When a doodle first arrives at Doodle Dandy Rescue, our veterinary partners check for parasites — those tiny but troublesome creatures that can make our pups sick and uncomfortable. While the idea of worms may make you squirm, learning about them is an important part of being a responsible pet owner.
What Are Hookworms?
Hookworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites found in dogs, especially in rescues or strays. These thin, thread-like worms attach to the lining of the intestines, lay eggs, and feed on a dog’s blood — and they are generally too small to see without a microscope. Eggs then pass into the dog's feces and develop into infectious larvae, and the cycle continues!
Left untreated, hookworms can cause:
Weight loss and poor appetite
Pale gums or anemia
Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
Fatigue and weakness
Puppies are especially vulnerable — they can even be born with hookworms if their mother is infected.
Treatment and Prevention
The good news? Hookworms are treatable and preventable. After one of our vets diagnoses hookworms, it is treated with medication. Because hookworm eggs can linger in the environment, it’s important to clean up waste promptly and keep your dog’s space sanitary.
To prevent future infections:
Give your doodle a monthly heartworm preventative — most also protect against intestinal parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.
Keep your yard clean and free from feces.
Schedule regular vet checkups and a yearly fecal test.
At Doodle Dandy Rescue, every dog receives a full veterinary screening upon intake — including deworming treatments and preventative care — so they can start their new life healthy and strong!
What You Need to Know
Hookworms are very common, and any dog adopted from Doodle Dandy Rescue that tests positive for parasites has been treated under a veterinarian’s care. To help keep your new pup (and your home) parasite-free, here are a few important reminders:
Pick up poop immediately for the first month after bringing your dog home.
Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning up waste.
Give monthly preventatives on time — they protect against recurring infections.
Contact your adoption coordinator if you notice any diarrhea, lethargy, or digestive changes.
Inform your veterinarian that your dog tested positive for hookworms and was treated. Hookworm antigens can sometimes still be detected on lab tests even after the parasites are gone, so sharing this history helps your vet interpret results accurately.
Other Common Parasites to Watch For
While hookworms get a lot of attention, they’re not the only culprits. Some of the other parasites we commonly see include:
Roundworms: Long, spaghetti-like worms that live in the intestines and can cause bloating or digestive upset.
Whipworms: Tiny worms that affect the large intestine and can lead to chronic diarrhea.
Tapeworms: Often spread by fleas, these worms look like small grains of rice near a dog’s tail or in their stool.
Giardia and Coccidia: Microscopic intestinal parasites that cause diarrhea and dehydration, especially in puppies or stressed dogs.
Each of these parasites requires slightly different treatment — which is why it’s so important to have your dog tested and treated under a veterinarian’s guidance.
DDR’s Commitment to Healthy Starts
Parasites may be common, but they’re no match for our dedicated veterinary partners and fosters! Every doodle we rescue is tested, treated, and started on preventatives to ensure they’re healthy before adoption. It’s just one more way Doodle Dandy Rescue gives each dog the best possible start to their new life.
Protecting Paws, One Pup at a Time
Parasite prevention might not be glamorous, but it’s one of the most important parts of keeping your furry friend happy and healthy. By staying proactive with vet visits, clean habits, and consistent preventatives, you’re helping your doodle live their best life!
Written By: Madelyn, DDR Volunteer