Hookworm Infection: An Overview

Dog Breeds

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.

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Introduction

Hookworm infection is a disease caused by several species of parasites. The symptoms of animal hookworm infection depend on how the infection is acquired. Early stages of animal hookworms, the larvae, can infect the host and travel through different parts of the body. This is called larva migrans (LAR-va MIGH-granz). Painful and itchy skin infections often occur when animal hookworm larvae move through the skin. If animal hookworm eggs are ingested, then the larvae that hatch out of the eggs can reach the intestine and cause bleeding, inflammation (swelling), and abdominal pain.

Figure 1Hookworm egg - this is what a veterinarian sees in the stool of an infected dog or cat.

How Do Pets Get Hookworm?

Dogs and cats of any age may get roundworms and hookworms, but they are most vulnerable when they are very young. In fact, it is not unusual for puppies of only 2-3 weeks of age to harbor a significant number of worms. That’s because these worms are often passed from a mother to her puppies before birth. Sometimes they are passed shortly after birth, through her milk.

Symptoms of Hookworm Infection

Hookworms are intestinal parasites. They live and grow inside the intestine of your pet. Hookworms develop from eggs into larvae, and then later mature into adult worms.

Most pets show no sign of infection. However, some do. Signs may include:

• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Severe weight loss

Heavy infections in young puppies and kittens may be fatal.

Can Animals Transmit Hookworm to People?

Yes, but not directly.

Puppies and kittens are especially likely to have hookworm infections. Animals that are infected pass hookworm eggs in their stools. The eggs can hatch into larvae, and both eggs and larvae may be found in dirt where animals have been.

Eggs or larvae can get into your body when you accidentally eat or have direct contact with contaminated dirt. For example, this can happen if a child is walking barefoot or playing in an area where dogs or cats have been (especially puppies or kittens).

Treatment Options