How to Eliminate Hookworms in Dogs

Dogs pick up hookworm a number of ways. They can get the parasite as puppies from their mother, from ingesting animals, water or soil containing hookworm or from walking or lying on contaminated soil (hookworm can enter through the skin). This parasite can be seriously debilitating to dogs and should be eliminated to prevent anemia or even death.

Things You'll Need

  • Wormer containing fenbendazole
  • Prescription wormer
  • Bleach
  • Bucket
  • Mop
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a wormer that controls hookworms. The wormer will state this on the packaging. Not all wormers kill hookworm, although many do as this is a common parasite in dogs.

      Among the wormers you can use is a nonprescription wormer containing fenbendazole, according to the website Peteducation. There are also several prescription wormers available that will work. Fenbendazole is typically a powder or pill that is mixed with the food. You may need to repeat the treatment in a few weeks (check the packaging label or ask your vet).

    • 2

      Clean and decontaminate the dog's quarters. Peteducation website recommends removing all traces of feces and using a solution of 3 cups of bleach per gallon of water for hard kennel, crate or floor surfaces.

    • 3

      Treat gravel and soil-covered dog areas with 10 lbs. of sodium borate (per 100 square feet) as suggested by the websites Peteducation and Dog-Health-Guide. This may help prevent reinfestation when your dog wanders the yard or kennel. You will need to sprinkle it directly on the gravel in gravel runs and directly on the soil in other areas of the yard the dog frequents. Note, however, that vegetation (including grass) will also be killed.

    • 4

      Pick up feces daily from the yard and kennel area to keep dogs from becoming reinfested by worms in their own feces.

    • 5

      Have the dog tested for hookworm every six months or more frequently if your veterinarian suggests it. The sooner hookworm is noticed and treated, the less chance it has of spreading throughout the dog's living environment.