Dr. Laci Schaible
|April 29, 2022
With a hook-shaped mouth giving them their name, hookworms are highly contagious intestinal blood-sucking worms that adult dogs and puppies frequently get. There are several species of hookworms in dogs, including Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala and Ancylostoma braziliense, to name the more common species found in the intestines of our beloved pups. Read on to learn the answer to "How do dogs get hookworms?" as well as how to protect your dog from this parasite.
Dogs of all life stages are vulnerable to hookworms, and there are four ways dogs can get them:
Many dog parents are shocked when their veterinarian finds hookworms during routine fecal exams, but this isn't uncommon as many dogs infected with the parasite don't exhibit clinical signs. Sometimes, you may notice your dog itching, or you might see a rash on their paws because hookworms cause discomfort when they burrow into the skin. If your pup is a paw chewer, this behavior may not initially spark your attention.
Other common signs affect the gastrointestinal tract but may also include:
Pale gums are a result of anemia that can develop as the hookworms ingest blood in the intestines. Failure to thrive is common among puppies with hookworms.
You bet. Certain diseases, including hookworms, are considered "zoonotic" because they can spread from animals to people. Hookworm larvae are notorious for burrowing into the soles of people's feet, as the New York Post mentioned. It's also possible for a dog to spread hookworms to you by licking or kissing you on the mouth when they have the parasite in their mouth. On rare occasions, the larvae can migrate through tissue in the human body and cause something called "larva migrans." This condition can cause damage to the internal organs and has been linked to many cases of blindness, especially in children.
Lucky for us, the adult form of the hookworm doesn't infect humans and will die within a few weeks when inside of us. However, hookworm infections are on the rise — up 47% from 2012 to 2018, according to a study cited by Veterinary Practice News.
Diagnosing hookworms in dogs is usually straightforward, involving taking a stool sample and examining a microscopic slide for the presence of hookworm eggs. Eggs aren't guaranteed to always be present as they can shed intermittently. As a result, more than one fecal exam may be essential for diagnosis. Because hookworms don't always cause signs of physical illness, your dog should have fecal exams twice a year.
Several different kinds of medication, called anthelmintics, can effectively treat hookworms. Injectable and oral forms of medications are available as well. Your vet will be able to determine which would be best for your dog. For dogs with severe hookworm infestations, additional treatments may be needed. For instance, dogs who have developed anemia will need to have their blood cell count monitored. They can even require a blood transfusion, though puppies tend to be most at risk for this severe anemia.
Heartworm preventative medication will prevent a dog from getting a hookworm infection, and depending on the product, it may or may not help with an existing infection. Because of this and the frequency of intestinal parasites seen in dogs, routine dewormings are recommended for all dogs. Talk to your vet about any concerns you may have regarding your dog and hookworms. Keep in mind that if you follow best practices for checkups and preventative care, your pup should stay happy and healthy.
Dr. Laci Schaible is a small animal veterinarian, veterinary journalist, and a thought leader in the industry. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University and her Masters in Legal Studies from Wake Forest University.
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Supports energy level & luxurious coat in Small & Mini dogs. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy.
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs with our special antioxidant blend for lifelong immune support
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+. Delicious food in a small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free dry dog food is gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Supports controlled bone & joint growth. Promotes healthy brain, eye, muscle & immune system development
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Supports joint, digestive, heart, kidney & immune health while maintaining a luxurious coat in Small & Mini dogs
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Low calories & L-Carnitine help promote ideal body weight, support healthy mobility & maintain heart function
Why does my dog look so sad? Your pooch might just be looking for your love & attention. Discover other potential reasons for your dog's sad puppy eyes.
Learn how to read your puppy's body language to better understand his wants and needs and provide him with the best care possible.
Why do dogs like belly rubs? Learn what your dog is really telling you when he wants a belly rub (and why other dogs may not want one).
Learn how much exercise is right for your dog's breed, age & size, as well as how choosing the right dog food affects his ability to exercise & stay active
If you've recently adopted a small dog, learn some health issues that commonly affect smaller breeds, from tracheal breathing issues to knee displacement.
There are several places to get a puppy, learn more about finding a puppy at a shelter, breeder, rescue organisations or local newspaper.
When do puppies start eating solid food? When do puppies need to be vaccinated? Use this growth timeline to learn which stage of development he's in.
Unfortunately death is a part of life, so be prepared to make arrangements for your dog's body if he dies at home.
Discover why dead spots in your green lawn could be caused by dog urine, and learn steps you can take for getting your lawn (& dog) back into shape.
While ringworm in dogs is common, this highly contagious skin infection is preventable and treatable. Learn these tips to help you keep it from spreading.
Learn about therapy dogs, the training that therapy dogs go through, and what you need to do to register your pup with a therapy dog organization.
Learn everything you need to know about hypothyroidism in dogs, including risk factors, signs of the disease and how it gets diagnosed & treated.
Learn common causes of red eyes in dogs, from normal allergies to more serious health concerns, and treatment options your vet might suggest to help.
Discover the best tips & tricks for removing pee stains and odor from carpet, including stains that are recent vs. those that have set in for some time.
You probably know about female dogs going into heat, but do male dogs? Learn whether male dogs have a heat cycle & handling them around females in heat.
Luxating patella in dogs, or kneecap displacement, is a common orthopedic disease. Learn the different stages of this condition & how it's usually treated.
Learn what heart disease and heart conditions are for dogs, their causes, how to spot the symptoms, and what to do if you suspect it in your dog.
Discover the clinical symptoms of anemia in dogs, why the condition occurs, how its diagnosed & treated, and how you can help with prevention in your dog.
If you're interested in training your new puppy to sit, stay, lie down, fetch and more, then read these help command training tips from Hill's.
Learn the proper age to spay your puppy, as well as whether adult dogs can be spayed, and possible complications to keep an eye out for following surgery.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool