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Hookworms are nasty creatures that can wreak havoc on your dog, especially if he is still a puppy. If you suspect your dog has hookworms, you should take him to the vet immediately.
What are Hookworms?
According to peteducation.com, “Hookworms (Ancylostoma and Uncinaria) are one of the most common intestinal parasites of dogs and cats (especially puppies and kittens), and can cause severe disease including anemia and serious diarrhea. Hookworms have either teeth-like structures or cutting plates with which they attach themselves to the wall of the intestine and feed on the animal’s blood.”
According to dailypuppy.com, hookworms have five stages:
Stage 1
The egg is produced by female hookworms in the intestinal tract of the host and passes out of the body in the stools.
Stage 2
The hookworm egg is called a “rhabditiform larva.” The larva continues to develop in the feces of the animal or the soil as long as environmental conditions allow it.
Stage 3
At this stage, the hookworm egg becomes a filariform (meaning “threadlike”) larva. At this point, the hookworm is capable of infecting other animals. It can survive for up to four weeks in feces or the soil under favorable conditions, until it comes into contact with a potential human host.
Stage 4
The hookworm egg infects the dog host by burrowing through the skin upon making contact with the dog. Once in the skin, it travels through the blood vessels to the heart and then the lungs, where the lungs produce secretions that contain the larva. These secretions are coughed up by the host, and then swallowed. Thus, the hookworm enters the digestive tract of the host.
Stage 5
In the final stage of the hookworm egg’s life cycle, the hookworm travels to the small intestine of its canine host, attaches itself to the wall of the intestine, and feeds off the blood of the host. It matures into an adult and, if female, may produce eggs which are passed in the stools and could infect other animals. Adult hookworms may live in the intestines of their hosts for several years.
What are the Symptoms of Hookworms in Dogs?
According to dog-health-guide.org, your dog can get hookworms four different ways: eating infected feces, through the skin, through the mother’s milk and through the paws if the dog walks through an infested area.
Petmd.com lists the following as symptoms:
A dog with the parasite looks unhealthy and has a poor appetite.
The linings of his nostrils, lips and ears will be pale.
If hookworm larvae get into the lungs, the dog will cough, as well as present several other symptoms, including dark and tarry stool, diarrhea and constipation.
Death can come suddenly if the dog is not immediately treated.
Peteducation.com adds these symptoms:
There may be vomiting.
Growth in young animals could be stunted.
In severe infestations, animals may develop pneumonia.
Animals may become emaciated.
How is a Hookworm Infection Treated?
Petmd.com says that in order to get rid of the worms, your dog will need to take medication that will kill them. Nutritional and iron supplements may also be necessary as well. Puppies need to start treatment at 2 weeks of age until they can be weaned off of it. Monthly treatment may be necessary even after they have been weaned to make sure that all of the hookworm larvae have been killed.
Pregnant dogs should begin treatment two weeks after they have been impregnated and continue for up to four weeks after the puppies are born to eliminate any worms in the intestine and to protect the newborn puppies.
Severe infections will require hospitalization for fluid therapy, blood transfusion and supplemental oxygen, depending on the seriousness of the infection, and whether or not your dog is anemic. Sadly, even with treatment, your dog could still die.
How are Hookworms Prevented?
According to peteducation.com, “The larvae of hookworms can live several weeks in cool, moist soil, but die rapidly in freezing or hot, dry conditions. Yards and kennels should be cleaned daily. Floors in kennels and dog runs should be impervious, so they are easier to clean. All fecal material should be removed, since organic material will decrease the effectiveness of cleaning solutions.”
Peteducation.com also recommends that your dog’s poop be scooped daily. You should treat gravel runs with sodium borate applied at the rate of 10 pounds per 100 square feet.
Lastly, mice and other rodents are potential hookworm hosts and should be controlled. Make sure you are using a poison that is safe for dogs.
PHOTO: Joelmills
Find A Vet HOW TO articles are intended for informational purposes only. You should always consult with your veterinarian about any health issues affecting your dog.
Category : HOW TO
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