Hookworms cause gastrointestinal upset in otherwise healthy adult dogs but can be fatal for puppies. Today, our Riverside County vets share facts about hookworms in dogs and how these problematic parasites can be treated or prevented.
What are hookworms?
Hookworms are intestinal parasites with hook-like mouthparts that are commonly seen in both cats and dogs. Although they are only about 1/4" - 3/4" in size once they latch on to your pet's intestine they can ingest surprisingly large amounts of blood. If your pet is infected with a significant number of hookworms they could develop inflammation of the intestine or anemia.
Hookworms are most often seen in warm, moist environments and in pets that live in poor conditions involving overcrowding or poor sanitation.
How do dogs get hookworms?
Dogs can become infected with hookworms in one of four ways:
- Unborn puppies can contract hookworms through the mother's placenta in utero.
- Once born, puppies can contract hookworms through their infected mother's milk.
- Your dog could easily ingest hookworm larvae by sniffing at contaminated feces or soil, or when grooming their feet.
- Larvae can penetrate your dog's skin leading to infection.
What is the lifecycle of the hookworm?
There are three stages in the hookworm lifecycle: egg, larvae, and adult.
- The microscopic eggs are laid by the adults within an infected pet. The eggs are then passed through the feces, where they hatch into larvae and contaminate the environment.
- The larvae are able to survive for weeks or even months before infecting an unsuspecting dog.
- Once the larvae make their way into your pup's body they migrate to the intestine, where they mature into adults and lay eggs - starting the cycle all over again.
What are the symptoms of hookworms in dogs?
Intestinal upset is the primary symptom of hookworms in dogs. Other symptoms can include:
- Pale gums
- Generalized weakness
- Significant (unexplained) weight loss
- Bloody diarrhea
- Dull and dry coat
- Failure of the puppy to grow properly
- Skin irritations (especially around paws)
- Coughing
If your dog is showing any of the signs of hookworms listed above, contact your vet right away. It is not uncommon for young puppies to die from severe hookworm infections.
How are hookworms diagnosed?
Hookworms are easy to diagnose through a fecal flotation test.
Your vet will request that you bring in a fresh stool sample from your dog. The stool will be mixed with a solution that will cause the eggs (if present) to float to the top of the solution where they can easily be spotted.
However, this test is only accurate once the worms have matured enough to begin producing eggs. Unlike some other worms seen in dogs, you will not typically see hookworms in your dog's poop because the worms stay securely latched onto your pet's intestinal lining until the condition is treated.
It takes 2-3 weeks for worms to reach maturity and begin producing eggs, for this reason, fecal floats may not be accurate in diagnosing hookworms in very young puppies.
How are dog hookworms treated?
A class of drugs called anthelmintics can be used to eliminate hookworms. These medications are typically given orally and rarely produce side effects. That said, these medications are only effective at killing adult hookworms so it will be necessary to repeat treatment 2-3 weeks following the first treatment.
If your dog is suffering from severe anemia due to hookworms, a blood transfusion may be necessary to save your dog's life.
Can hookworms infect humans?
The hookworm larvae can start burrowing into the skin when one is lying on the infected ground, causing a condition known as "ground itch."
In some rare cases, hookworm larvae can penetrate and damage internal organs including the eyes, which can cause blindness and complications. Good bathing and hygiene habits can help to prevent hookworm infections in people.
How can I prevent my dog from contracting hookworms?
There are a number of key approaches when it comes to preventing the spread of hookworms in dogs:
- Puppies should be dewormed at approximately 2-3 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 when at the park or out 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. You should also ensure that your children wash their hands frequently.
- Keep your dog up-to-date on their parasite prevention. Many products formulated to prevent hookworm will also help to prevent hookworm. Speak to your vet to learn more about the right parasite prevention for your canine companion.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical or behavioral advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.