Hookworms in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and How To Prevent Them

Published Jan. 21, 2025
hookworms in dogs; a vet checks a Schnauzer’s heart and lungs.

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In This Article

Summary

Hookworms are common internal parasites in puppies and dogs.

Key Takeaways

  • Hookworms are common intestinal parasites found throughout the United States. They especially thrive in warm, moderately moist soil.
  • Hookworms are so small that you typically do not see them in your pup’s stool, which allow them to easily go undetected.
  • Treatment of hookworms in dogs requires that you give your pet a deworming medication on a strict schedule.

What Are Hookworms in Dogs?

Hookworms in dogs pose a serious health risk to pups and are contagious to people. Symptoms of hookworms in puppies and dogs can vary from no signs of infection to severe illness.

Hookworms get their name from their hook-like mouth parts, which they attach to the lining of your dog’s small intestine, and from their bloodsucking behavior.

These parasites are so small (about 1/8 inch long) that you typically do not see them in your pup’s stool, which allows hookworms to easily go undetected.

A diagram of the process of hookworms in dogs.


If your pup is feeling well, hookworms are generally not an urgent issue; however, hookworms can be deadly in puppies due to the blood loss that results from them.

Hookworms are considered a medical emergency if your pup is showing severe signs of illness due to blood loss and malnutrition, such as:

Types of Hookworms in Dogs

The most common type of hookworm in dogs and puppies is Ancylostoma. A less common hookworm, Uncinaria, is generally not as harmful to dogs.

Symptoms of Hookworms in Dogs

Many hookworm-infected puppies and dogs have no signs of illness but continue to spread eggs and larvae into the environment.

Symptoms of hookworms in dogs can include:

Causes of Hookworms in Dogs

Young puppies become infected with hookworms when they ingest larvae while nursing.

If you are caring for a pregnant dog or nursing mother, ask your vet about deworming her to stay ahead of transmission to the puppies.

Puppies and dogs become infected by ingesting larvae from a contaminated environment, by eating wildlife infected with worms or eggs, or by contacting contaminated soil (since larvae penetrate the skin).

Infection with hookworms can occur in all dogs, young and adult. Infection rates are typically higher in:

  • Dogs kept outdoors

  • Dogs who frequent dog parks

  • Stray dogs

  • Dogs who are not on monthly internal parasite preventative

  • Dogs kept in crowded, unsanitary environments

Hookworms are found throughout the United States, and they especially thrive in warm, moderately moist soil.

They can survive in soil for several months and are usually killed by freezing temperatures.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Hookworms in Dogs

To test for hookworms in dogs, your vet needs a fresh stool sample from your pup that you bring from home, or they can get a sample during a physical examination of your dog.

Your vet might then order one or both tests:

  • Fecal examination (also known as fecal centrifugation and flotation)—This test detects microscopic parasite eggs and can be performed in the vet hospital or sent out to a reference laboratory.

  • Fecal antigen test—This test detects certain proteins from intestinal parasites and is sent out to a reference laboratory.

Even if you highly suspect hookworms in your pup, your veterinarian will likely want to run lab tests to confirm that the parasite is correctly identified and to check the number of eggs in the sample to assess your dog’s response to treatment.

The tests will also screen for other worms, since a dog can have several different types of intestinal parasites at one time.

Treatment of Hookworms in Dogs

Treatment of hookworms in dogs requires that you give your pet a deworming medication on a strict schedule.

To treat hookworms, your vet might prescribe one or more of these treatments:

Treatment for your pup can vary, depending on:

  • The severity of your dog’s infection

  • Your dog’s health status

  • The medication dosage

  • The formulation and frequency of treatment your veterinarian prescribes

In severely affected puppies and dogs, deworming treatment is combined with hospitalization and supportive care, including electrolyte and fluid therapy; a high-quality, high-protein diet; blood transfusions if needed; and additional medications.

It’s important to carefully follow the directions provided by your vet and to return for follow-up visits and stool tests to ensure the treatment is working for your pooch.

Recovery and Management of Hookworms in Dogs

Puppies and dogs who are mildly infected with hookworms can completely recover within a few weeks at home. Pups who are severely ill might be hospitalized for several days and require more intensive treatment.

If your pup has diarrhea or low appetite, your vet might recommend a gastrointestinal probiotic, such as FortiFlora or Proviable-DC, to aid digestion and provide immune system support.

Prevention of Hookworms in Dogs

The best prevention for hookworms in dogs includes:

  • Regular wellness visits with your veterinarian

  • Regular deworming

  • Prompt removal of stool from your home and yard

  • Stool testing, needed twice a year for adult dogs (depending on health and lifestyle) and four times a year for puppies and newly adopted dogs

  • Monthly parasite prevention (such as Simparica TRIO) year-round for life

  • Treatment of pregnant and nursing dogs with deworming medication prescribed by your vet to reduce the risk of transmission from mother to puppies

Hookworms in Dogs FAQs

How contagious are hookworms from dog to human?

Hookworms are contagious from dogs to people. People can become infected when walking barefoot on soil or sand where dogs have been allowed to defecate.

How long does it take to get rid of hookworms in dogs?

Puppies and dogs who are mildly infected with hookworms can completely recover within a few weeks at home on a routine deworming schedule.

Pups who are severely infected might have a longer and more involved recovery.

Do I need to clean my house if my dog has hookworms?

Yes. To prevent hookworm eggs from contaminating your home, promptly pick up all stool immediately after your dog defecates.

Clean your home completely by washing all bedding (including your pup’s) and toys, vacuuming floors, and disinfecting surfaces. All pets in the house need to be on monthly year-round parasite preventative and routine deworming.

References

Dinulos J. Cutaneous Larva Migrans. Merck Manual. Revised October 2023.

Hookworms. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Updated March 29, 2023.

Stafford K, Kollasch TM, Duncan KT, et al. Detection of gastrointestinal parasitism at recreational canine sites in the USA: the DOGPARCS study. Parasites and Vectors. 2020;13: 275.

Thornton K. Hookworms are becoming resistant to treatment – what now? Veterinary Practice News. Published December 22, 2022.

References


Molly Price, DVM

WRITTEN BY

Molly Price, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Molly Price has practiced small animal medicine for over 20 years and is a graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. She...


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