Hook worm Ancylostoma caninum is found rarely in Britain, but is a major pathogen of dogs in many warmer regions of the world. It may be brought into the UK with dogs entering from abroad. A. caninum is an avid blood-sucker, so heavy infections lead to severe anaemia, especially in unweaned pups.


Key features of hookworms of the dog:

Ancylostoma caninum Uncinaria stenocephala
  • Warm and hot climates


  • Avid blood sucker → anaemia


  • Teeth around mouth


  • Infection mostly percutaneous


  • Causes pedal dermatitis


  • Transmammary infection
  • Cool and cold climates


  • Protein leak → diarrhoea


  • Cutting plates


  • Infection mainly by mouth


  • Causes pedal dermatitis


  • No vertical transmission

Cause Hookworm Dermatosis