Which symptom is commonly associated with hookworm infection in dogs?

• A. Coughing and sneezing
• B. Black, tarry feces
• C. Excess salivation only
• D. Hair loss and increased appetite

Answer: (B)

Hookworms attach to the lining of the small intestine and feed on the dog’s blood, causing ongoing GI bleeding. That blood is digested as it passes through the gut, which can turn the stool dark and tarry. This dark, tarry stool is a classic sign of hookworm infection because it reflects the internal blood loss from the parasites.

Other options don’t fit this parasite’s typical impact. Coughing and sneezing point to respiratory issues rather than intestinal blood loss. Excess salivation alone isn’t a common hallmark of hookworms, and hair loss with increased appetite doesn’t align with the anemia and malnutrition hookworms can cause. In practice, you may also see pale gums and poor growth in puppies due to anemia, but the hallmark stool change is the dark, tarry appearance.