The danger of hookworms

Parasites are creatures that attach themselves to another animal in order to survive. The animal they choose becomes their host. As the parasites live off of their host, they cause irritation and oftentimes, serious health problems. The hookworm is one of these parasites. The host of the hookworm is oftentimes a dog.

Hookworms are tiny, five mm long works with hook-like mouths. The worms use their hook mouths to attach to the intestine wall of their host. Once attached to the intestines, the hookworms suck blood from the intestine blood vessels. Puppies are most at risk for developing hookworms, and many other parasites as well. This is because puppies can easily catch the hookworms from their mother if she happens to have them.

Puppies might absorb the hookworms before they are even born, coming into the world with the parasite. Other times, they may contract them through their mother’s milk. Other dogs can also catch hookworms if they happen to orally digest the parasites, or the worm’s eggs.

Signs of hookworms include overall discomfort and irritation. Because the hookworms drink the blood, they can cause anemia in their hosts. Signs of anemia include weakness and pale gums, due to the lack of red blood cells. Always talk to your veterinarian if you notice any signs of abnormal behavior from your dog.

To truly tell if a dog has hookworms, a veterinarian will dissect the dog’s stool with a microscope. Hookworms lay many eggs a day so with a microscope it will be easy to diagnose the parasite.

Treating hookworms requires medication, either orally or injected, usually over the course of a month or two. Serious conditions may require a blood transfusion due to the anemia.

Have your dog tested regularly for hookworm and talk to your veterinarian about the right preventative plan for your dog.