Hookworm in Dogs and What You Can Do

What is Hookworm?
Hookworms are small, thin parasitic worms that are less than one inch long. They primarily affect the intestines by attaching to the intestinal wall with their hook-like teeth. They feed on their hosts blood and tissue, moving from one place to another and leaving small ulcers where they were attached. There are three species of hookworm. One can cause anemia due to blood loss. This condition can be fatal to young pups. Sometimes hookworms can even move through the tissue and into the lungs.

How Do Dogs Get Hookworms?
Hookworm eggs can be found in the feces of an infected animal. After the feces sits for several days under moist, warm conditions, the eggs hatch into larvae. The larvae can be…
– ingested (licking the soil or fur where larvae may be)
– through the skin (can enter a dog’s body through the belly or paws)
– ingesting an infected animal (ex. rodent)
– through mother’s milk

Signs of Hookworm in Dogs
– diarrhea, bloody, or tarry stools
– appetite loss
– stagnant weight (can’t gain or lose)
– pale gums or weakness  (due to anemia)
– lethargic
– coughing (if lungs are severely infected)
– vomiting
– skin irritation (typically belly and/or paws)

Naturally Ways to Rid Hookworms
Feed your dog the following foods (and go organic)…
1. fermented veggies
2. ground pumpkin seeds
3. oat bran
4. green vegetables
5. garlic (1 tsp. per day for a 30 pound dog, don’t overdo)
6. apple cider vinegar with ‘the mother’ (1/4 – 1 tsp. per day)
7. coconut oil
8. parsley
9. bone both

Herbs for expelling worms…
1. Oregon Grape Root
2. Black Walnut
3. Wormwood

If you think your dog may be suffering from a parasitic infection, contact PetMedella at 612-812-9121 or email us at info@petmedella.com.