How to Treat & Prevent Hookworm in Boxer Puppies

Boxer puppies are at risk for any number of illnesses or parasites that afflict dogs --- including hookworms. Hookworms are parasites that hook onto your puppy's intestines and puncture a blood vessel in order to suck the animal's blood. Hookworms are potentially lethal for your pet if untreated. Puppies get hookworms from their mother; they are either born with them or they contract them through their mother's milk. Symptoms of hookworms include diarrhea (usually bloody or black), loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, slowed growth and a light mucous membrane at the puppy's mouth.

Instructions

    • 1
      A clean yard is key in preventing hookworms.

      Take preventative measures before your boxer puppies are born. A clean environment is important to keeping your boxer mother dog from contracting hookworms. Always clean up after your dog's feces and do not allow your dog to play in a dirty dog park. Keep your dog well groomed and clean, and make sure she has regular checkups with the vet.

    • 2
      A clean home environment also helps protect your boxer puppy against hookworms.

      Keep your boxer's human environment clean. Everyone in the household should wash their hands and bath regularly to sustain a clean home. Use bleach to clean hard surfaces in your home; this can kill the larvae of hookworms. If you feed your dog homemade treats, cook the meat well before serving it.

    • 3

      Seek treatment if, despite your precautions, your boxer dog or puppy contracts hookworms. Go to your regular vet. Your vet can confirm if your boxer has hookworms or not. He can then easily treat the hookworms with medication. This is usually done in the form of an injection.