What Are The Symptoms Of Hookworms In Dogs?

Hookworms in dogs are tiny parasitic worms that can live in a dog's gut. They survive by feeding on the dog's blood supply and can grow in number very quickly. If your dog gets hookworms, there is no need to panic, as these usually only cause mild symptoms in adult animals. However, they can cause discomfort and long-term health problems for your dog. For this reason, it is important to recognize the signs of hookworms and to know what to do if your dog has symptoms.

How do dogs catch hookworms?

Dogs usually catch hookworms by accidentally ingesting hookworm larvae, usually by eating the droppings of an infected animal or contaminated soil. Water can also be contaminated with hookworms and infect animals that drink it. Hookworm larvae can burrow into a dog's skin if they are found or run on contaminated soil. This is more likely on the pads of her legs. The larvae could get into the dog's digestive system if they looked after themselves.

Treatment of hookworms in dogs

Treating hookworms in dogs requires the intervention of a veterinarian who can prescribe a deworming or anthelmintic for your dog. These drugs are usually oral and have few side effects, but they only kill hookworms in adults. This means that your veterinarian will likely recommend treating your dog again in two to four weeks to remove all new adults from the surviving larvae. In rare cases, your dog may need a blood transfusion to fight severe anemia.

Prevention of hookworms in dogs

Preventing reinfection is an essential part of treating hookworms. Since the eggs get through the droppings, it is important that the owners clean up the dog's droppings immediately before the larvae have the chance to infect the environment. Unfortunately there is no approved product on the market with which course larvae can be killed. Therefore, talk to your veterinarian about including a heartworm preventive that protects against hookworms in the precautionary plan. Your dog while you wait for the hookworm larvae to die.

Hookworms thrive in damp, warm environments such as crowded kennels, which is why good dog hygiene, such as cleaning up after dogs and disinfecting traces and yards, is so important. Avoid bringing your dog to facilities that do not meet standard kennel protocols and avoid areas with large amounts of dog feces on the floor.