PRESENTATION OUTLINE
- intestinal parasite
- rarely visible to the naked eye in stools
- 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch long
- get it within 2-3 weeks of age
- feeds on the blood of the dog
- infect the dogs when they ingest dirt infected with hookworm larvae
- can be passed on to humans
- lifespan of a hookworm is 1-2 years
Symptoms:
- failure to gain weight, or weight loss
- loss of appetite
- diarrhea
- anemia
- pale gums
- weakness
- can be a cause of death in puppies
Symptoms Continue:
- bloody or tarry stools may be present
- sometimes coughing can occur due to the larval migration
- skin irritation, most often on the feet between the toes
Treatment:
- medication (2 week intervals)
- deworming protocol
Prevention:
- females should be treated both before breeding and again during late pregnancy
- puppies should be de-wormed as early as possible
- prompt disposal of feces
Prevention Continues:
- fecal examinations should be conducted 2-4 times during the first year of life and 1-2 times per year in adults
- nursing mothers and their puppies should be treated
- puppies should be treated for hookworms at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age
