How to Get Rid of a Dog's Hookworm

Hookworm is a common parasite in dogs and puppies. Adult hookworms feed in the intestines and release eggs into the environment through a dog's feces. Hookworms can be passed from mother dog to her puppies and humans can also become infected through contact with contaminated soil.

Instructions

1. Know the signs of hookworm or get a proper diagnosis from your vet. Symptoms often include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, poor growth and weakness. Your vet may recommend a fecal flotation for symptoms, several times a year to check for parasites like hookworms.

2. Use a de-worming medication. Your vet may prescribe a de-wormer or you can try a natural product like food grade diatomaceous earth. You'll want to follow the directions as closely as possible to kill the hookworms that your dog has.

3. Repeat the de-worming medication again in about a month. This will help kill additional hookworms that may not have been in the intestinal tract during the first round. It may take several rounds to get rid of the various stages of hookworms.

4. Move the dog away from soil that may be contaminated with hookworm eggs. Dogs kept in small runs with dirt floors are particularly susceptible to reinfection. If you have damp soil or sand in your yard, you'll want to keep your dog off the soil as hookworms like this type of environment.

5. Clean the environment. As hookworm eggs can be licked off feet, toys and other items, wash or throw out your dog's toys and chew bones. Move your pet to another area of the yard, if possible. You'll also want to pick up fecal matter as quickly as you can to prevent the eggs from taking up residence in the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Although hookworms will not travel to a human's intestines, they will burrow into bare feet and other exposed skin and die, leaving inflammation behind. Keep children away from known contaminated areas and avoid walking barefoot in the yard.