Hookworm infestations can be very dangerous in both young puppies and older dogs. Unlike most intestinal parasites, hookworms feed off the blood of the host. This can lead to anemia, a deficiency of red blood cells. In severe cases, hookworm infestations can lead to death. Hookworms can be eaten by your dog, and they can pass through your dog's skin. A mother dog can pass hookworms to a fetal puppy, and a newborn puppy can be infected with hookworms from its mother's milk. Prevent hookworm infestation in your dog before the parasites cause any permanent damage.
Things You'll Need
- Deworming treatments
Instructions
Remove any feces from your dog's living area immediately. A dog can eat hookworm larvae in the feces and become infected.
Prevent your dog from eating any animal carcasses you may encounter in your yard or on your daily walk. These carcasses may be infected with hookworm.
Test your dog's feces for hookworm at his annual veterinarian visit, especially if your outdoor dog frequently hunts and eats small animals.
Administer a monthly deworming treatment to your dog. These treatments can be given in pill form, by injection or in chewable treats. This is especially important for a newborn puppy that may have been exposed to hookworm through the mother.
Test your pregnant dog for hookworm at the veterinarian's office. If she has hookworms, treat her with deworming medication through the second half of the pregnancy and during the time she is nursing her puppies.