Responsible dog owners need to protect their pets against the threat of hookworms, which are very common among dogs, especially young puppies.
One of the most common intestinal parasites found in dogs and cats, hookworms attach to the lining of the intestinal wall. The worms feed on the dog’s blood and can cause severe cases of diarrhea and anemia. One of the major reasons that a hookworm infestation can lead to anemia is that the worms have an anti-coagulant in their saliva that keeps the host’s blood from clotting.
Hookworm eggs are released into the digestive tract where they easily pass into the environment when an infected dog passes feces. The hookworm larvae hatch from the eggs that are present in the soil and water. Dogs can become infected with the hookworms through contact with the eggs, nursing from infected dogs or by eating the larvae. Hookworms can infect a dog through its belly or feet, as well as being ingested during routine grooming (licking and cleaning) of their bodies.
There are four commonly found types of hookworms. The canine hookworm, canine and feline hookworm and the Northern canine hookworm all affect dogs. The fourth type, the feline hookworm, is a threat to cats.
Your dog is not the only animal in the house that can be infected by hookworms. They are quite capable of penetrating a human’s skin, so beware when you walk barefoot or sunbathe in areas where pets have had bowel movements. Although a hookworm condition in humans is easily treated, the worms can cause quite an itching sensation at the point where the larvae entered the skin.
Hookworms can cause a variety of symptoms in infected dogs. Stools can become black and tarry in appearance. An infected dog may vomit or suffer from a loss of appetite. Weight loss can occur. If the infestation is bad enough to cause anemia, the dog’s gums will begin to pale. Other symptoms include weakness and dry skin. In severe cases, hookworms can make their way to a dog’s lungs, causing fits of coughing.
In the case of puppies, a hookworm infestation can stunt a young dog’s growth.
Adult dogs should have their stools checked for worms at least once a year. Puppies benefit from more frequent testing. Having a fecal sample checked is usually fairly inexpensive and it is as easy as taking a fresh stool sample to the dog’s vet to be checked microscopically.
If the vet suspects anemia, you may have to have blood work done.
Hookworms are not usually visible to the naked eye, so it is unlikely that you will see them in a dog’s stool.
If your dog’s fecal sample tests positive for hookworms, the veterinarian can prescribe several different medications to kill the worms. In addition, you may have to treat the outdoors where your pet goes to the bathroom.
The good news is that many of today’s heartworm preventative medications work to protect dogs from hookworms.
Regular check ups can help keep your dog in tip-top shape. Don’t forget to take that stool sample when you take Fido for his annual check up!
Related posts:
- What You Can Catch from Your Puppy
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms
- Parasite Control in Puppies – Worms
- Canine Heartworms
