When your dog has hookworms the dog will often have black, tarry poop, vomiting, decreased appetite and weight loss.
And because the hookworms feed on the blood, the dog may also become anemic and have lethargy, weakness and pale gums.
A vet can also check for hookworms by performing a fecal flotation test which involves mixing a fresh stool sample with a solution that causes the parasite eggs to float to the top.
Hookworms are parasitic worms which attach to the dog's intestinal lining and feeds on their blood and they can be difficult to see with the naked eye.
Hookworm larvae can enter a dog's body through the dog's skin or when they swallow them when they cough.
Worms in dogs will look like spaghetti, grains of rice, tiny pieces of thread or tiny works with hook like mouth parts depending on the type of worm.
Tapeworms look like grains of rice.
Roundworms look like spaghetti and can be several inches long.
Hookworms are tiny, thin worms that have hook like mouth parts.
Whipworms look like tiny pieces of thread which are enlarged on one end.
Heartworms are large worms that can be longer than a foot in length.
The cost to treat a dog for worms ranges from $25.00 to $50.00.
Although if you have a vet treat the dog for worms the cost can be $150.00 to $200.00 or sometimes more depending on the vet and the medication used.
If the worms are severe enough to require a stay at the vet it could cost around $500.00 to $1,500.00
Often treating a dog for worms using over the counter deworming medications can help but in some cases the dog may need to see the vet.
It's also recommended that you treat your dog for worms at least once every 3 months for adult dogs.
And new puppies require worming once every 2 to 3 weeks until they reach 12 weeks of age.
Then after that they should be treated for worms until they reach 6 months of age and then they can move onto the adult schedule of treatment for worms.
Signs of worms in dogs include scooting, blood in poop, skin irritation, coat changes, coughing, lethargy, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss.
Puppies with worms often have a slower growth rate.
Dogs that have worms may also have diarrhea, which can be bloody and have hookworms or contain mucus with whipworms.
Dogs with worms may also have a pot belly or distended abdomen and they may cough.
Dogs with worms may also have a dull, dry and brittle coat and may have skin irritation or inflammation.