It’s Hookworm season!

Here’s everything you need to know.

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Hookworms are intestinal parasites and get their name from the hook-like mouth they use to latch on to the lining of the intestine wall where they feed on your dog's blood.

Female hookworms release eggs into the digestive tract of infected dogs, which then contaminate the environment through faeces. Once the larvae hatch, they can survive in the soil for weeks or even months, waiting to infect their next victim.

Dogs are often infected by:

-       Licking/grooming or ingesting contaminated dirt

-       Through the skin where hookworms can easily penetrate simply through contact

Hookworms inject an anti-coagulant which prevents blood from clotting, in turn, this causes continuous bleeding and internal blood loss. Prolonged bleeding into the bowel causes anaemia, weight loss, and bloody diarrhoea as well as a persistent cough in severe cases.

How is it treated?

Hookworms are treated through various oral drugs that can be prescribed by your vet to kill adult hookworms. Treatment is often repeated in 2-4 weeks to ensure any newly developed adult worms that were missed in the first treatment are dealt with.

In young dogs or those with severe anaemia, a blood transfusion may be required.

It’s simple really! Most heartworm medication contains ingredients that help treat hookworm infections, so check yours does and ensure you remain up to date with your heartworm schedule.

Hygiene is also important through:

-       Cleaning the yard daily by removing all faeces and placing them in the bin.

-       Washing hands often – particularly if you have been exposed to potentially contaminated environments such as dog parks

-       Keeping your dogs living quarters clean