Drontal

Although the incidence of gastrointestinal worms in Australian dogs has reduced in the last few decades, a newly found strain of hookworm that can infect and reproduce in people has renewed the call for pet owners to guard against infestation.

The hookworm, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, most commonly found in Asia, has been identified in Australia and is now found in a small percentage of dogs throughout the country.

How is hookworm a danger to my dog?

Adult hookworms live in the digestive tract of their hosts. They attach themselves with hook-like mouthparts to the walls of the tract and live off blood and digestive juices. They reproduce and lay eggs, which are then carried out of the body through faeces.

There they develop into larvae and wait to infect another host, either by burrowing into their feet or being ingested (swallowed). Once in the host’s bloodstream they travel to the lungs, where they may be coughed up and swallowed back into the digestive tract, ready to start the cycle once more.

By sucking blood from your dog’s intestines, hookworms can cause intestinal distress and anaemia.

How is hookworm a danger to my family?

The new hookworm is the only hookworm parasite of pets in Australia that can develop into a patent infection in people, meaning the parasite can reproduce in people’s digestive tracts and complete its lifecycle.

According to the University of Western Sydney, hookworm infections can cause anaemia and iron deficiency, fever, abdominal pain, weight loss, constipation or diarrhoea. Chronic infections in children may even slow growth and thinking ability.

What should I do if I suspect my dog has hookworm?

Depending on the severity of the infestation, your dog could have pale gums, diarrhoea or lose weight. His skin may also be irritated and itchy. The only sure method of detection is to take him to the vet, ideally with a fresh stool (faeces) sample.

What will the vet do?

The vet will have the faeces examined for hookworm eggs. If present, your vet can administer a drug by injection or orally to kill the adult hookworm. Follow-up treatment will be required two to four weeks later to kill any newly formed adult worms.

To break this cycle, give your dog an effective allwormer every three months.

How can I prevent myself and my family from contracting hookworm?

Prevention is always better than cure, so to eliminate the risk, you should:

1. Worm dogs with an effective allwormer four times a year (Drontal is the only allwormer in Australia registered to protect dogs and cats against the new hookworm)
2. Clean up pet droppings from your backyard daily
3. Make sure you responsibly dispose of droppings when you take your dog for a walk
4. Ensure you wash your hands after handling dog droppings, cat litter or after gardening
5. Use footwear when walking on soil or grass

What will the vet do?

Your vet can diagnose Giardia by testing your dog’s faeces for the parasite.