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Canine hookworm disease
The hookworm is a small round worm, barely visible to the naked eye, which clings to the wall of the dog's small intestine and feeds on blood. Unlike roundworms, it not only interferes with digestion: it causes continuous, drop-by-drop bloo...
What is it?
The hookworm is a small round worm, barely visible to the naked eye, which clings to the wall of the dog's small intestine and feeds on blood.
Unlike roundworms, it not only interferes with digestion: it causes continuous, drop-by-drop blood loss, which can lead to severe anemia in the puppy.
It is favored by heat and humidity, and is found in kennel floors, dirt yards and poorly maintained sleeping areas.
Key point
Puppy anemia can progress quickly: any pallor of the gums must be seen quickly by a veterinarian.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Loose to watery, dark, sometimes blackish or tarry stools from digested blood.
Pale mucous membranes: discolored gums and inside of the eyelids.
Marked fatigue, shortness of breath at the slightest effort in puppies.
Weight loss, dry and lackluster hair, slowed growth.
Dehydration in case of persistent diarrhea.
Irritation of the skin between the pads and on the stomach, where the larvae penetrate: redness, itching, small lesions.
In solid adults, the infestation may remain discreet.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
Blood-sucking roundworms of the genus Ancylostoma, mainly Ancylostoma caninum, and Uncinaria stenocephala in cooler regions.
The adult worms attached to the intestinal mucosa feed on blood and regularly change their anchorage point, each time leaving a small wound which continues to bleed.
Puppies and young dogs, in whom blood loss is most poorly tolerated.
Life in kennels, shelters or breeding grounds, especially on earth or sand.
Hot and humid climate, shaded areas remaining humid.
Insufficient hygiene of sleeping and exercise areas.
Stray or recently adopted dogs without antiparasitic monitoring.
Nursing dogs and their litters.
Transmission
Eggs passed in the stool release larvae which live in moist, warm soil.
The dog becomes infected in three ways: by swallowing larvae, by penetration of the larvae through the skin, particularly between the pads, or before birth and through breast milk depending on the species of worm.
Consumption of prey carrying larvae is another possible route.
Earthen floors, sand and damp litter maintain contamination; full sun and drought destroy the larvae.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
Analysis of stool under a microscope reveals the characteristic eggs.
A blood test looks for anemia and assesses its severity, especially in puppies.
The veterinarian examines the mucous membranes, the state of hydration, and inspects the legs and stomach for larval penetration lesions.
In a very young puppy, the signs may precede the appearance of eggs in the stool: the veterinarian takes into account the context and not just the laboratory result.
Treatment
A dewormer prescribed by the veterinarian eliminates adult worms; the treatment is generally repeated to reach the worms which have reached maturity in the meantime.
In case of significant anemia, supportive care is necessary: rehydration, rich diet, and blood transfusion in severe forms of the puppy.
Sanitizing the living space is part of the treatment: without it, reinfestation is immediate.
Never improvise with a non-veterinary product; Anemic puppies are fragile and do not tolerate mistakes well.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Regular deworming, with a tight schedule for puppies, nursing dogs and dogs living in groups.
Daily removal of droppings and cleaning of sleeping areas.
Prefer washable floors to earth floors in kennels; allow surfaces to dry in the sun when possible.
Avoid allowing dogs to sleep on damp and dirty ground.
Check animals newly arrived in a group by stool analysis.
Possible complications
Severe anemia, sometimes fatal in puppies within a few days.
Long-term growth retardation.
Dehydration and imbalances linked to diarrhea.
Secondary infections of the skin at the points of larvae penetration.
General weakening favoring other diseases.
When to see a veterinarian
Your dog's gums are pale, almost white.
He is very tired, runs out of breath quickly or stays lying down.
His stools are black, tarry or contain blood.
Your puppy loses weight, doesn't grow or remains depressed.
Several dogs in the same group have repeated diarrhea.
A puppy stops sucking or eating: it’s an emergency.
Transmission to humans
Yes. Hookworm larvae can pass through human skin and cause a “cutaneous larva migrans”: a red, sinuous, very itchy cord that grows a few millimeters per day.
Contamination occurs through direct contact of bare skin with soiled soil, typically by walking barefoot or sitting on damp sand.
In humans, the parasite does not reach its adult stage and the damage most often remains on the skin, but it is uncomfortable and warrants medical consultation.
To protect yourself: wear shoes on dirt floors frequented by dogs, avoid lying on the sand, pick up droppings and deworm the dogs regularly.
Prognosis
Good in treated adults, whose anemia corrects within a few weeks.
More reserved in very young and very infested puppies, where blood loss can be rapid: early treatment makes all the difference.
Without environmental sanitation, relapses are the rule.
Frequently asked questions
How did my dog get this worm without swallowing anything?
Hookworm larvae pass through the skin, especially between the pads. A dog that walks or lies down on damp, soiled ground can therefore become infested without eating anything.
Can my garden soil remain contaminated?
Yes, as long as it remains moist and shady. Systematic collection of droppings, exposure to the sun and drying of wet areas significantly reduce contamination.
My adult dog is doing well, should I treat him?
An adult carrier without symptoms maintains soil contamination and endangers the puppies in the household. Treatment is decided with the veterinarian, often after a stool analysis.
Does the same wormer treat all worms?
No. The molecules do not have the same spectrum depending on whether they are roundworms, flatworms or protozoa. The choice is up to the veterinarian, depending on the parasite identified and the dog's lifestyle.
References
ESCCAP — European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites
CDC — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 09 August 2026
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This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for a veterinary consultation. If you have any concerns about your animal's health, consult a veterinarian.
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