Hookworms frequently attack puppies and can cause death if not promptly treated by a veterinarian. Puppies seem to be more susceptible than adult dogs. There are other species of worms that dogs can get and they are tapeworms, roundworm, and whip worms. Let's explore hookworms for now.
Things You'll Need
- Stool sample
- Visit to the vet
- Medication
Instructions
Generally hookworms exist in soiled areas where the dog can eat some of the dirt which deposits the infestation of hookworms into the dog. They start off in the lungs and then can spread into the dogs bloodstream. The mode of transmission is the dog ingests the eggs of the hookworm. After they invade the dogs body they migrate to the dogs intestines as adult worms.
The symptoms of hookworm are weight loss, anemia, increased weakness, and loose stools. Hookworm symptoms come about when the worms are adults. Hookworms can infest a bitch and lie dormant until birth of the puppies. The puppies though can be affected and the worms will infest them which is not a good thing. Most puppies don't survive an hookworm infestation unlike an adult dog that will respond to treatment.
The treatment for hookworm is to seek veterinarian advice for a definite diagnoses. The exam will consist of checking the dogs stool for the worms. Dewormer medication will be prescribed and this will kill off the hookworm infestation. Use the medication as prescribed do not give the dog more than the recommended dosage because it could cause death if taken in a larger amount. Frequently check your dogs stool for hookworms as they are visible to the naked eye.