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"Dog Parasites (flea, Tick, Worms, Etc.)"
Dog Parasites (Flea, Tick, Worms, etc.): Page 15
of 26
Hookworm
Hookworms are tiny bloodsucking worms that can grow to about one
quarter of an inch in size. The name hookworm is due to the fact that
one end of its body is bent in the shape of a hook.
Hookworms attach themselves to the intestinal lining by means of
structures that are equivalent to teeth. These teeth hold the
hookworms in place and allow them to feed off the dog's body while
causing severe damage to the walls of the intestines.
Hookworms continue the blood flow by secreting a substance that
inhibits coagulation. The severe blood loss to your dog can cause
life threatening anemia and hemorrhaging if the hookworms continue to
stay for a long period of time.
The adult hookworm lays its eggs in your dog's stomach and intestines.
The eggs of the hookworm are passed out in the dog's feces and hatch
outside about a week after. When dogs swallow the infected feces,
the larvae make their way to the intestine where they hatch into
hookworms after a few weeks.
The larvae are also capable of penetrating the skin, usually through
the area of the feet and eventually find their way to the stomach.
Once the hookworms get inside the skin, they travel through the
bloodstream and into the lungs, where they dig through the alveoli
walls. The hookworms are then expelled through coughing and then get
swallowed once again, therefore ending up in the stomach.
A mother can transmit hookworms to her puppies through nursing. The
infection from hookworm can even start in the womb even before the
puppies are born. Symptoms of hookworms are diarrhea, bloody stool,
anemia, weakness, emaciation, and skin that looks red and swollen.
In treating hookworms, it is vital to take your dog to the vet. The
first step in curing hookworms is for your vet to kill them by means
of tablets or injections. After killing the hookworms, your vet will
then treat your dog from malnutrition or anemia. These conditions are
usually related to hookworms and should be treated as well.
The vet will probably recommend regular appointments to check for
further infestation. You will also have to treat the soil in your
yard in case that is the source of hookworms. Your vet should be able
to suggest certain products that are suitable for your type of
weather.
Whenever your dog roams around or defecates on your property, make
sure all waste products are removed. This will help in preventing
hookworm infestation.
Copyright 2006 by Jay Jennings. All rights reserved.
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