Hookworm

A hookworm is a parasitic worm that attaches itself to its host by means of structures inside their mouth that are equivalent to teeth. The hookworm attaches itself to the upper portion of the small intestine where it feeds on the blood of its host. The blood loss results in life threatening anemia and hemorrhaging. However to cause anemia and hemorrhaging large amounts of hookworm must be present. Other symptoms of hookworm are diarrhea, weakness, bloody stool, emaciation, and red and swollen skin. This parasite is found in both humans and dogs and they generally enter the body through the feet.

The life cycle of the hookworm starts when the adult worms lay eggs in the small intestine of their host. These eggs are passed in the stool and if they contaminate soil and the conditions are right, they hatch, molt and develop into infective larvae after 5 to 10 days. These barely visible larvae will often penetrate the skin through bare feet, are carried to the lungs by the bloodstream, are expelled through coughing, are then swallowed, and then reach the small intestine, where the cycle starts all over again.

Walking in contaminated soil, swallowing contaminated feces and swallowing contaminated soil are ways dogs are infested with hookworms. A nursing dog also transmits hookworms to her puppies. Unborn puppies can also be infected from a mother who has hookworms.

Your vet will be able to give your dog tablets or injections to kill the hookworms and recommend any treatment program needed for anemia or malnutrition. Most likely your vet will recommend regular appointments to check for further infestation. Treating the soil in your yard in case that was the source of the hookworms is another good preventive measure, your vet should be able to suggest products that are suitable.

If you have a dog that roams around outside and defecates on your property, remove all waste product. This will help prevent your dog from getting hookworms and also any other dog that comes onto your property.

Hookworm
parasites