How do dogs get tapeworms?
Unlike other intestinal parasites, dogs cannot become infected by eating fertilized tapeworm eggs.
Tapeworms must first pass through an intermediate host (a flea) before they can infect a dog.
When the tapeworm eggs are released into the environment, they must be ingested by flea larvae, an immature stage of the flea. Once inside the larval flea, the tapeworm egg continues to develop as the flea matures into an adult flea.
During grooming, or in response to a flea bite, a dog inadvertently ingests the tapeworm infected flea. As the flea is digested in the dog’s intestine, the tapeworm egg is released, it hatches, and then anchors itself to the intestinal lining, therefore completing the life cycle.
How to Treat Tapeworms in Dogs
Tapeworms in dogs can be treated with a parasiticide drug called praziquantel.
This drug is available in both oral and injectable form and is dosed by weight.
Once praziquantel has been administered, it causes the adult tapeworms to detach from the intestinal wall. This allows the tapeworms to be digested as they pass through the dog’s gut.
As a result, you will usually not see worms passed in the feces after treatment.
Praziquantel is available in both prescription and over-the-counter preparations. As with any over-the-counter remedy, you should talk to your veterinarian to determine a safe and effective dose before giving any medication at home.
Side effects of praziquantel are not common, but they may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Are tapeworms dangerous to my dog and cat? As a Carmel veterinarian, I rarely see any horrible side effects from tapeworm infection in pets. Dogs with tapeworms will often scoot their anus on the ground, although there are several causes for this behavior. Tapeworm infection is much more serious in young puppies and kittens as lack of growth, anemia, and intestinal blockage and death can occur.
How do I prevent tapeworm infections in my pets? The best way to prevent tapeworms in your dog and cat is to make sure they are all on a veterinarian approved flea medication once a month all year round and not allow them to eat live or dead animals.
Can people get tapeworms from their pets? NO. Unless you eat a flea, you should NOT get a tapeworm as well. Humans usually get tapeworms from eating uncooked meat.
What are tapeworms? Tapeworms are intestinal worm parasites that attach to the inside of the intestinal tract and steal nutrition from the host. The most common tapeworm in dogs and cats is called Dipylidium canium. These segmented worms grow around 8 inches long.
Help My Dog & Cat Have Worms That Look Like Rice In Their Stool! Your Carmel Veterinarian Explains Tapeworms in Pets
4 Common Types of Worms in Dog Poop
The second you tell your veterinarian theres rice in Fidos poop, a diagnosis of tapeworm is likely. Tapeworm is a common canine parasite carried by fleas. Tapeworm infestation is easy to recognize, treat and prevent. If you suspect your dog has acquired tapeworms, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
A dog infected with tapeworms will shed tapeworm segments in his feces. You may find segments on his buttocks and bed. The segments are initially white with a rice-like appearance. As the tapeworm segment dries, the color changes to gold. Your dog may frequently lick his anus or scoot his butt across the carpet to relieve irritation caused by tapeworms. Most dogs do not have other symptoms, but acting sick or irritable with mild diarrhea is possible. If the tapeworm enters your dogs stomach, then your dog will vomit. Five to 8-inch tapeworms have been found in dog vomit, according to the Baker Institute for Animal Health at Cornell Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine.
Fleas are the intermediate host of the most common canine tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum. A process of several steps must take place before your dog is infected. The droppings of an infected dog contains tapeworm segments. These segments dry out, releasing a cargo of tapeworm eggs. Flea larvae in the environment eat the eggs. Later they become adult fleas that hitch a ride home on your dog, biting and feeding on his blood. As your dog licks and chews to relieve discomfort from fleas, he swallows a flea. The young tapeworm is released from the fleas body by digestion of the flea, and attaches itself to the lining of the dogs intestines to feed and produce eggs. The tapeworm continues to grow in length and release egg-filled segments until treatment begins.
The diagnosis of tapeworm is obvious if segments are found in the stool. Treatment begins immediately.
Treatments can be injected or given orally. Medications, such as dichlorophene, ensiprantel, praziquantel or nitroscanate, will destroy the tapeworms, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.
Flea prevention is essential to prevent future tapeworm infections. Powders, collars and topical treatments are available from your veterinarian and local pet stores. Its essential to also treat your home for fleas in order to break the flea life cycle.
Humans can be infected by Dipylidium caninum, but its uncommon. To reduce your risk of tapeworm infection, wash your hands frequently. Do not allow children to play in potentially contaminated areas.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
Melissa McNamara is a certified personal trainer who holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and communication studies from the University of Iowa. She writes for various health and fitness publications while working toward a Bachelor of Science in nursing.