DOG HOOKWORM
DOG HOOKWORM – HOW IT AFFECTS PUPPIES AND THE MODE OF TREATMENT TO FOLLOW
By Tess Thompson
Hookworms are relatively more dangerous than other types of worms in dogs. Left untreated, hookworms can lead to death. This is particularly true for young puppies.
Hookworms are ravenous creatures that suck blood by sticking themselves to the intestinal walls of the host. The hookworm larvae can even burrow into the skin of the human foot or leg causing itchy lesions. Hookworms are not so common among the feline parasites that infect cats, but if they do infect a cat, they can be equally problematic for cats, dogs and humans alike.
The most common species of hookworm that infects puppies is Ancylostoma caninum. The natural habitat of this species is warm and humid areas in countryside but they are known to survive almost anywhere.
Although the most common mode of transmission to puppies is through mother’s milk, hookworms can also penetrate the skin and get into a puppy’s body. Once inside, they cling to the intestinal walls with their hooks, a characteristic which gives them their name.
Symptoms of worms in dogs are mostly general in nature but hookworms being voracious blood suckers can drain energy in puppies to a much larger extent than in adult dogs. Symptoms of hookworms in puppies depend upon the severity of the infection.
The most common symptoms of hookworm infestation in puppies include anemia in severe cases, disturbance in bowel movement and diminished vitality. Hookworms can affect a young dog to such an extent that even mild infection causes a puppy to curl up and sleep for long hours, shunning play.
Most other worms in dogs can be seen live in dog feces. Unlike other types of worms, hookworms are extremely small and cannot be viewed with a naked eye. This physical trait of a hookworm means that a microscopic examination is the only method to confirm the prevalence of hookworms.
It is imperative that you initiate preventive treatment for hookworms in puppies as soon as they are 2 weeks old. For effective removal of hookworms the treatment has to be repeated after every two weeks till the puppy is two months old. In a high risk environment the same treatment should be continued at weekly intervals for another month and then at monthly intervals till the dog is six months old.
Thereafter medication for preventing heartworm can be used which is effective for roundworms, hookworms and dog tapeworm as well. Nursing mother should be treated along with puppies to ensure that worms do not continue to pass the worm through lactation.
Despite proper treatment it may be necessary to provide supportive care in the shape of a high protein diet and iron supplements to make up for the blood loss. In extremely severe cases a blood transfusion may also be required.
Considering the treatment protocol it is better to take preventive measures. Regular cleaning of the environment and periodic checkups can go a long way to prevent and control infection. Since hookworms can also penetrate human skin, it is advised that children be kept away from infected puppies. Walking barefoot in areas where the dogs defecate like the backyard or the garden can be dangerous for adults also.
References:
http://hartz.com/Dogs/ArticlePreview.asp?Animal=1&Article=93&Topic=3
http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-remedies-for-dogs-ga9.htm
http://peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1622&articleid=747
http://acay.com.au/~dissi/sbc/worms.htm
Is your pet suffering with an ailment or experiencing a condition like what we've discussed here? Check out PetAlive for terrific pet health tips and information as well as 100% safe, effective and unconditionally guaranteed pet health remedies!
More Articles
Techniques You Can Use To House Train Your Dog
Stopping The Barking Habit In Your Dog
Related Products
 DGP Dog Gone Pain Aches and pains reduce your dog's enjoyment of life and our enjoyment of th |
 Digestion Reliever™ For fast, safe relief of gas, cramping, pain and other abdominal discomfort |
 Digestive Blend ActiPet Digestive Blend contains prebiotics to nourish beneficial bacteria, |
 Digestive Support for Cats An effective formula for cats to support proper digestion and bowel health. |
More Articles
CAUSES OF DOMINATE AGGRESSION IN DOGS
... mistaken for subordination. In no time, the pet stops obeying commands and resists discipline, much to the annoyance of the owner. As a dog owner if you do not take corrective measures and train your dog to establish that you are the leader of the pack , the dog is likely to assert his dominance over ...
... infections and infestations, genetic and manifestations of internal ailments. A weakened immune system of the dog often results in problems like: Recurrent infections - These infections can be bacterial or fungal in nature. Hypersensitivity - This includes allergic reactions to food, chemicals, environment, ...
... is commonly seen in pet stores. The incubation period of the virus is between two to twelve days and owners usually come to know about the condition after that have bought home a very sick puppy. Vaccination during ...
... seizure in dogs. An insulin overdose can result in abnormally low blood sugar in diabetic dogs that can lead to seizures. Liver failure restricts the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain and thus may also cause canine seizures. Certain diseases can indirectly cause seizures. For example, Cushing's ...
... tasty only and however, on comparison, the dogs prefer only the canned food items. Reason for such preference by the dogs is that in case of canned food items, the moisture is about seventy to eighty per cent but in case of dry food, it is only about ten per cent. However, if you view it in terms of nutrients, ...