Hello!

I’m sorry to hear you are having troubles with worms and your dogs. I understand your need to keep them out of your backyard space for now and your interest in treating the grass in ways that will not negatively affect your dogs. In general, Master Gardeners do not address questions about dogs as the topic is out of our range/purview. That said, I did search for some information about hookworm control. 

The research (see sources below) I’ve done about hookworms in dogs indicated there are currently no pet-friendly chemical treatments for getting rid of hookworms in lawns. Keeping dogs confined to one area as a “latrine” space (preferably a sunnier spot) and promptly removing feces are the best controls. One source recommended small rocks or gravel as a surface instead of turf,

This post from Anoka County Master Gardeners offers good tips about selecting dog-friendly plants for your future garden. One of my colleagues posted some good tips for another dog owner interested in keeping her yard from getting muddy.

I realize this doesn’t address your immediate problem. Given how many cases of hookworms veterinarians diagnose each year, it would be a good idea to ask what yours recommends for yard treatment.

Sources:

https://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/IR/00/00/13/39/00001/NG00700.pdf

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/hookworms-dogs