Hookworm infection is a disease caused by several species of parasites. The symptoms of animal hookworm infection depend on how the infection is acquired. Painful and itchy skin infections often occur when animal hookworm larvae move through the skin.
Steps to prevent hookworm infection include deworming puppies and kittens at an early age, learning to recognize and avoid possibly contaminated soil, and keeping your pets on a preventative drug program that controls these worms.
Hookworm infections are diagnosed frequently in puppies and dogs, but kittens and cats are not as susceptible to hookworm infections. However if cats or kittens do become infected with these intestinal parasites, prompt treatment is needed.