How to Diagnose Hookworms in Dogs

Hookworms attach themselves to a dog's intestinal walls and survive on the dog's blood. The worms are considered one of the most common internal parasites in dogs. There are three types of hookworms: Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense and Uncinaria stenocephala.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look for signs of anemia, such as pale gums, weakness and tar-like stool. Anemia is one of the signs specific to hookworms (the only other internal parasite that has anemia as a symptom is whipworms), as opposed to signs of other parasites.

    • 2

      Pay attention to your dog's outward appearance; look for signs of poor health, such as a dull coat and weight loss. Puppies often stop growing.

    • 3

      Watch for vomiting and diarrhea. Though these symptoms alone are seen in several infections that affect dogs, the symptoms combined with those above can indicate hookworm infection.

    • 4

      Listen for coughing. This can mean the hookworm infection has become especially severe and that the hookworms have entered the dog's lungs.

    • 5

      Have your veterinarian perform a fecal exam to look for hookworms.