Ask A Scientist© Veterinary Topics Archive

name Kelli
status other
grade other
location NH

Question - My dog has been diagnosed with hookworm. What chemicals
can I put on my lawn to kill the larvae so we can all be safe?
I did ask my vet. He said to ask at Home Depot. They didn't know and
said to ask my vet. I even called a local lawn care service, and they
weren't sure either. Thanks for responding. Please let me know if you
can think of anything.
---------------------------------------
Hi Kelli,

Interesting question! As veterinarians, we usually focus on how to treat 
worms in pets and then recommend to owners that they wear shoes in the yard, 
but we don't talk a lot about your questions, which are very relevant. From 
my search through references, I couldn't find a product to recommend. One 
difficulty is that there are a lot of soil nematodes in your yard that help 
in decomposition which you don't really want to kill.

Hookworm larvae have been known to survive at least 4 weeks in summer, and 
like sandy soil, but are sensitive to drying, sunlight and don't survive the 
winter in cold climates. Additionally, studies that have looked at parks, 
picnic areas, beaches and other public places have found hookworms and other 
worms to be quite common. Fortunately, we humans don't pick them up too 
often.

When human infection does occur with dog hookworms, it is usually an itchy 
skin rash on areas that were in contact with the soil. But, it is more 
bothersome than really dangerous.

So, the best advice is to do as you've done and be sure that your dog has 
been cleared of hookworms. Some of the heartworm preventatives will also 
help keep your dog from becoming reinfected with hookworms. Pick up and 
dispose of all the feces that you can find (wearing gloves). Wear shoes or 
sandals when outside and wash hands (and feet) after contact with soil. The 
risk of human infection is pretty small and will continue to decrease in 
your yard over time.

Laura Hungerford, DVM, MPH, PhD
University of Maryland
====================================================================