What are the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment for Hookworms in Dogs?

Is your dog showing signs of hookworms? Learn the major causes and treatment for hookworms in dogs

Our dogs are prone to getting infections and diseases. Sometimes they are caused by parasites that live inside their bodies. Most dogs get infected by different types of worms during their lifetime. Hookworm is a common parasite that latches itself to the small intestine of the dog. 

Hookworms feed on the dog’s blood and cause multiple diseases. There are several ways dogs can get infected with hookworms.

Mother dogs can pass on this infection to her pup, whereas adult dogs can contract hookworms by consuming an already infected animal. The presence of hookworms in puppies is particularly problematic because they have weak immune systems that cannot effectively deal with hookworms on their own. 

Being a dog owner, it is important that you look out for telltale signs of a hookworm infestation in a dog. Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center located in Charlottesville, VA has brought you to a complete guide on how to effectively spot and treat a hookworm infestation in dogs.

Symptoms of Hookworm Infestation in Dogs

To help your dog, you need to know the common symptoms associated with hookworms in dogs:

• Your dog will have a ghastly and malnutrition appearance
• Loss of appetite
• Paleness around lips and ears
• Problems in bowel movements i.e. dark-colored stools, diarrhea or constipation
• Intense dry cough. These symptoms appear when the parasite has also infected the dog’s lungs.

Hookworms Diagnosis in Dogs

If your dog displays the above-mentioned symptoms, you should consult your local vet. He will perform a simple diagnostic test which is called the fecal float test. Through this test, the vet will identify the presence of hookworm eggs in your dog. This test accurately diagnoses the presence of hookworms in dogs. 

• Their eggs are quite large in number and are difficult to miss. 

In most cases, the vet will perform a physical exam before performing the diagnostic test. A physical exam will reveal telltale signs of a hookworm infestation such as abdominal swelling and pale membranes. 

Treatment for Hookworm Infestation in a Dog

• Vets prescribe deworming medicines or anthelmintics to treat a hookworm infestation in a dog. Deworming medicines are administered orally. Most of them are effective in killing mature hookworms only which means that one dose of medicine is not sufficient to get rid of all the worms.  

If you are looking for an effective treatment against hookworm infestation in dogs, try Simparica Trio. Its 3-in-1 formula does not only effectively treat already present hookworms, but also prevent future infections from occurring. 

Usually, a deworming medicine effectively treats a hookworm infestation but if it is not treated on time, surgery may be needed for getting rid of hookworms. 

How to Prevent Your Dog From Getting Hookworm Infection in the First Place? 

Dogs get infected with hookworms when they come in contact with infected feces. The first step of prevention is to keep your dog’s surroundings clean and prevent him from coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.

Along with that, puppies should be administered a deworming medicine at early stages i.e. at 2,4,6 and 8 weeks of age. Puppies are particularly susceptible to contracting hookworm infections which is why it is recommended to administer frequent doses of preventive medicine to them.

Another recommended measure is to conduct fecal examinations of puppies twice a year during their first year. Fecal examinations can help identify the infection at the early stages and prevent them from getting serious. 

If you are residing in Charlestville VA, visit Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center if you suspect your dog is suffering from a hookworm infestation.