How Dogs Get Tapeworms and How to Treat Them

Tapeworms grow together in a long strip about six inches long. You don't usually see tapeworms in that form however, because individual segments of the worm break off and it's these segments that you see. The tapeworm segments are about the size and shape of a piece of white rice.

You'll know when a dog has tapeworms. If they vomit or defecate you'll be able to see the small worms in the vomit or stools. You might also notice tapeworms in places where your dogs sits or sleeps. Sometimes dogs will scoot their rear ends across the floor when they have tapeworms.

But how do dogs get tapeworms?

How dogs get tapeworms

Dogs get tapeworms from fleas. What happens is, the fleas eat tapeworm eggs and the tapeworm grows inside the flea as the flea matures. Fleas eat the tapeworm eggs when they come in contact with an area that is infected, such as a dogs bedding or home where other pets have tapeworms.

If a dog swallows the flea, the flea gets digested and the tapeworm emerges inside the dog. Dogs can get tapeworms by being exposed to other pets with tapeworm. However, tapeworm infection doesn't happen by merely being near another pet with tapeworm, but by ingesting a flea from that environment.

What to do if dogs get tapeworms

Many people purchase tapeworm medications at pet stores. Most of these medications don't work effectively. It's better to take the dog to a veterinarian and get a prescription for tapeworms.

The tapeworm medications at vet clinics are stronger than the ones at pet stores so even though it might be cheaper to by tapeworm medication at the pet store, it's really a waste of money.

A veterinarian will be able to establish the proper dosage amount and length of time the dog should receive the medication. Also, if you have more than one dog in the house you may need to treat all of them, because it's likely that if one dog gets tapeworms the other dogs have them or will get them too.

When dogs get tapeworms they'll also need to be treated with a flea preventative. "Advantage" and "Frontline" are good preventatives to use. If the dog isn't treated for fleas the tapeworm problem can't be solved. If the dog ingests more fleas they can get tapeworm again.

Are tapeworms harmful?

Tapeworms aren't extremely harmful to dogs, but they can make a dog sick and cause them to lose weight. However, if left untreated, tapeworms are much more serious. It's best to get a dog to a veterinarian as soon as you know a dog has tapeworms.