subject: Hookworms in Dogs [print this page] Hookworms in Dogs Hookworms in Dogs
While the word "worm" may be enough to strike terror in the heart of many dog owners, hookworms are comparatively easy to treat as long as you follow the instructions of your veterinarian closely.
Due to the potential health hazard of hookworms to both humans and other animals, a hookworm infestation must be dealt with immediately. The lifecycle of hookworms is geared to success, one hookworm is capable of producing 20,000 eggs a day and when the eggs are passed in the feces, they hatch in about 2-10 days. Larvae are released from the hatched eggs and they can survive in water as well as in soil and gravel waiting for their host to arrive. Infection occurs through the skin or via ingestion. If a human walks barefoot in a hookworm infected area, risk of infection is high.
Hookworms can cause many digestive upsets in your pet as well as lungworm in humans. If your pet has a heavy infestation of hookworms this can result in severe anemia sometimes even requiring a blood transfusion.
Symptoms vary but may include diarrhea (with or without blood), skin lesions and severe itching and anemia. There may be vomiting and growth may be stunted especially in young animals. The dog may have dark, tarry feces and the coat may become dry and dull. A general lack of condition will be apparent. Left untreated, the animal will eventually die.
A visit to the vet is highly recommended if you suspect your dog has hookworms. Not only are you putting your dog at risk by ignoring the situation, you are also putting your family at risk. The vet will perform a stool examination to determine if the dog has hookworms and if this is positive, treatment will be prescribed. Treatment usually consists of oral pills and tablets but in more advanced cases injections may be given.
Pregnant and lactating dogs will be given a different treatment as worm medication can be dangerous in these instances. A pregnant or lactating mother can and will infect her puppies. Hookworm infections in puppies are a very serious condition indeed.
To help prevent hookworm infections you should treat and clean the dog's environment using bleach and special treatments available for the environment. You should also make sure your dog has regular checkups annually and consult with your vet to devise regularly scheduled internal and external parasite treatment and prevention regimens.
