Hookworm in Cats and Dogs
What is Hookworm?
- Hookworms are parasitic worms that are also zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans.
- Hookworms are skinny worms reaching around 2cm in length when they are adults, and are a pale whitey-yellow colour.
- Hookworms live in the small intestine of their host (dogs, cats and humans). This is where they attach themselves to the walls of the small intestine with their teeth and feed off the host’s blood.
- Adult hookworms also lay their eggs here which are then pasted out in the host’s faeces.
How are Hookworms Contracted?
Dogs and cats can get hookworm from ingesting larvae (young hookworms) in the environment that are in soil or faeces when they dig around with their mouths. Children are also at risk of ingesting hookworm larvae when they play outside and put their fingers in their mouths.
Hookworm larvae can penetrate the skin of dogs, cats and humans when skin is exposed to soil or faeces with larvae in it. They move to the blood stream, then to the lungs, are coughed up and swallowed, making their way into the digestive tract.
In dogs, hookworm larvae can also pass from mother to puppies during pregnancy and via breast milk.
- Anaemia (which is characterized by weakness, pale gums and low red blood cell count which is determined by a blood test),
- Iron deficiency
- Dull coat
- Intestinal bleeding causing black or bloody faeces
- Digestive upsets
- Off their food (innapetance)
- Tiredness (lethargy)
- Stunted growth in kittens and puppies
- Death if symptoms are severe
Hookworm infestation symptoms in humans are similar to that of dogs and cats. Children are more likely to suffer more severe symptoms than adults, symptoms include:
- Protein and iron deficiency in high intensity infestations
- lack of iron and protein in children can stunt growth
- noticeable track left on skin when larvae enter via skin penetration
- anaemia in children
- mild digestive upsets
Human deaths from hookworm infestations are very rare but do happen in children in 3rd world countries who are not immunized, have poor immune systems, poor hygiene, poor diet and are already infected with other diseases.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of hookworm infestation involves the examination of a stool sample by a vet (for dogs and cats) or doctor (for humans).
Hookworm can be easily treated in humans by getting a prescription from your doctor for worm tablets or getting over the counter worm medications at your pharmacy.
Treatment of hookworms in dogs and cats involves giving them all-wormer tablets such as Milbemax or Fenpral which kill eggs, larvae and adult worms.
Prevention in Dogs and Cats
- Dogs and cats need to be wormed every 3 months with an all-wormer such as Milbemax or Fempral.
- Puppies and kittens need to be wormed at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months of age, then every 3 months for life.
- Keep your dog or cat away from areas or other animals that could possibly be infected with hookworm.
- Remove and dispose of your dog or cats faeces on a regular basis to prevent infection and keep their living environment as clean as possible.
Prevention in Humans
- Picking up and disposing of dog and cat faeces regularly (never use bare hands to pick up faeces, always use a plastic bag, shovel, or gloves, etc.)
- Wearing gloves when gardening and working with soil
- Practice good hygiene around the house and outside
- Not letting bare skin come into contact with soil in possibly infected areas
- Wash hands properly and thoroughly after handling your dog or cat, after handling someone else's dog or cat, after gardening and working with soil, after removing and disposing of your pets faeces, before touching your face or mouth, before eating, after going to the toilet, etc.
- Keeping vaccinations (humans and animals) up to date (to keep immune system strong, especially in children, puppies and kittens)
- Keep an eye on children when they are playing with your dog or cat and when they are outside playing because they are likely to put soil or faeces in their mouths which could lead to ingestion of larvae
- Cover up wounds or cuts (e.g. with a band-aid), before working with soil, removing and disposing of faeces, etc.
Proper Hand Hygiene
In areas where there are no hand washing facilities or you are in a hurry and don’t have time to wash your hands, carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser (preferably alcohol based) or sanitising hand wipes with you. These can be purchased at your local supermarket.