Risks of Hookworms in Pets
What is Hookworm?
Hookworms are small intestinal parasites. Ancylostoma cranium is the most important and common hookworm. Hookworms feed by repeatedly removing small amounts of tissue from inside the intestinal walls where they reside. This “grazing” for the hookworm result in blood loss and irritation. Severe infection may lead to anemia, debilitation and even death.
Hookworm plague is seen most commonly in puppies and the aged or unceasingly ill population. There is no breed or sex liking, although it is seen frequently in kenneled dogs.
The Hookworm Cycle
Hookworm young insect in the soil burrow through the skin or are consumed by an animal. As they mature, the young insect migrates to the small intestine, where they join, feed and reproduce. Hookworm eggs are dispersed through the feces approximately 14 days after illness. Infections may also be spread from mothers to nursing puppies. After reaching warm, moist soil, infective larvae develop in 1 to 3 days.
Hookworm worm are found in areas such as beaches, parks, playgrounds and even in your own backyard!
People can become infected with Hookworms too!
Parasites are transmitted to people through contact with impure surroundings or by larvae penetrating the human skin. It is important to take steps to reduce the risk or parasitic infections. Make sure your pets are adequately protected which includes:
(1). Wash your hands and feet with soap as soon as possible after touching or coming in contact with contaminated areas.
(2). Teach children not to eat dirt or soil and to wash their hand with soap afterwards.
(3). Protect your pets with heartworm medication such as Heartgard - which also protect against hookworms.
(4). Pick up pet waste from your yard daily.
(5). Change & clean litter boxes daily.
(6). Always wear shoes when going out to beaches, parks, playgrounds and backyard.
(7). Wash fruits & vegetable before eating.
(8). Eat well-cooked foods.
Symptoms of Infection in Humans take in pneumonia, skin rashes, blindness, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, pale mucus membranes, anemia, poor body condition, poor hunger, weight loss and even unexpected death. These symptoms may differ from those in pets and young children that are particularly vulnerable.
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:41 am
Risks of Hookworms in Pets…
Hookworms are small intestinal parasites….