Hookworm(3)

Unfortunately, in some very young animals, hookworms may be present before detection is possible in the feces. Many breeders and shelters routinely deworm for hookworms as early as 2 weeks of age to ensure that if the parasite is present, it is eradicated. However, because of their tenacious nature, it is important to have young animals checked for hookworms (as well as other intestinal parasites) again at 8-12 weeks to ensure further treatment is not required.

In young animals showing clinical signs of hookworms, more intensive care must be taken to both eradicate the worms, and correct the damage they have caused. Severely anemic puppies and kittens may require a blood transfusion to boost their red blood cell count to normal levels. IV fluids, as well as medications may be required to correct the effects of and prevent further episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. When the animal is more stable, deworming may then be performed, under medical supervision, to ensure a reaction does not occur when large numbers of parasites suddenly die off.

Once your dog or cat has been treated for hookworms, it is imperative that the environment he or she lives in is treated also. Hookworm larvae can live several weeks in cool, moist soil, but are easily susceptible to freezing cold or very high temperatures. Use a 1 % bleach solution on all floors, as well as in the laundry to wash all of the animals bedding. Feces in the yard should be picked up daily, to avoid allowing an animal to be re-infested.

Hookworms are a zoonotic parasite, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. Use of common sense, such as washing hands after playing with their pet and before eating, as well as not walking barefoot in soil where the animal may defecate can help to reduce risk of infection. While dog and cat hookworms do not migrate to the intestinal tract of humans, the larvae can burrow into the human skin, causing itching and pustules on the skin.