The hookworms are invisible to the naked eye. They are parasites commonly found in a canine's intestines. And whatâs worse, they feed on the canineâs blood. As described by the VCA Animal Hospitals, they are named so because of their hook shaped mouth. The hook is used by them to get attached to the stomach lining. They are very small in size - only 1 to 1.9 cm long. This means that spotting the worms is not easy and you cannot pick them off the skin because they are settled inside the stomach.
Since these hookworms multiply very quickly, it means that they can lead to serious health concerns for a dog if left unchecked. It becomes more of a problem for canines who are weak and old and have a compromised immune system.
How Do Dogs Get Hookworms?
The hookworm disease in dogs can be dangerous. Dogs can get them rather easily. Sniffing areas where infected animals have been (park or backyard) or walking in such an environment can be enough at times. The larvae might get caught in the paws and then travel to the tummy when dogs lick their paws. Moist and warm environments like beaches or damp soil are very attractive to these parasites.
Sometimes an infected mom can pass on these worms to her puppies even before theyâre born. It can also happen from the momâs milk. This is why vets and experts stress on deworming the little ones.Â
Symptoms of Hookworms in Dogs
As they suck up blood and nutrients, hookworms can make the dog pretty sick. Ever notice your dog looking super tired for no reason? Or maybe theyâve lost weight, and youâre wondering why. You might even see pale gums or blood in their poop. These are classic signs of hookworm anemia.
For puppies, the situation is even more critical. Weight loss is quick and extreme with them and it can be fatal. This is all because the hookworms end up taking the much needed nutrition from their bodies.
Be on the lookout for these hookworm symptoms:Â
diarrhea
weakness
bloatingÂ
rough hair coatÂ
Diagnosing Hookworms in Dogs
Dog poop hookworm infestation is the best chance of spotting them. A vet can analyze the canineâs feces under a microscope. The hookworm eggs will be visible under the microscope and this means that the treatment can start away. Regular fecal checks can be a good tool for catching hookworms early. Hookworms never go away on their own. Ignoring the problem is not the right approach. Take action as soon as you detect the worms.
Treatment Options for Hookworms in Dogs
Good newsâthese dangerous parasites are treatable. A dewormer medicine will do all the heavy lifting and kill off the worms. One round of medicine is not enough at times. To make sure that the worms and their larvae are gone, follow up with a second one. The dog will get an all clear signal from the vet after a check-up.
The dogâs environment has to be kept clean. Do not leave their poop laying around. Wash the bedding often and keep it dry. Treating the environment is just as important as treating your dog to prevent reinfection. Hookworm eggs can live in the soil for weeks, so keeping things tidy helps stop the cycle.
Hookworm Transmissibility to Humans
PetMD warns against the possibility of hookworms infecting humans and other animals and advocates practicing good hygiene to prevent that from happening. But donât freak out! It usually happens if youâre walking barefoot or sitting on soil where hookworms live. They will not grow into adult worms in people. These hookworms can cause a very itchy rash as they burrow into human skin. Get antiparasitic medicine as a hookworm treatment. It will take care of the rash and the hookworms. This human infestation is probably a good reason to always wear shoes when youâre outside. It is particularly true for when you are in a park or ground where dogs do their business.Â
Preventing Hookworms in Dogs
The main error pet owners make is failing to recognize the importance of prevention in handling hookworms. Regular deworming is crucial for puppies and adult dogs to be done consistently. Remain alert and promptly clean up your dog's feces. When walking them, prevent the dog from consuming random objects found on the ground. The veterinarian may recommend a preventative medication for your dog. This is done particularly when a dog is at risk of developing hookworms.
The Importance of Regular Veterinary Care
Vaccinations and occasional flea treatments do not make for complete veterinary care. Parasites like hookworms can be easily detected during their regular checkup. A simple fecal test can confirm the presence of hookworms. This way you can get the treatment started early on. Many dogs need more frequent deworming sessions because of their lifestyle. Regular checkups will save you and your dog a lot of trouble.
Even if the worms arenât obvious, the vet might notice other symptoms of worms in dogs like weight changes or skin issues and get to the bottom of the problem. So mark your dogâs vet appointment dates in your calendar and never miss them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do dogs get hookworms? Walking on contaminated soil and licking their paws afterwards is the number one cause. Eating infected prey can also contribute and puppies get them from their mothers. This happens either before birth or via her milk.
