Hookworms: Worm

Common in:  Puppies, dogs, cats and kittens.

Diagnosis: Microscopic fecal exam.

Treatment: Injection or oral medication, repeated in 2 weeks.  Transfusion and hospitalization for severe cases.

Possible Symptoms: None; diarrhea; anemia; blood in stool (dark tar-colored stool).  

Possible Transmission: Infected feces contaminating the yard.  

Lifestyle Prevention: Isolate your pet from infected feces of other animals.  

Medical Prevention: For dogs: Heartworm preventatives.  

Zoonotic Transmission: Uncommon; shows up as skin lesions.