Hookworms in Dogs

Symptoms can be especially severe in pups, and include:

• Anaemia: Hookworm infestations lead to a decrease in the number of red blood cells and cause anaemia in dogs. Hookworms release anticoagulants which make it difficult for the dog's blood to clot which leads to internal bleeding. 
• Pale gums, mouth, ears and nostrils: This is a consequence of internal bleeding as well.
• Lethargy: The absorption of food is affected, which leads to lower levels of energy or lethargy in dogs.
• Loss of appetite and diarrhoea: Worm infestation affects the dog's gastrointestinal tract, and can lead to issues like loss of appetite or inappetence in dogs and diarrhoea in dogs.
• Dark stool: Internal bleeding causes stools to darken.
• Weight loss: This can happen if the nutrients are not absorbed adequately by the dog's intestines.
• Malnutrition and poor growth: A pup requires a large number of red blood cells to grow. Failing which, there may be an impairment in regular growth.

It is important to understand the lifecycle of a hookworm: the worms grow and reproduce in the small intestine of the host. Once the female releases the eggs, they pass out of the body with the poo. The same dog can ingest them again by accident, or another dog can come along and get infected as well. Since the worms can survive on the ground for a couple of months (provided it’s not freezing cold), they can be absorbed through the skin of another dog long afterwards as well.

For the worms to be able to infect the host, they need to have matured into third-stage larvae. If they enter the dog at this stage, they will either travel directly to the gut and begin to grow. Some of these larvae will travel to the trachea, from where they will either be vomited out or swallowed and moved to the gut. At this stage, these larvae along with the ones that made it directly to the gut begin to feed on the dog's blood. 

Some larvae remain dormant for long periods of time and don’t cause any harm. However, if in the case of an infected pregnant female, the larvae are activated by birth hormones and can travel to the uterus and directly infect the pup. Otherwise, they can also pass from the mother to the pup during breastfeeding. Since pups are usually live together in close quarters, the spread of the infection is likely as well. 

Pups are more prone to be infected by hookworms, but no specific breeds have been identified as being particularly vulnerable.

It is important to understand the life cycle of a hookworm. They grow and reproduce in the small intestine of the host. Once the female releases eggs, they pass out of the body in the form of stools. The same dog can ingest them again by accident, or another dog can come along and get infected as well. Since they can survive on the ground for a couple of months (provided it’s not freezing), they can be absorbed through the skin of another dog long afterwards as well. For them to be able to infect the host, they need to have matured into third stage larvae. If they enter the dog at this stage, they will either travel directly to the gut and begin to grow. Some others will travel to the trachea from where they will either be vomited out or swallowed and moved to the gut. At this stage, these along with those larvae that made it directly to the gut begin to feed on the blood of the organism. 

Some larvae remain dormant for long periods of time and don’t cause any harm. However, if it is the case of an infected pregnant female, the larvae are activated by birth hormones and can travel to the uterus and directly infect the pup. Otherwise, they can also pass from the mother to the pup on breastfeeding. Since pups are usually together in close quarters, the spread of infection is especially likely as well. 

Pups are more commonly infected by hookworms, but no specific breeds have been identified as being particularly vulnerable.

Deworming is the best available treatment for your dog. However, this may require many cycles to ensure that even the dormant hookworms are taken care of. The faecal float test may have to be repeated a few times to confirm that the worms are in fact gone. Hookworms are unfortunately stubborn and require strict monitoring. 

In the case of pups, supplemental treatment may be required. In cases of severe anaemia, a blood transfusion could be life-saving. An intravenous drip may also be required to maintain electrolyte balance and provide nutritional help to the young dog.

Prevention is the best method to protect yourself and your dog from this type of worm infestation. It is on you to make sure that your dog is regularly dewormed. Maintaining high standards of hygiene is crucial: hookworms thrive in moist, crowded and dirty surroundings. 

If your dog has been diagnosed with hookworm disease, do a thorough cleanse of your house. Vacuum carpeted surfaces and disinfect your dog’s bedding and coats. Remember, hookworms can live outside the dog's body for weeks and months; cleaning these surfaces will help to avoid recurrence of the disease in your dog.

Don't forget to give your adult dog deworming tablets, according to his or her weight, every three months.