- Hookworms are common and live and grow inside the intestines of canines and felines. Young puppies and kittens can be infected through nursing and can begin passing eggs in their feces in as little as two weeks. The eggs hatch and release infective larvae into the environment. This can occur in as little as 2-8 days under certain conditions.
- Canines and felines become infected with hookworms after walking across contaminated soil. The larvae can burrow through paw pads and the soles of human feet. Hookworms are zoonotic and can cause harm to humans especially the young, the elderly, and the immunosuppressed.
- For the hookworm lifecycle, visit www.dpd.cdc.gov