Hookworms in Dogs: Identifying Dog Worms and How to Treat Them
Key takeaways:
Hookworms are a common type of parasite that attach to dogs’ intestines.
They can cause symptoms like weakness, digestive trouble, dehydration, and low energy.
If your dog gets hookworms, your vet will prescribe an antiparasitic medication to treat the infection.
Table of contents
One group of pesky parasites that dog owners dread is hookworms. These invasive parasites can cause serious sickness in dogs. But with a little knowledge, you can help your dog stay hookworm-free.
What are hookworms?
Hookworms are a type of parasitic worm named for their hook-like mouth. Their specialized hooks allow the worms to hang onto your pet’s intestinal wall. They then suck blood from the small blood vessels in the lining of the intestine, much like tiny vampires living inside your pet.
See something unusual in your dog’s poop? Use our guide to worms in dog poop to identify the potential culprit.
More itchy pests: If your dog is scratching at their ears, they may have picked up another pest known as ear mites. Learn what to do if your dog gets ear mites.
Preventing common parasites: Keep parasites and other creepy crawlers at bay by giving your dog regular flea and tick prevention medication.
What are hookworm symptoms in dogs?
It takes 2 to 3 weeks for hookworms to start laying eggs that can be detected. In the meantime, your dog may have no symptoms. When they do develop symptoms, you may notice:
Digestive issues, like diarrhea
Dehydration (not getting enough water or fluids)
Anemia (a dangerous loss of red blood cells)
Weakness
Inability to exercise
Decrease in playfulness
Pale gums or insides of the eyelids
Sometimes, dogs can get hookworms while they’re out on walks. If your dog gets hookworms this way, you may also have symptoms like itchy paws and coughing.
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Can you identify hookworms in your dog’s poop?
You’re probably not going to see hookworms in your dog’s poop since they are hooked inside your dog’s intestines. The worms are also very small. While adult hookworms can grow up to 12 mm to 15 mm long, they can still be difficult to see without a microscope. Hookworms look like tiny white or reddish-brown pieces of string.
How do dogs get hookworms?
Female hookworms lay eggs inside an infected dog. The eggs are then passed through the dog’s poop and into the environment. These eggs then develop into larvae, the first stage of hookworm growth. A dog that comes into contact with hookworm eggs or larvae may then become infected.
Below are a few common ways dogs get hookworms.
In their mother’s womb
Unborn puppies can get hookworms while still inside their mother’s uterus, if the mother has an existing hookworm infection. This is called prenatal infection.
Through nursing
Nursing puppies can get hookworms from their mother’s milk, if she has an active infection. This is called transmammary infection.
From licking their feet after a walk
Dogs of any age can pick up hookworms from walking where eggs have been left behind. Hookworm eggs are usually left behind where other dogs have pooped. Your dog can get infected if they lick their feet or even the soles of your shoes after a walk.
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Through skin contact
Hookworm larvae can also enter a dog’s body through their skin. The worms typically travel inside a dog until they reach the small intestine and hook themselves in place. Sometimes, larvae also move into the windpipe, which brings air into the lungs. When a dog with an infection coughs, they swallow the hookworm larvae, which grow into adults and attach to the wall of the intestine.
In the right environment, larvae can survive for a few months until they find their way into a new host. Hookworms are especially common in warm, damp regions.
What are the best ways to treat hookworms in dogs?
The best way to treat dog hookworms is with medication. To determine the right medication, your veterinarian will perform a fecal (poop) examination to identify what type of hookworms or parasite your dog has. This involves looking at your dog’s stool sample under a microscope to see if there are any hookworm eggs.
Your vet will then prescribe your dog the specific medication for their type of hookworms. Hookworm treatment for dogs typically involves medications called antiparasitics. These medications are designed to kill adult hookworms.
These antiparasitic medications include active ingredients like:
Pyrantel pamoate
If your dog has a severe infection, they may need other types of care as you wait for the medication to kill the hookworms. For example, your dog may need extra fluids, electrolytes, iron supplements, or a high-protein diet. In severe cases, blood transfusions can even be necessary due to blood loss.
Can you get hookworms from your dog?
Hookworms can and do infect people, and you can get hookworms from dogs. You’re most likely to get them by walking barefoot through an area where an infected dog has pooped. In this case, hookworms will likely enter your body through your skin, which could cause an itchy rash.
If your skin infection goes untreated or the hookworms get in your mouth, they can attach to your digestive system, like with dogs. Keep in mind, however, that this may not cause any symptoms.
Always wash your hands after handling dog poop and wash your feet after walking barefoot in any area where dogs may have been. Also, consider taking your shoes off as soon as you enter your house after walking outside.
Should you get tested for hookworms?
If you’re concerned you or your child may have picked up hookworms, reach out to your healthcare provider. If you have a rash, your healthcare professional will examine the rash. From there, they may suggest additional testing and request a stool sample to make a hookworm diagnosis. Hookworms in humans are also treated with antiparasitic medications.
The bottom line
Dogs and cats can become infested with parasitic hookworms at any age. These parasites can cause symptoms like digestive issues, weakness, and a lack of interest in physical activity. Puppies are especially prone to serious cases of hookworms. For this reason, veterinarians recommend starting puppies on deworming medication early.
If your dog does get hookworms, your vet will prescribe antiparasitic medication to treat the infection. To help prevent hookworms, take your dog to the vet for regular check-ups and clean up after their poop.
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References
Brooks, W. (2023). Hookworms in cats and dogs. Veterinary Partner.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About hookworm.
Companion Animal Parasite Council. (n.d.). Hookworms.
Companion Animal Parasite Council. (n.d.). Microscopic fecal exam procedures.
Moorhead, A. (2019). Hookworms in dogs. Today’s Veterinary Practice.
Peregrine, A. S. (2023). Hookworms in small animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Veterinary Center of Parker, Inc. (2020). Whipworms, hookworms and tapeworms…oh my!
Weir, M. (n.d.). Hookworm infection in dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals.
