Dog Health
Issues - Description of Hookworms ( Ancylostoma Caninum )
It is not surprising that Hookworms are often referred to in two
separate words as in Hook Worms because the description of these
parasites is that they hook themselves to the wall of the small
intestine where they suck blood. These types of worms are called Ancylostoma Caninum. Hookworms measure
from an eighth of and
inch (3 mm) long and live in the dog's intestines. They live by
sucking blood from the wall of the intestines. There are many
different types of dog and puppy parasites and most puppies are
born infested with some form of 'worms'. The generic term "worms" is
usually used to describe Roundworms - the most common of all the
canine worms. Please note that the Hookworm can be carried from
dogs to people.
The
Spread of
Hook Worms
to People
The Spread of Worms can be carried
from one animal to another and from animals to humans. The
infectious larvae of some hookworm species can penetrate human
skin when walking barefoot on infected soil, causing a disorder known as "cutaneous larva migrans"
causing itchy red lines or tracks. This condition, however, is
extremely rare and has no long-term, adverse reactions. Most
incidents are resolved with or without treatment as the larvae
eventually die.
Transmission
and Prevention of Worms,
including Hookworm
The risk of transmission and the spread of worms, including
Hook worm, can be minimised
by:
Exercising sensible sanitary measures
Ensuring all
excrement is removed from pet areas
Ensuring that hands are washed and
clean after contact with the dog or puppy
Ensure that all produce grown
in the garden is washed thoroughly
Ensure your dog is free of
worms at regular intervals
Preventing or reducing the occurrence of dog and puppy worms by
taking de-worming measures prevents the shedding of parasite eggs by your
dog or puppy. These eggs contaminate the environment, and, as they
can lay dormant for some considerable time, can later re-infect
your dog or puppy.
Dog Health
Problems - Symptoms of Hookworms
The symptoms of Hookworms are as follows:
Anaemia
Poor weight-gain
Apathy
Diarrhoea
Dog Health
Issues - Different Types of
Worms
There are several types of parasites, or worms, which affect pets
and are as follows:
Roundworms also referred to as
Round worms - (Called Ascarids)
Tapeworms also referred to as
Tape worms (Dipylidium caninum)
Whipworms also referred to as
Whip worms (Trichuris vulpis)
Heartworms ( also referred to as
Heart worms which live inside the dog's heart )
Dog Health
Advice
We hope that the canine health information and dog health advice
has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are
in doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Health
Specialist.
Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
The sole purpose of the Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems is as a reference
manual to provide useful information to dog and puppy owners. It
is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a
substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please
remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health
please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately.
