What are Hookworms?
Hookworms are small intestinal parasites. Ancylostoma caninum is the most important and common hookworm. Hookworms feed by repeatedly removing small amounts of tissue from inside the intestinal walls where they reside. This "grazing" for the hookworm result in blood loss and inflammation. Severe infection may lead to anemia, debilitation and even death.
Hookworm infestation is seen most commonly in puppies and the geriatric or chronically ill population. There is no breed or sex predilection, although it is seen commonly in kenneled dogs.
The Hookworm Cycle
Hookworm larvae in the soil burrow through the skin or are consumed by an animal. As they mature, the larvae migrate to the small intestine, where they attach, feed and reproduce. Hookworm eggs are dispersed through the feces approximately 14 days after infection. Infections may also be spread from mothers to nursing puppies. After reaching warm, moist soil, infective larvae develop in 1 to 3 days.
Hookworm larvae are found in areas such as beaches, parks, playgrounds and even in your own backyard!
People can become infected with Hookworms too!
Parasites are transmitted to people through contact with a contaminated environment or by larvae penetrating the human skin. It is important to take steps to minimize the risk or parasitic infections. Make sure your pets are adequately protected which includes:
- Always wear shoes when going out to beaches, parks, playgrounds and backyard.
- Wash fruits & vegetable before eating.
- Eat well-cooked foods.
- Wash your hands and feet with soap as soon as possible after touching or coming in contact with contaminated areas.
- Teach children not to eat dirt or soil and to wash their hand with soap afterwards.
- Protect your pets with heartworm medication such as Heartgard - which also protect against hookworms.
- Pick up pet waste from your yard daily.
- Change & clean litter boxes daily.
Symptoms of Infection in Humans include pneumonia, skin rashes, blindness, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, pale mucus membranes, anemia, poor body condition, poor appetite, weight loss and even sudden death. These symptoms may differ from those in pets and young children that are especially vulnerable.
Treatment:
Puppies and kittens in an environment with a history of hookworm infections should be routinely treated at two week intervals until weaning. Multiple dewormer products are available to deworm infected animals.