Your dogs can get infected with hookworms. The common signs and symptoms of hookworms in dogs include presence of hookworms in dogs poop or vomit. You can identify hookworms using the illustrative pictures inserted in this post. Also, explore some of the best home remedies and treatments for hookworms in dogs. Furthermore, learn the causes of hookworm in dogs and how you can prevent them.
Hookworms in Dogs Symptoms
Hookworms in dogs might be very fatal, especially in the puppies. As such, pet owners are required to be vigilant for any signs of hookworms in dogs.
The blood-sucking parasites may invade, inhabit, and then live in dog’s small intestines. In their fourth-stage larvae, the hookworms can lead to anemia and inflammation in dog’s small intestine. Active worms usually leave bite site and blood continues to seep the sites.
The most significant clinical signs which are related to the intestinal distress and anemia. The parasites usually anchor themselves to the intestinal lining so that they may feed on the tissue fluids and the blood, thus injecting an anti-coagulant substance, which may lead to continued bleeding after even the hookworm has fully detached from the feeding site.
Thus, the dog may suffer blood loss from hookworms’ feeding and continued bleeding into the bowel from the attachment sites, leading to anemia. Pale gums and weakness are common signs of anemia.
Some dogs undergo significant weight loss, bloody diarrhea, or even failure to grow well with hookworm infection. It is not uncommon for the young puppies to die from very severe hookworm infections.
Skin irritation and itching of the paws, brought about by larvae burrowing into the skin, can be indications of a heavily infested environment.
Pictures of Hookworms in Dogs (Images)
What do Hookworms in dogs look like? We have inserted excellent pictures of hookworms in dogs in relevant sections of this post to enable you to identify them easily.
What Causes Hookworms in Dogs
Hookworms in dogs can be transmitted by one or all of the below four routes:
- Orally
- Through skin
- Through mother’s placenta before birth
- Through mother’s milk
Female hookworms normally pass several microscopic eggs in feces of infected dogs, where they then contaminate the environment. Larvae usually hatch from the eggs and might remain infective in soil for even months. A dog can be infected when it swallows hookworm larvae, normally by grooming its feet, or by sniffing feces or even the contaminated soil.
The larvae can also burrow into the skin if the dog walks or lies on the contaminated ground. Once in host’s body, the larvae migrate to the intestine where they then mature and complete their life cycle. Part of the life cycle of the hookworm involves migration through the muscle tissues, where they can be dormant.
If a pregnant dog had the hookworms in past, the pregnancy might then reactivate dormant larvae, which then enters the female’s bloodstream and then infect the puppies in the uterus or even through the mother’s milk during nursing. Prenatal and trans-mammary infections are a crucial route of infection for the young dogs.
Hookworms in dogs Poop (Feces)
Like to tapeworms and the roundworms, hookworms are also intestinal parasites which live in the digestive system of your dog.
The hookworm normally attaches itself to the lining of the intestinal wall and feeds on your dog’s blood. Its eggs are then ejected into the digestive tract and thus pass into the environment through dog’s feces.
The larva that hatch from the hookworm eggs live in soil. These larvae may infect your dog through contact and penetration of skin and through the dog eating the larvae when ingesting dirt or even during routine grooming.
Hookworms in dogs Vomit
Hookworms are very bad for puppies. It may be very alarming to see your dog vomit blood or even discover that he has bloody diarrhea. It’s crucial to find the cause quickly, as it’s likely to be something that can get rid of him, more especially if he’s very small or even young. Hookworms in dogs might be behind some of the problems.
Your dog may get the hookworms if he eats on an infected animal, like a rodent or bird, or even by contacting them in the soil or swallowing the eggs.
Puppies may get them from their mothers when they being nursed. While their normal residence is your dog’s intestines, hookworms can also migrate through your dog’s intestines and then end up in lungs. Eventually, he’ll cough them out of his lungs and then swallow them, thus landing them back in his intestines.
Life Cycle of Hookworms in Dogs
Overview of Life Cycle
- Adult hookworms in dogs live in the small intestines and usually shed eggs in feces and into the environment. The larvae then hatch and develop into third-stage larvae. This development happens in approximately 9 days, largely depending on the temperature and humidity.
- Dogs and cats can be infected with the hookworms through ingestion of the third-stage larvae from contaminated area. In addition, they can get infected through larval penetration into the skin and also by ingestion of vertebrate hosts with infective larvae in their tissues. Dogs and cats might also be infected by eating of the cockroaches that have infective larvae.
- Trans-mammary transmission of larvae from the mother to puppies is a crucial route of infection for caninum. In dogs who are more than 2 months of age, some A. caninumcan migrate through the lungs and then enter the somatic tissue, where the larvae are dormant, or even arrested. Arrested development might also happen in the mucosa of the small intestines. The arrested larvae are then activated after removal of the adult worms from intestine; activation also happens during the pregnancy, with the larvae accumulating in mammary glands and then secreted in the milk.
- Unlike caninum, A. tubaeformeis not transmitted to the nursing kittens but is acquired after birth through contamination of the environment. Migration of hookworms within the host is usually very complex. After penetrating the skin, larvae are then carried by the bloodstream to lungs where they migrate up the respiratory tree to the trachea. Larvae are then coughed up and swallowed, thus making their way to the small intestine, where they mature and then produce eggs. Eggs are first found in feces 3 weeks after infection.
- When infective larvae are ingested, some might penetrate the oral cavity and gastro-intestinal tract mucosae and then migrate as described in the above section; most of the larvae, however, remain in the alimentary tract and they mature into adults in the small
- Larvae that infect other transport hosts do not develop further in the hosts but can be dormant hypobiosis in several host tissues. When a dog ingests the larvae in animal tissues, then the larvae travel to the small intestines, where they are then released and thus mature into adult worms.
- Immature and adult hookworms in dogs attach to the mucosa of the small intestine, digest the tissue, inject anticoagulants, and then suck blood. Worms might also detach and move to new areas and then reattach. Small bleeding ulcers usually form where the worms were fed.
- Adult hookworms in dogs can live for up to 24 months in the small intestine.
Stages of Life Cycle
- Modulated hookworm eggs are usually passed in feces of the infected dogs; the most commonly seen species are caninumin dog and A. tubaeforme in cat.
- Adult hookworms in the small intestine of infected dogs are attached to intestinal villi by a large buccal cavity.
- Male hookworms have a posterior copulatory bursa, it is not uncommon to see the worms in copula in the small
- Dog and cat hookworms normally range in size from 15 to 25 mm by 0.4 to 0.5 mm.
- Eggs range in size from 60 to 90 μm by 40 to 55 μm, largely depending on species.
How to Get Rid of Hookworms in Dogs
Hookworms are some of the internal parasites that are found in dogs. They can’t be seen by use of a naked eye, but their devastation on a body is quite obvious.
Veterinarians understand better how the treatment of hookworms in dogs. This is not a do-it-yourself treatment.
Due to the fact that they hook themselves into the intestine, hookworms in dogs suck the blood from the infested victim.
This may lead to not only anemia but death also. These nasty parasites may also be transmitted to people, so vigilance with regard to your puppy’s health is very crucial.
Hookworms in dogs normally live in the intestines and may be transmitted to the young dogs during pregnancy and through the mother’s milk.
Home Remedies for Hookworms in Dogs
1. Garlic & Fennel Seeds
Procedure:
- Take about 2 fresh garlic cloves and then grate them nicely.
- Mix it with some fennel seeds powder.
- Feed the mixture to your dog with the usual food.
Both garlic and fennel are potent. It has to be given to a dog in moderate amounts (greatly based on body weight). Include about 3 garlic cloves in dog meal if breed weighs more than 40 lbs. For dogs weighing 30 pounds, 1 garlic is sufficient. For dogs who are weighing 15 pounds or less, ½ garlic clove is enough during the meal.
How Does This Work?
According to studies, garlic is one of the best home remedies that is used for hookworms in dogs. It assists in flushing worms from the system and maintenance of a healthy immune system. Also, it is a very strong mosquito deterrent and works effectively against fleas.
The reason garlic works better on worms is because of the presence of an amino acid which is derived compound known as alliin. As soon as garlic is crushed or minced, the compound joins with alliinaseto to form another compound known as allicin, which is the reason behind its flavor and healing properties.
When a dog ingests some amount of garlic (but in small quantities), it then enters the stomach, where the compounds dissolve. Further, it moves to the small intestine where it is broken down and finally absorbed. The body cells will then digest the compounds through the bloodstream. The worms are finally killed.
2. Crushed Pumpkin Seeds
Procedure:
- Take pumpkin seeds and then grind them in a mixer to obtain a fine powder.
- Mix it with the dog food about twice a day.
Excess of anything is not good. So, giving pumpkin seeds in large amounts to a dog may prove to be toxic. Also, avoid giving the salted pumpkin seeds which are sold at grocery stores. Go for organic seeds. Serve only about 3 teaspoons of pumpkin seeds powder for every 15 pounds of dog’s body weight so as to do away with the worms.
How Does This Work?
Pumpkin Seeds: The reason pumpkin seeds are one of the home remedies that are used for hookworms in dogs is because of the presence of a compound known as cucurbitacin, which usually acts as a natural steroid so as to make the worms inactive.
After this, they are removed from the body via the excretory system. Make sure that the hull of the seeds is not discarded with seeds.
Besides the cucurbitacin, pumpkin seeds help keep the digestive and immune system healthy. This is because of the presence of essential nutrients such as folic acid, copper, niacin, amino acids, zinc, and fiber.
The Remedy Is Not Good If There are no indicated adverse effects of giving pumpkin seeds to the dogs. But, there can be problems if you are giving them in excess amounts or even serving salted seeds.
3. Fresh Cloves
Procedure:
- Take fresh cloves (not the dried cloves).
- Grind in a mixer.
- Feed the dog with food at least once a day for a week.
- Alternatively, give 1 clove once a day for one week.
It is better to serve herbs such as cloves in a moderate amount to prevent health risks. For a puppy, the serving size is just ¼ of a clove, for a medium-sized dog, the serving size should be ½ a clove, and for a big dog, it is just 1 full clove. Just feed once in a day and then repeat it for 1 week and not for a longer period.
How Does This Work?
Cloves: These particular herbal spices can work well in treating hookworms in dogs that are also in humans. They have anti-parasitic properties to get rid of the internal worms.
The Remedy Is Not Good, If:
- Your dog is pregnant.
- You are serving amounts to your dog at an increasing rate.
- Your dog may already be having an irritated
4. Mixture: Oat Bran, Raw Carrots, & Beetroots
Procedure:
- Take some amount of oat bran.
- Take equal amounts of fresh, grated raw carrots and beetroots.
- You can mash to grind all ingredients in a mixer.
- Feed about 2 teaspoons of the mixture to the dog with food at least once a day.
- Do the process for one week.
The serving size largely depends on your dog’s body weight. For a smaller dog, give no more than just a ½ teaspoon. For medium or large size breeds, serve 2 teaspoons.
How Does This Work?
Oat Bran: To do away with hookworms in dogs, oat bran is said to the best. This is due to the fact that they have good amounts of natural phytic acids that are contained in them, which help to prevent worms from absorbing the essential nutrients from the host. Also, its laxative properties are used to clear the dog’s bowel.
Carrots: The health benefits that is provided by the carrots are several. But, an important advantage is that they may assist in de-worming of hookworms in dogs. They are a source of vitamin A and in addition act as a source of roughage.
Though there are several compounds of carrots which help get rid of the internal parasites in dogs, the active ones are the sulfur and beta-carotene, vitamin C & A. Vitamin A naturally gets rid of the eggs whereas vitamin C boosts the immune system.
Beetroots: These healthy vegetables are one of the best methods that are used to kill hookworms in dogs. They work due to their strong astringent properties. Beetroots not only gets rid of the worms but also to keep the digestive tract healthy and very clean.
Also, it detoxifies the liver and improving the bile flow from the gallbladder. As the parasites withdraw into the bile duct, it is crucial in sustaining liver and bile flow function.
The Remedy Is Not Good If you are exceeding quantities. These three ingredients do not, however, pose any serious effects in the dogs.
5. Cinnamon & Peppermint
Procedure:
- Take some amount of peppermint leaves.
- Take some amount of cinnamon powder.
- Grind them in a mixer.
- Feed about 1 teaspoon to the dog food once a day.
- Repeat for one week.
For small dogs, feed just ½ teaspoon of the mixture whereas for medium-sized and the bigger dogs, feed no more than 2 teaspoons.
How Does This Work?
Cinnamon: The herb contains powerful anti-parasitic and antibacterial properties that can deal with hookworms in dogs. The active compounds that are found in cinnamon are cinnamaldehyde and proanthocyanidins. But, the tannins that are found in them are said to fight different parasites and reinforce and strengthen body tissues.
Also, cinnamon contains manganese and iron – both of the trace elements are used to maintain a healthy immune system.
Peppermint: Mint leaves are one of the best herbs that are used to improve digestive health in sick pets. Also, peppermint leaves are a natural flea repellent.
The reason that peppermint is regarded as one of the best home remedies to do away with the hookworms in dogs is because of the presence of menthol in them.
Menthol effectively gets rid of the internal parasites and inhibits their growth. Peppermint exhibits antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, stimulant, and astringent properties.
The remedy is not good if:
- You are exceeding the dosage while administering to the dog.
- Your dog is pregnant.
Hookworms in Dogs Treatment (Cure)
Effective treatment of hookworm in dogs includes a regimented de-worming protocol. Normally this involves the use of oral pyrantel pamoate first, that is then followed by blood transfusions in the affected puppies and intravenous fluid support.
If your dog has been diagnosed with the hookworms, then follow your veterinarian’s recommended de-worming schedule, and have an additional fecal examination that is performed once the treatments have finished so as to confirm that all parasites have been completely removed from your dog’s system.
Most cases of hookworms in dogs respond well to anthelmintic treatment. Iron supplementation might also be recommended by your veterinarian, together with a high-protein diet and vitamin supplements.
There are several medications that may be used in the treatment of hookworms in dogs; most of them are given orally. The drug treatments currently include Fenbendazole, Milbemycin oxime, Pyrantel pamoate, Praziquantel /febantel, Praziquantel/pyrantel, pyrantel (Heartguard Plus) and Dichlorvos, among others.
As new treatments are being developed, your veterinarian is the best person that can assist you to diagnose hookworms in dogs and to guide you through a better treatment protocol.
Are Hookworms in Dogs Contagious
Hookworms in dogs may be passed from a mother to newborn through her milk. This then makes hookworms in dogs a contagious infection which may easily be spread. For this given reason, it is crucial for pregnant dogs to be checked regularly for any indications of hookworms.
Other dogs may also be contaminated when in contact with an infected dog’s stool. Cats and similar mammals can also get hookworms.
Humans are can get hookworms also. The parasite may penetrate the skin, making its way inside the body. For this reason, it is good for owners to put on gloves, and carefully handle pets while they are infected.
It is possible for hookworms to lead to infection via a person’s feet. The worms are normally found in contaminated soil where a dog’s stool was. Although the stool might not be present, the parasite still can be a source of hookworms for some time. Someone walking bare feet can pick up the worm, who penetrates their skin and make their way through the person’s body.
How to prevent Hookworms in Dogs
One of the suggested best ways that can be used to prevent hookworms from infecting of the puppies is by having them and the mother checked out and treated as soon as they show any signs. It is crucial to start treatment within a few weeks after breeding has taken place, and up to some weeks after the puppies are born. This ensures all parasites are out of the system and the puppies may drink from her safely.
It is also good to keep dogs away from the low levels of water. This includes water in a pond or just rainwater that is collected somewhere. Any water that is noticed should be drained and kept away from dogs.
Dogs exhibiting any signs of anemia or even loss of appetite should have a stool sample taken. This allows veterinarians to spot the parasite and start immediate treatment, thus making others aware of a possible outbreak.
Our Sources and References
- Ancylostomiasis in Dogs: http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_multi_ancylostomiasis
- Hookworm Infection in Dogs: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hookworm-infection-in-dogs
- Understanding Hookworms in Dogs: http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/understanding-hookworms-in-dogs/
- HOOKWORMS: http://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/hookworms/
- Can Hookworms in Dogs Cause Vomiting Blood or Blood in Stool: http://pets.thenest.com/can-hookworms-dogs-cause-vomiting-blood-blood-stool-7907.html
- How to Treat Hookworms in Dogs: http://www.petful.com/pet-health/how-to-treat-hookworms-in-dogs/
- 10 Best Home Remedies For Worms In Dogs: https://www.livealittlelonger.com/home-remedies-for-worms-in-dogs/2/
- Treatment and Prognosis of Hookworms in Dogs: http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Health/Hookworm-Infection/Treatment.aspx
- Hookworms in Dogs – Symptoms, Treatment, and Causes: http://www.shieldmypet.com/health-issues/hookworms/