Hookworm lifecycle in dogs
Learn about the different stages of the hookworm lifecycle in dogs.
Hookworm through the stages
It can take 2-3 weeks from your dog ingesting the worm before it starts to affect their health. When a dog has a hookworm infection, it can be associated with bloody diarrhea, anemia, pale gums and even possible death.1
The hookworm lifecycle
Hookworms attach (or hook) themselves to your dog's intestine to feed on their blood, but they are also a risk to humans.
- 1
Adult hookworms lay eggs in the dog’s small intestine.
- 2
Eggs are released in feces approximately 10-21 days after infection.
- 3
Feces contaminate soil in your yard where immature worms develop and hatch.
- 4
By walking or playing where your soil is contaminated, humans can be infected by larvae penetrating and migrating into the skin.
- 5
Larvae can be ingested by a transport host which move them to other areas of soil.
- 6
Immature worms can remain dormant in your dog's skeletal muscle.
- 7
Skin may be penetrated by immature worms in contaminated soil.
- 8
A puppy may become infected through milk when larvae migrate to their mother's mammary glands.
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INDICATIONS FOR INTERCEPTOR PLUS
Interceptor Plus prevents heartworm disease and treats and controls adult roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm infections in dogs and puppies 6 weeks or older and 2 pounds or greater.
Important Safety Information
Treatment with fewer than 6 monthly doses after the last exposure to mosquitoes may not provide complete heartworm prevention. Prior to administration of Interceptor Plus, dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infections. The safety of Interceptor Plus has not been evaluated in dogs used for breeding or in lactating females. The following adverse reactions have been reported in dogs after administration of milbemycin oxime or praziquantel: vomiting, diarrhea, decreased activity, incoordination, weight loss, convulsions, weakness, and salivation. For complete safety information, please see Interceptor Plus product label or ask your veterinarian.
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