Canine Hookworms: What You Need to Know

6. How are hookworms diagnosed?

Hookworms are tiny, measuring only a few millimeters and are undetectable by the naked eye. They are diagnosed by examining a sample of your dog’s stool on a slide under a microscope. The test is called a “fecal float” because the fecal sample is combined with a drop of water. The fecal float is a highly reliable test. Your veterinarian will also perform an extensive exam of your dog to make sure he isn’t suffering from any other conditions caused by hookworm infestation.