Hookworm in Infants & Dogs

According to the Centers for Disease Control &Prevention (CDC), hookworms are a common problem, infecting around 25 percent of the world's population. Hookworms commonly infect household pets, such as dogs.

  1. Infection

    • Hookworm is a type of roundworm that infects its host through ingestion and penetration of the skin. Once in a host's body, hookworms migrate to the lungs and on into the intestinal tract.

    Dogs

    • The CDC reports hookworms larvae and eggs are found in soil throughout the U.S. Pet feces is a common form of infection for humans with the play habits of children bringing them into more frequent contact with infected areas than adults.

    Prevention

    • Hookworm infection can be prevented with a variety of simple measures, including the practice of good personal hygiene in infants. The regular disposal of pet feces before hookworm eggs and larvae find their way into the environment through rain and other forms of dispersal are also important.