Hookworms in Dogs: Symptoms, Prevention & Effective Treatment
Hookworms are common intestinal parasites that can severely impact your dog's health if not managed properly. Responsible dog owners should understand how to recognise symptoms, prevent infestations, and seek effective treatment to protect their pets.
What are hookworms?
Hookworms are tiny, thin worms living in the small intestine of infected dogs. They attach themselves to the intestinal lining, feeding on blood and nutrients. This parasitic feeding can cause anaemia, inflammation, and malnutrition. Puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to serious complications, which can sometimes be life-threatening.
How do dogs contract hookworms?
Dogs can become infected with hookworms in various ways. Puppies may ingest larvae through their mother's milk, while adult dogs often pick up larvae from contaminated soil on walks or from scavenging discarded food or carrion. Hookworm larvae penetrate healthy skin or are swallowed, making prevention challenging but essential.
Signs and symptoms of hookworm infestation in dogs
Early detection is crucial. Common symptoms include a dull, dry coat, coughing caused by larval migration through the lungs, lethargy, and pale gums indicating anaemia. You may also notice significant weight loss and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea or constipation. Severe infestations can result in tarry black stools due to blood loss. Observing worms in stools is rare but a clear sign of infestation. Any signs of coughing, digestive upset, or lethargy warrant immediate veterinary attention as untreated hookworm infection can be fatal.
Preventing hookworm infection in dogs
Prevention is always better than cure. Follow this comprehensive approach:
- Regular deworming: Begin deworming puppies at 2–3 weeks old and repeat as advised by your vet. Deworm nursing bitches at the same time to prevent transmission through milk.
- Use veterinary-recommended wormers: Over-the-counter treatments in shops and supermarkets are often ineffective. Your vet can prescribe the correct worming medication tailored to your dog's needs.
- Maintain hygiene: Promptly pick up and dispose of dog waste from your garden, public parks, and walking routes to reduce environmental contamination.
- Prevent access to hazards: Discourage your dog from scavenging or eating discarded food or carcasses that might harbour larvae.
- Wash hands regularly: Especially after handling your dog or cleaning up faeces, and encourage children to do the same to reduce risk of infection.
Treating hookworms in dogs
If you suspect your dog has hookworms, visit your veterinary surgeon for an accurate diagnosis, typically confirmed by examining a stool sample. Treatment involves administration of veterinary-strength anthelmintic drugs that kill adult worms.
Because these medications do not eliminate larvae, repeat treatments every 2–3 weeks are essential to clear the infection completely. In cases of severe anaemia or ill health resulting from infestation, your vet may recommend additional treatments such as iron supplements or even a blood transfusion for recovery support.
Never delay veterinary advice. Hookworms do not resolve without treatment and can rapidly worsen. Follow your vet’s instructions carefully to protect your dog’s health.
Human risk and responsible pet ownership
While dogs are the primary hosts, hookworm larvae can cause skin irritation known as "ground itch" in humans who come into contact with contaminated soil, particularly via bare feet. Rarely, larvae can affect deeper tissues or organs in people. Maintaining good hygiene around pets, especially cleaning up after them and avoiding contact with contaminated areas, helps reduce this zoonotic risk.
Responsible worming and hygiene protect both you and your dog. Regular veterinary check-ups ensure your worming protocol remains effective amid potential changes to parasite resistance patterns.
Conclusion
Hookworm infestation in dogs is a serious but preventable and treatable condition. Recognising symptoms early, maintaining a vet-recommended worming routine, practicing good hygiene, and seeking veterinary care promptly ensure your dog stays healthy and happy. Protect your beloved companion by staying informed and proactive in parasite control.
