Does My Dog Have Tapeworms?

Most people cringe at the thought of canine tapeworms. The tapeworms hook themselves onto the dog's intestinal wall and shed segments that carry tapeworm eggs. The eggs move through the dog's intestines and out in a bowel movement. If another animal or even a human is exposed to the eggs, they can contract tapeworms also. Fleas also pass tapeworms to other animals or people when they ingest the tapeworm eggs by biting the dog. When the fleas hop onto another animal, they deposit the tapeworm eggs with their bite. Keep your family and pets safe from tapeworm infestation by knowing what to look for.

Tapeworm Eggs

The eggs are the most noticeable sign of tapeworm infestation. If your dog has tapeworms, you will see the egg segments (proglottids) on the carpets and floor. They look like white rice and turn tan when exposed to the air. The eggs also appear around the dog's anus and from there wriggle into the fur. You will also see the egg segments in your dog's poop as they move around in it. Sometimes, adult tapeworms detach themselves from the intestines and appear in the dog's feces.

Anal Irritation

Tapeworm eggs move out of the intestines and gather around the dog's anus causing irritation and itching. If your dog starts licking its anus, check the area for moving tapeworm segments. Dogs also rub their butts across the floor trying to relieve irritation from tapeworms, depositing the egg segments on your floor. If any children play on the floor and touch the eggs, they can contract tapeworms.

The vicious cycle begins again when your dog ingests the live eggs by licking the anal area. Tapeworm infestation begins again, getting progressively more severe.

Stomach Upset

Canine tapeworms do not display many adverse physical reactions in dogs unless severe infestation occurs. Adult tapeworms sometimes detach from the dog's intestines and travel into the stomach. When tapeworms reach the stomach, vomiting occurs. The dog's vomit will contain live tapeworms that are up to eight inches long.

Other Tapeworm Signs

Your dog will begin suffering from diarrhea when the tapeworm infestation becomes severe. The dog will also begin losing weight, becoming weak and experience loss of appetite. Anemia can also occur at this point and increased heart rate.

Treatment

Veterinarians offer several tapeworm treatments depending upon the severity of the tapeworms' infestation. Injections or oral medications are available that dissolve the worms. Your veterinarian also offers advice on how to prevent tapeworms from reappearing.

References:

College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University: An Overview of Canine Tapeworm Infections

Oklahoma State University: Parasites of Dogs and Cats