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    Control Hookworms in Puppies and Minimize the
    Risk of Spreading
      
    Hookworms are one of the most dangerous parasitic worms. Even though the symptoms
    of worms in dogs are normally elusive, it needs to be known that hookworm infestation
    can cause life threatening anemia to puppies even before the eggs can be noticed in
    the stools.

    Some species of hookworms attach themselves to the small intestines and bite off
    pieces of the intestinal wall to cause bleeding.

    Controlling hookworms properly does not involve only basic de-worming drugs like
    antihelminthics. If the process has to be completed successfully, then a series of steps
    needs to be taken to ensure proper eradication. Understanding the characteristics of
    the hookworm is essential for proper removal.

    Hookworm eggs differ from the eggs of other worms in dogs in at least two ways.

    * Unlike roundworm eggs that can bear the vagaries of environmental hazards,
    hookworm eggs require a typical climate to survive.

    * Whereas dog roundworms and dog tapeworms must necessarily be ingested for infection
    to occur, hookworms can penetrate through the skin tissue.

    Hookworms can be transmitted through ingestion, penetration through the skin tissues
    and through the breast milk of a lactating mother to the puppies. Once inside the dog’s
    body hookworms find their way to the small intestines where they “hook” themselves to
    the intestinal walls.

    Some of the measures that you can take for prevention and cure are discussed
    below.

    *Young puppies and bitches that have delivered should be de-wormed for hookworms at
    periodic weekly intervals.

    *Veterinary treatment of hookworms, however, is only a small part of the story. The major
    threat lies hidden in the environment - in the run, kennel or the playground where children
    play.

    *Canine and feline parasites are not totally destroyed on administration of de-worming
    drugs like antihelminthics. They have an inherent property of surviving for long periods
    in the environment. If you want to address the issue of hookworms, then a concentrated
    effort is required. The prevention of hookworm involves de-worming, cleaning the already
    infected areas and training.

    *Hookworm eggs are deposited in the feces. Some species of hookworms have been
    observed to emerge out from feces after four weeks even in inhospitable environments.
    It is this part of the lifecycle of hookworms that needs special attention. Feces should be
    removed daily so that the likely dormant hookworm eggs can be removed from the areas
    where humans and pets spend time.

    *Hookworm eggs or young hookworms thrive in a typical moist, loamy soil and cannot
    survive in dry and high temperatures. Usually the most commonly used lounging area
    for household pets is among foliage of turf grass and other plants. This is an ideal place
    for the hookworm eggs and the environment is very conducive to hookworm development.

    *Training your puppy to defecate at a designated place is helpful in careful removal of the
    feces. Choose a place in the yard where there is at least two hours of sunlight every day.
    This will not only limit the area required for cleaning but will also inhibit maturation of
    hookworm eggs.

    *Other than trying to prevent hookworm in your pets, you also need to be careful about
    the possibility of a human infection. Hookworms can penetrate human skin. Typically this
    can happen if you walk barefoot on the grass or the outside areas.. Be sure that you
    have your shoes on while walking in areas likely to be contaminated with pet feces.

    References:

    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/NG007

    http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/worms/  


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