Roundworms & Hookworks in Dogs

Roundworms are also known as ascarids; hookworms are part of the Ancylostoma and Uncinaria species. Both parasites cause health problems by infecting the digestive systems of puppies and adult dogs.

  1. Features

    • Adult roundworms are 3 to 4 inches long and reside in the dog's small intestine. They absorb nutrients from their host and damage the dog's intestinal lining. Severe roundworm infestations cause intestinal blockages. Hookworms are less than an inch long. They also live in the small intestine, but they attach themselves to the intestinal lining and feed on the animal's blood.

    Causes

    • Puppies become infected with hookworms and roundworms while still in the uterus or from their mothers' milk when they are nursing. Adult dogs get roundworm infections by eating other infected animals or by ingesting the eggs. They become infected with hookworm by drinking contaminated water or by eating infected hosts.

    Effects

    • Dogs with roundworm and hookworm are often underweight and have vomiting or other intestinal problems. They get pneumonia from hookworms and roundworms that migrate through their lungs on the way to the intestine. Puppies with hookworms are anemic and do not grow properly. Treat roundworm and hookworm with an appropriate deworming medication.