Hookworms in Dogs By Geoffrey English At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Hookworms is one of the many worm diseases that can affect dogs. In most cases, dogs with hookworm are infected as puppies. They are internal parasites that can cause the death of puppies in some cases, although older dogs are rarely infected with hookworms. In older dogs, a hookworm infection is less severe. Dog owners need to protect dogs from parasites that will enter the body and can cause a serious debilitation in the dog.

Causes of hookworms in dogs

Like many other worms that affect dogs such as roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms, hookworms are caused by soil infested with worms. The dog may eat the worm eggs that will end up hatching in their intestines as larvae. The larvae then make their way to the lungs as well as the bloodstream of the dog.

After they have infested the body, the larvae then go back into the intestines and hatch into adults. The hookworms will then make the same course through the body again, only this time, as adults. Causing more damage.

Symptoms

It is important for any dog owner to know the signs of hookworms as well as other parasites that can infect their dogs. Some of the symptoms of hookworms include the following:

Diarrhea
Loss of weight
Anemia
Weakness that continues to progress

Hookworm symptoms usually present when the dogs are infested by the adult worms. The larvae can cause no symptoms. Often, they will remain dormant and in bitches, they can end up infesting the litter of puppies. A chronic hookworm infection does not present a serious health injury to older dogs and is easily treated. In puppies, however, this disease can be fatal.

Treatment of hookworms in dogs

The diagnosis of hookworms must be made by a vet. They will be able to examine the feces of the dog under a microscope and make the diagnosis. Vets will usually prescribe a de-wormer medication for the dog that needs to be ingested. This will poison the worms but, if not administered in the proper doses, can end up making the dog sick as well. A vet can prescribe the right dosage based upon the size of the dog and the type of infestation. It is not uncommon for dogs to get hookworms several times in their lives, especially dogs who are in the field often. It is best for the dog owner to check the stool for any evidence of blood or worms and consult with a vet if hookworms or other parasites are suspected.

Prevention of hookworms in dogs

An annual physical for your dog is important in the prevention of hookworms. Pregnant dogs should be checked carefully for any sign of the parasite. If treated early, there is usually no problem. Checking the feces of the dog in the backyard or wherever he goes is important and dog owners should do this once a week. Before giving the dog a de-wormer, the owner should talk to the vet, especially if the dog is on medication for heartworm, a more life threatening condition that also effects dogs and has a poor prognosis. While hookworms are not usually life threatening in older dogs, they can also infect humans, so making sure that dogs do not have worms is essential for any dog owner.

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