptly. These tiny, thread-like worms attach themselves to the lining of a dog's intestines and feed on their blood, causing significant blood loss and anemia.
What are hookworms?
These intestinal parasites have hook-like mouths commonly found in dogs and cats. Despite their small size of approximately one to three-quarters of an inch, they attach themselves to your dog's intestines and can consume significant blood. If your dog experiences a hookworm infestation, it could lead to anemia or intestinal inflammation.
Hookworms tend to thrive in damp and warm environments, especially in dogs living in suboptimal conditions, such as overcrowded or lacking proper sanitation.
How Dogs Contract Hookworms
There are four typical ways that a dog can become infected with hookworms:
- A dog can easily ingest hookworm larvae while grooming its feet or sniffing contaminated feces or soil.
- Unborn puppies can become infected with hookworms through the mother's placenta during pregnancy.
- Once born, puppies can contract hookworms through an infected mother's milk.
- Larvae can penetrate your dog's skin, leading to infection.
Lifecycle of Hookworms
The hookworm lifecycle has three stages: egg, larvae, and adult.
- Adult hookworms lay microscopic eggs within a pet that's been infected.
- These eggs are then passed through the feces, where they hatch into larvae and contaminate the environment.
- Larvae can survive for weeks or even months before infecting an unsuspecting dog.
- Once the larvae enter your puppy's body, they migrate to the intestine, where they mature into adults and lay eggs.
- The cycle then begins again.
Signs & Symptoms of Hookworms in Dogs
The primary symptom of hookworms in dogs is intestinal upset. Other symptoms may include:
- Generalized weakness
- Pale gums
- Dry, dull coat
- Coughing
- Significant (unexplained) weight loss
- Failure of the puppy to grow or develop properly
- Bloody diarrhea
- Skin irritations (especially around paws)
If your dog shows any of these signs, contact your vet immediately. Young puppies can die from severe hookworm infections.
How Hookworms Are Diagnosed
Diagnosing hookworms is simple. It involves a fecal flotation test. When you take your dog to the vet, they need a fresh stool sample. This sample is then mixed with a solution that causes any eggs present to float to the surface, making them easy to see.
It's important to note that this test only gives accurate results when the hookworms have matured enough to start laying eggs. Unlike some other types of worms found in dogs, hookworms typically stay firmly attached to your dog's intestinal lining, so you may not see them in your dog's poop until the condition is treated and the worms are eliminated through waste.
Since it takes about two to three weeks for the worms to mature and start laying eggs, diagnostic testing such as a fecal test may not effectively diagnose hookworms in very young puppies.
How are dogs with hookworms treated?
Treating hookworms in dogs typically involves administering deworming medications prescribed by a veterinarian. These medications are effective in eliminating adult worms and larvae.
Regular follow-up treatments may be necessary to ensure all worms are eradicated. Supportive care such as iron supplements and a nutrient-rich diet can help a dog recover from anemia and regain strength.
Can hookworms infect humans?
A person lying on infected ground can allow hookworm larvae to begin burrowing into the skin, causing ground itch.
In rare cases, hookworm larvae can penetrate and damage internal organs, including the eyes, leading to blindness and other complications. Good bathing and hygiene habits can help prevent hookworm infections in people.
Hookworm Prevention for Dogs
When it comes to preventing the spread of hookworms in dogs, there are several key tactics:
- Puppies should be dewormed at approximately two to three weeks of age and if symptoms occur.
- Nursing female dogs should be dewormed when their puppies are also dewormed.
- Always clean up after your dog at the park or on walks, and keep your yard free of dog waste.
- Be sure to wash your hands frequently when around your dog or after cleaning up dog waste. Also, ensure that your children wash their hands frequently.
- Please keep your dog up-to-date on their parasite prevention. Many products formulated to prevent hookworms will also help avoid hookworms. Speak to your vet to learn more about parasite prevention for your canine companion.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.