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Hookworms in DogsHookworms in dogs are intestinal parasites that live in the digestive system of a dog. Canine hookworms pose a serious threat to dogs,
especially young puppies. They can cause blood loss, weight loss, diarrhea or death.
The hookworm (Ancylostoma and Uncinaria) is a common intestinal parasite of dogs (and cats), especially among puppies (and kittens).
Unlike roundworms that just float in the dog's intestines, hookworms actually have "teeth" with which they attach themselves to the wall of the intestine and feed on
the dog's blood. Hookworms in dogs can cause severe disease including anemia and serious diarrhea.
Hookworms are rather small (up to 1 inch in length) and thread-like. Their life cycle begins with adult worms within a dog's intestine laying eggs, which are ejected into
the dog's digestive tract and pass into the environment through feces. If the environment is favorable (warm and humid), the eggs hatch into larvae which then search
for a host.
Hookworms in Dogs - How Do Dogs Get Infected?Dogs can get infected with hookworms in a number of ways:
Symptoms of Hookworms in DogsBecause hookworms in dogs feed on the dog's blood, they can rapidly cause anemia. An infected dog will show the following symptoms:
Diagnosis of Hookworms in DogsHookworms in dogs are diagnosed by using a microscope to look for eggs in a stool sample. In very young puppies, severe disease may be present before the adult worms have started to lay eggs. In such cases, diagnosis is made by evaluating the signs of disease. Compared to roundworms, the adult hookworms are relatively small and are difficult to be detected in the stool. TopConventional Treatment for Hookworms in DogsAs hookworms can cause serious health problems in dogs such as anemia, it is important to eradicate the worms without delay. The best course of action is for dogs, especially puppies, to receive conventional deworming treatment under veterinary supervision. However, after the conventional treatment, it is advisable to use natural remedies to "mop up" any remnants and to prevent further infestations. Visit our page on Roundworms in Dogs for information on using natural remedies to treat dog worms. TopAfter Care for Dogs with HookwormsA dog with worm infestations is very often weak due to malnutrition (the worms rob the dog of a lot of essential nutrients) and/or anemia. It is therefore important to replenish the supply of essential nutrients to strengthen up the dog's immunity. Diet While your dog is being treated for worms, it is essential to feed him foods that are nutritious. A diet high in protein and fat is desirable (e.g. 40% of the diet should come from meat or eggs). Add fish oil to the dog's food for fat supply. Improve Digestion Even if you feed your dog nutritious foods, he cannot get all the nutrients he needs if the foods are not fully digested. To ensure that he can properly digest the foods and absorb the nutrients, feed him supplements of digestive enzymes and probiotics. Supplements Dogs with hookworms usually suffer from anemia. Therefore, blood-building supplements rich in iron and vitamins should be given to provide the dogs' bodies with the necessary building blocks for new blood to be produced. Here is a great natural product for this purpose: Genesis Resources Blood & Energy Formula for Dogs and CatsPrevention of Hookworms in Dogs
Related Topics Dog Worms Roundworms in Dogs Tapeworms in Dogs Whipworms in Dogs References Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999). PetEducation.com TOP of Hookworms in Dogs |
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