Hookworms are nasty little intestinal parasites that feed on your dog’s blood. They’re a common problem, especially in puppies.
If you think your dog might have hookworms, or if you just want to be prepared, this article will tell you what to look for. We’ll cover the symptoms of hookworms in dogs, how vets diagnose them, how they’re treated, and how to prevent your dog from getting them in the first place.
Catching hookworms early is key, so don’t hesitate to call your vet if you’re concerned.
What are hookworms?
Hookworms are parasites that live in a dog’s small intestine. They “hook” themselves onto the lining of the intestinal wall, where they feed.
These parasites are fairly small, usually only a quarter to three-quarters of an inch long.
Hookworms feed on blood. If a dog has a serious hookworm infection, it can develop anemia, a condition characterized by a dangerously low red blood cell count.
There are several species of hookworms that can infect dogs.
How do dogs get hookworms?
Hookworms can be transmitted to dogs in a few different ways:
- Ingestion of larvae. Dogs can swallow hookworm larvae from contaminated soil or water.
- Skin penetration. Hookworm larvae can burrow into a dog’s skin, especially through the paws.
- Transmammary transmission. Puppies can contract hookworms from their infected mothers through their milk.
- Ingestion of infected prey. If your dog eats rodents or other small animals that are carrying hookworm larvae, your dog may become infected.
Hookworm Lifecycle
Hookworms have a pretty straightforward lifecycle. They hatch from eggs, mature into larvae, and then become adult worms.
The eggs are passed through the feces of infected dogs. Once outside the dog’s body, the larvae hatch and continue to develop in the environment.
It takes about two to three weeks for the worms to reach full maturity and start producing eggs of their own. Then, they can continue the cycle by infecting new hosts.
Symptoms of Hookworms in Dogs
Hookworm infections can cause a range of symptoms in dogs, from mild to severe. The severity of the symptoms often depends on the number of hookworms present and the age and overall health of the dog.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- Diarrhea, frequently with blood
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Systemic Symptoms
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Pale gums (due to anemia)
- Dull coat
- Failure to grow (especially in puppies)
Other Symptoms
- Coughing (if hookworm larvae have migrated to the lungs)
- Skin irritation, especially on the paws
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
How are hookworms diagnosed?
Veterinarians diagnose hookworms with a fecal floatation test. The test looks for hookworm eggs in a small sample of your dog’s stool.
While you can buy at-home fecal testing kits, it’s best to get a diagnosis from your veterinarian. They can properly identify the parasites, assess the severity of the infection, and create a treatment plan.
How are hookworms in dogs treated?
The first line of treatment for hookworms in dogs is usually medication called anthelmintics. These drugs target and kill the hookworms.
Your vet will probably want to repeat the treatment to make sure all the hookworms are gone. In severe cases, especially when a dog has severe anemia because of blood loss, supportive care, like blood transfusions, may be necessary.
Can hookworms infect humans?
Yes, they can. Hookworm larvae can burrow into human skin. This often happens when people walk barefoot on contaminated soil.
When hookworm larvae get into the skin, it causes an itchy rash called cutaneous larva migrans, or “ground itch.”
In rare cases, the larvae can travel to a person’s internal organs.
How can I prevent hookworms in my dog?
You can take several steps to keep your dog from getting hookworms:
- Deworm puppies and nursing mothers. You should deworm puppies at 2-3 weeks old and repeat as needed if they show symptoms. Deworm nursing dogs at the same time you deworm the puppies.
- Clean up pet waste. Dispose of dog poop quickly.
- Use parasite preventatives. Talk to your vet about keeping your dog on a parasite prevention medication.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often when you’re around dogs or after you clean up waste.
In Conclusion
Hookworms can cause serious health problems in dogs, so prevention and early treatment are key. As a responsible pet owner, you can help prevent hookworm infections by getting regular veterinary checkups for your dog. Don’t forget to ask your vet to do a fecal exam at least once a year.