Hookworm

Hookworm in dogs is a very common problem in Inala and surrounding suburbs. It is most commonly detected in puppies but can affect dogs of any age.

Symptoms include listlessness, poor appetite and pale gums. Bloody or black droppings, vomiting, diarrhoea and a temperature can also occur. These symptoms are similar to canine parvovirus and the two diseases can easily be confused.

Hookworm is mostly picked up from the ground by ingestion and skin penetration but can also be spread by infected bitches to puppies during pregnancy and lactation.

Immature hookworm can also penetrate human feet resulting in a rash but do not attack the bowel as happens in dogs.

These worms are not seen on the droppings and so can be difficult to detect without veterinary assistance. It is recommended that puppies be wormed fortnightly from 2 weeks of age and adults every three months.

Bitches should also be wormed during pregnancy. Your vet will advise you on the best quality wormers. This advice is important as not all worming preparations give the same results.

You can limit the spread of hookworm by picking up your dog`s droppings daily and placing them in the bin.