Wormopedia - Hookworms

Hookworm slide

Hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma tubaeforme)

Dogs, cats and (very occasionally) humans can be infected with hookworm if they tread on contaminated soil and the larvae burrow into the skin. Although hookworm is quite rare in the UK, it is prevalent on the continent so do discuss it with your vet if you are planning on travelling abroad with your pet.
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Hookworm slide

Hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma tubaeforme)

Hookworms attach (or hook) themselves to the animals intestine and feed on their blood.
Hookworm slide

Hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma tubaeforme)

Symptoms
If caught in the UK hookworm can be symptomless in pets, however some will suffer from bloody diarrhoea, weight loss and could develop anaemia if the infection is heavy.
Hookworm slide

Hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma tubaeforme)

Lifecycle...
Larvae migrate via lungs to the intestine and mature into adult
Adult worms lay eggs in small intestine
Infective larvae penetrate skin or ingested by dog directly or with transport host
Transmission to offspring: transmammary
Larvae can be ingested by transport host
Non-embryonated eggs pass in faeces
Eggs embryonate and hatch; larvae undergo two molts to infective third-stage larvae
Larvae migrate in the skin
Humans can be infected by larvae penetrating the skin
Hookworm slide

Hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma tubaeforme)

Infection stages
The incubation period for hookworm is 2-3 weeks – that's the time lapse between your pet ingesting the parasite, and it starting to affect your pet's health.
Hookworm slide

Hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma tubaeforme)

Risk to humans
Humans can pick up hookworm by walking barefoot on contaminated sand or soil. If infected, hookworm can cause skin disease and/or intestinal problems.
Hookworm slide

Hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma tubaeforme)

Spread in Europe
Hookworm can be found in northern Europe but is more prevalent in the south.
Hookworm slide

Hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma tubaeforme)

How to get rid of them
Vet strength wormers are effective at getting rid of hookworm in both cats and dogs. However, if you are planning on travelling abroad it is particularly important that you protect your pet by worming beforehand. Check out our travelling abroad advice »

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