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October, 2007 Hookworm Infections PDF Print
Welcome!  As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our "Graduates and their Masters" , our topic for this month is the Hookworm Infection.

What are Hookworms?
Hookworms are  intestinal parasites that usually causes mild diarrhea or cramps. Hookworms get their name from the hook-like mouth parts they use to attach to the intestinal wall. Heavy infection with hookworm can create serious health problems for newborns, children, pregnant women, and persons who are malnourished. Hookworm infections occur mostly in tropical and subtropical climates.		 How do dogs get the hookworm infection?
Dogs may become infected with hookworms by four routes: orally, through the skin, through the mother's placenta before birth, and through the mother's milk. A dog may become infected when it swallows hookworm larvae while walking on a sandy beach for example.

How do humans get the hookworm infection?
You can become infected by direct contact with contaminated soil, generally through walking barefoot, or accidentally swallowing contaminated soil.

   Are canine hookworms infectious to people?
Adult hookworms do not infect humans; however, the larvae can burrow into human skin. This causes itching, but the worms do not mature into adults. Direct contact of human skin to moist, hookworm infested soil is required. Fortunately, this does not occur very often if normal hygiene practices are observed
References:
cdc.gov Div of Parasitic Diseases.
Petcaretips.net.

* UPCOMING EVENT *
"In Clarke We Trust" Client Appreciation Day
When:
Sunday, November 11th.
10 AM - 2 PM.
Where:
Inghram's Me and My Dog Training School
Please join us for a fun-filled afternoon.  There will be food, fun, games and prizes for everyone to enjoy.  Please contact our office for additional information.