Ancylostoma caninum is the most important hookworm in dogs and is more prevalent in warmer, humid climates

Hookworm eggs hatch into larva shortly after being passed in the faeces of an infected dog. These larva can survive for 3-4 months in a suitable environment of warmth and moisture. Infection can occur though a number of different methods, direct eating of the larva, or eating infected prey ( mice, insects). The larva can cross the placenta to an unborn puppy and are also present in the mothers milk. They also have the ability to penetrate through the skin. Eggs will appear in the faeces 2-3 weeks after infection.

Clinical signs of hookworm infection include bloody or black diarrhea, pale gums, weakness and weight loss. In young pups the degree of blood loss can be severe enough to cause death.

A range of worming preparations (anthelmintics) effective against hookworm are available. Pups should be treated fortnightly from 2 weeks of age until 12 weeks. Adults are treated every three months.

Diagnosis is made by identifying the eggs using microscopic examination of the faeces.