Discovering that your dog has hookworms can be concerning, but understanding how these parasites spread is your first step toward protecting your furry friend. These blood-feeding intestinal worms affect millions of dogs worldwide, causing symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe anemia.
If you’re worried about hookworm infection in your pet or want to establish a solid parasite prevention plan, schedule an appointment with AZ Vet Direct today.
What are hookworms in dogs?
Hookworms are small, thread-like parasites that live in your dog’s small intestine. They attach to the intestinal wall and feed on your dog’s blood and energy. These parasites, typically measuring less than an inch long, use their hook-like mouthparts to anchor themselves and can consume significant amounts of blood daily. Adult hookworms produce thousands of eggs that pass through dog waste, contaminating the environment and continuing their lifecycle. The two main species affecting dogs are Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala, both capable of causing serious health issues if left untreated.
8 Signs of Hookworms in Dogs
- Pale gums – Since intestinal worms feed on blood, they often cause anemia that makes your dog’s gums look white or very light pink
- Dark, tarry stools – The blood loss in the intestines can make your dog’s poop appear black and tar-like
- Weight loss – Even with a normal appetite, infected dogs often lose weight because the parasites steal nutrients
- Dull coat – Your dog’s fur might lose its shine and appear rough or brittle
- Weakness and lethargy – Blood loss makes dogs tired and less interested in their usual activities
- Coughing – When larvae migrate through the lungs, some dogs develop a persistent cough
- Skin irritation – You might see red, itchy patches on the paws or belly, known as ground itch
- Poor growth in puppies – Young dogs with worms often fail to thrive and grow properly
3 Primary Ways Dogs Contract Hookworm Infection
Ingestion of Contaminated Soil
The most common way dogs get hookworms is by accidentally eating microscopic larvae while sniffing, licking, or exploring contaminated environments. These tiny larvae thrive in warm, moist soil and can survive for weeks or even months waiting for a host. When your dog licks their paws after walking through an infected area, grooms themselves, or eats grass, they can easily swallow these invisible parasites. Parks, dog runs, and yards where infected animals have defecated are particularly high-risk areas. Even indoor dogs can become infected if you track contaminated soil with your shoes.
Skin Penetration
Hookworm larvae have the remarkable ability to burrow directly through your dog’s skin, particularly through thin areas like the paw pads, belly, and between the toes. This process, called percutaneous infection, often causes an itchy, red rash known as ground itch at the entry sites. The larvae are so small that your dog won’t feel them penetrating the skin initially. Once inside, they travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, get coughed up and swallowed, and finally mature into adulthood in the intestines.
Mother-to-Puppy Transmission
Puppies face a unique risk of parasitic infection through their mothers, even in the cleanest environments. Dormant larvae in an infected mother can reactivate during pregnancy and cross the placental barrier to infect unborn puppies. More commonly, newborn puppies contract intestinal worms through their mother’s milk during nursing, as larvae can be passed in the colostrum and milk. This transmission route is particularly dangerous because very young puppies have immature immune systems and smaller blood volumes, making them more susceptible to severe anemia.
How long does it take for a dog to get rid of hookworms?
With proper treatment, most dogs can eliminate this parasitic infection within 2-4 weeks, though the complete clearing of all larvae may take several months. Your veterinarian will typically prescribe a deworming medication that kills internal parasites, but multiple treatments are necessary because these medications don’t affect migrating larvae. The dead worms pass out in your dog’s stool within a few days of treatment, but new larvae continue maturing. That’s why follow-up treatments at 2-4 week intervals are crucial to catch newly developed adult hookworms before they can reproduce.
How are hookworms in dogs treated?
- Initial veterinary examination – Your vet will perform a fecal examination to confirm parasitic infection and assess your dog’s overall health, checking for anemia or other complications
- Prescribed deworming medication – You’ll give your dog an oral medication (like fenbendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or milbemycin) that specifically targets intestinal worms
- Follow the complete treatment schedule – Administer the medication exactly as prescribed, usually requiring 2-3 doses spaced 2-4 weeks apart to kill newly matured worms
- Address anemia if present – Severely anemic dogs might need iron supplements, special diets, or in extreme cases, blood transfusions to recover
- Clean up the environment – Remove all animal feces from your yard immediately and consider treating outdoor areas where your dog spends time
- Schedule follow-up fecal tests – Your vet will recheck stool samples 2-4 weeks after treatment ends to ensure all worms are gone
- Start monthly prevention – Once cleared, begin regular preventive medication to stop future infections before they can take hold
How do you prevent hookworms in dogs?
Preventing parasitic infections in your dog requires a combination of regular veterinary care, preventive medications, and good hygiene practices. The most effective approach involves giving your dog monthly heartworm preventatives that also protect against hookworms and other intestinal parasites. These medications work by killing any larvae your dog picks up before they can mature into blood-feeding adults. Regular fecal float testing during annual check-ups helps catch any breakthrough parasitic or bacterial infections early, ensuring your preventative care plan stays effective.
8 Tips for Preventing Hookworms in Dogs Beyond Preventive Medication
- Pick up poop immediately – Remove dog waste from your yard daily, as hookworm eggs need time in the environment to become infective larvae
- Avoid high-risk areas – Steer clear of dog parks or areas with standing water during wet, warm weather when hookworm larvae thrive best
- Wash paws after walks – Clean your dog’s feet with pet-safe wipes or warm water after outdoor adventures, especially in areas where other dogs frequent
- Keep your yard dry – Improve drainage and remove standing water, as hookworm larvae need moisture to survive and develop
- Use protective booties – Consider dog boots for walks in potentially contaminated areas, particularly if your dog has had ground itch before
- Regular grooming – Bathe your dog regularly and keep their coat clean to remove any larvae that might be clinging to their fur
- Control wildlife access – Fence your yard to prevent wild animals from defecating in areas where your dog plays, as they can also carry hookworms
- Treat all pets – Ensure every dog and cat in your household receives regular parasite prevention to avoid cross-contamination
3 Major Risks of Hookworms in Dogs
Severe Anemia
When hookworms attach to your dog’s intestinal wall, each worm can consume up to 0.1 ml of blood daily, and heavy infections can harbor hundreds of worms. This constant blood loss leads to severe anemia, which you’ll notice through pale gums, extreme weakness, and rapid breathing as your dog’s body struggles to deliver oxygen. Without treatment, this blood loss can cause internal organ failure and death, especially in young or already weakened dogs. Some dogs require emergency blood transfusions to survive severe hookworm-induced anemia.
Malnutrition and Stunted Growth
Beyond stealing blood, hookworms interfere with your dog’s ability to absorb nutrients from food, creating a double threat to their health. The intestinal damage caused by feeding hookworms disrupts normal digestion, leading to chronic diarrhea and poor nutrient absorption even when your dog eats normally. Infected puppies often show stunted growth, a pot-bellied appearance, and fail to reach their genetic size potential. Adult dogs experience gradual weight loss, muscle wasting, and a dull, brittle coat as their bodies lack essential proteins and vitamins. This malnutrition weakens the immune system, making your dog susceptible to other infections and diseases.
Skin Problems and Secondary Infections
The ground itch caused by skin contact with hookworm larvae creates more than just temporary discomfort for your dog. These entry wounds can become infected with bacteria, leading to painful hot spots, abscesses, or widespread skin infections that require antibiotic treatment. Dogs often scratch and lick these areas obsessively, creating open sores that won’t heal properly while larvae continue to migrate. The constant irritation can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive dogs, resulting in chronic skin conditions. Some dogs develop permanent scarring or hair loss in areas where repeated larval penetration has damaged the skin, particularly on the paw pads and belly.
Conclusion
Understanding how dogs contract hookworms empowers you to protect your pet from these dangerous parasites. By combining regular preventive medications with good hygiene practices and environmental management, you can keep your dog healthy and hookworm-free throughout their life.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear before taking action against hookworms in dogs. Schedule an appointment with AZ Vet Direct today for comprehensive parasite screening and prevention planning. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more pet health tips and updates on keeping your furry family members safe from parasites.
