Hookworms and Roundworms in Dogs: Intestinal Parasite Risks in Cypress, TX

Hookworms and roundworms are the two most common intestinal parasites I diagnose in dogs here in Cypress, TX. Our warm, humid climate and sandy soil create near-perfect conditions for these parasites to thrive year-round. If you have a dog (especially a puppy), understanding how these worms work, what signs to watch for, and how to prevent them is essential to keeping your pet healthy.

What are hookworms and roundworms?

Roundworms (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina) are the most common intestinal parasites in dogs worldwide. Adult roundworms live in the small intestine and can grow 3 to 5 inches long. They look like spaghetti noodles, and you may see them in your dog's vomit or stool during a heavy infection.

Hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum) are smaller, typically less than an inch, but they cause more damage per worm. They attach to the intestinal wall and feed on blood. A severe hookworm infection can cause life-threatening anemia, particularly in puppies.

Why Cypress, TX is a hotspot for these parasites

Texas ranks among the highest states for intestinal parasite prevalence in dogs. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) reports that Harris County and surrounding areas, including Cypress, consistently show elevated rates of both hookworm and roundworm infections. The reasons are straightforward:

• Warm temperatures allow parasite eggs and larvae to survive in soil for months
• High humidity keeps larvae viable longer
• Sandy, loamy soil (common in our area) doesn't compact around eggs, making them easier to pick up
• Wildlife like raccoons, coyotes, and feral cats constantly reseed the environment

How do dogs get hookworms and roundworms?

Understanding the transmission routes helps you see why prevention matters more than reaction.

Roundworm transmission

• Fecal-oral route: Dogs ingest eggs from contaminated soil, grass, or feces
• Transplacental: Puppies can be infected before birth when larvae cross the placenta
• Transmammary: Larvae pass through the mother's milk to nursing puppies
• Prey animals: Eating infected rodents, birds, or rabbits

This is why I tell clients that virtually every puppy has roundworms. The mother can carry dormant larvae in her tissues for years, and those larvae reactivate during pregnancy.

Hookworm transmission

• Skin penetration: Larvae in contaminated soil burrow directly through the paw pads or belly
• Ingestion: Swallowing larvae while grooming or eating contaminated material
• Transmammary: Through the mother's milk, similar to roundworms

The skin penetration route is particularly relevant in Cypress. Dogs who spend time in yards, dog parks, or any outdoor areas with soil exposure are at constant risk, even without eating anything suspicious.

What are the signs of intestinal worms in dogs?

Many adult dogs with low-level infections show no symptoms at all. The worms are there, shedding eggs into the environment, but the dog seems fine. This is one reason routine fecal testing matters.

Signs that suggest a heavier infection

• Diarrhea (may contain blood or mucus)
• Vomiting (sometimes with visible worms)
• Weight loss despite normal appetite
• Pot-bellied appearance, especially in puppies
• Dull coat
• Scooting or excessive licking at the rear end
• Pale gums (indicates anemia from hookworms)
• Weakness or lethargy in puppies

If you see actual worms in stool or vomit, you are looking at a significant burden. Most infected dogs never show visible worms because the adults stay inside the intestines.

How are hookworms and roundworms diagnosed?

Diagnosis requires a fecal flotation test. We mix a small stool sample with a special solution that causes parasite eggs to float to the surface, then examine them under a microscope. Each species has distinctively shaped eggs, so we can tell you exactly what your dog has.

At Hearthstone Animal Clinic, we recommend fecal testing:

• At every puppy visit (typically 3 to 4 times in the first year)
• Annually for adult dogs on prevention
• Whenever a dog has GI symptoms
• For newly adopted dogs regardless of stated history

A negative fecal test does not guarantee a dog is worm-free. Parasites only shed eggs intermittently, so a single sample can miss an infection. This is another reason why consistent prevention is more reliable than testing alone.

What is the treatment for intestinal worms?

Treatment is straightforward and effective. Several deworming medications kill adult roundworms and hookworms reliably. The most common include pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole, and combination products.

What I typically prescribe

For a confirmed infection, I usually prescribe a dewormer given initially, then repeated in 2 to 3 weeks. The first dose kills the adults; the second dose catches any larvae that have matured since the first treatment. Puppies with heavy burdens may need 3 or more rounds.

Treatment cost at most clinics (including ours) runs between $15 and $50 depending on the dog's size and which medication we use. Fecal testing adds another $30 to $50. These are not expensive problems to solve when caught.

Why prevention costs less than treatment

Monthly heartworm preventives like Heartgard and NexGard Plus include intestinal parasite coverage. Heartgard contains pyrantel, which treats and controls roundworms and hookworms with each monthly dose. NexGard Plus adds hookworm coverage to NexGard's flea and tick protection. If your dog is already on one of these products consistently, you are addressing intestinal parasites every month without doing anything extra.

For more information on parasite prevalence maps for your area, the Companion Animal Parasite Council maintains updated data by county.

Can humans get hookworms or roundworms from dogs?

Yes. Both parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can infect people.

Roundworm risk (visceral larva migrans)

When humans accidentally ingest roundworm eggs (usually children playing in contaminated soil), the larvae can migrate through body tissues. They cannot complete their life cycle in humans, but they can cause damage to the liver, lungs, or even eyes (ocular larva migrans). The CDC estimates thousands of cases occur in the U.S. annually, though many go undiagnosed.

Hookworm risk (cutaneous larva migrans)

Hookworm larvae can penetrate human skin, causing intensely itchy, serpentine rashes as the larvae migrate under the skin. This is common in people who walk barefoot in contaminated sand or soil. It resolves on its own eventually, but it is miserable while it lasts.

Keeping your dog on monthly prevention and picking up feces promptly are the two most effective ways to protect your family. Sandboxes should be covered when not in use.

How do I prevent intestinal parasites in my dog?

Prevention is simpler than most owners expect:

• Monthly heartworm prevention that includes intestinal parasite coverage: Heartgard or NexGard Plus, given year-round without gaps
• Pick up feces promptly: Eggs need 1 to 2 weeks in the environment to become infectious, so daily cleanup breaks the cycle
• Annual fecal testing: Catches breakthrough infections early
• Limit access to high-risk areas: Dog parks, communal yards, and areas frequented by wildlife carry higher parasite loads
• Deworm puppies on schedule: Starting at 2 weeks of age and repeating every 2 weeks until they start monthly prevention

If you are not sure whether your current prevention covers intestinal parasites, check the label or bring it to your next visit. Some products only cover heartworm, and some only cover external parasites. We carry products at Hearthstone that address multiple parasites in one dose, which is what I use for my own dogs. You can also check our pricing page for current costs on preventives and testing.

When to bring your dog in

Schedule a visit if your dog shows any of these:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
• Visible worms in stool or vomit
• Unexplained weight loss
• A puppy with a pot-bellied appearance or poor growth
• Pale gums or weakness (this is urgent, especially in puppies)

Even if your dog seems healthy, annual fecal testing is worth it. Catching a low-grade infection before it becomes a household contamination problem is easier and cheaper than cleaning up after one.

If your dog is overdue for a fecal test or you have noticed any symptoms, schedule a visit at Hearthstone Animal Clinic. We see dogs with intestinal parasite concerns regularly and can usually get results the same day. Reach us at (281) 859-9244 in Cypress, TX. If you are reading this at 11pm worried about worms you just found in your dog's stool, make a note and bring a fresh sample in the morning. We will get you sorted out.