Tapeworm in dogs
Written by Anne | Content Specialist |
Tapeworms are one of the most common worms in dogs. It is a type of worm that can live in your dog’s intestines. They are white, flat worms made up of segments that are attached to the head of the worm like a “ribbon”. Each tapeworm segment contains thousands of eggs. These segments are passed in the faeces and end up in the environment.
The most common tapeworm species in dogs is dipylidium caninum. This species is not very dangerous. In addition, the fox tapeworm and dog tapeworm also occur. These can be dangerous to humans.
How does my dog get infected with tapeworm?
A dog becomes infected by ingesting tapeworm larvae. This can happen in different ways:
Via fleas
Fleas ingest tapeworm eggs. Inside the flea, the eggs hatch and develop into larvae. A dog may swallow a flea while grooming. The tapeworm larvae are then released in the dog’s intestines and develop into adult worms.
Via eating raw meat
Many prey animals are what we call intermediate hosts of tapeworms. This means they ingest tapeworm eggs. In these animals, such as rodents, cattle and pigs, the eggs develop into larvae. When dogs eat infected rodents or raw organ meat, the larvae enter the dog’s intestines and grow into adult worms.
How can I tell if my dog has tapeworm?
In most cases, you will not notice if your dog is infected with tapeworms. The tapeworm attaches itself to the intestinal wall with its head, but this does not cause damage to the intestines. Most dogs therefore do not have diarrhoea. Sometimes you may see tapeworm segments in the faeces or in the fur around the anus. They look like small grains of rice.
A faecal examination by the veterinarian can confirm whether your dog is infected with worms.
What symptoms does a dog with tapeworm have?
Most dogs with tapeworms show no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, you may notice:
- Itching around the anus
- Scooting (dragging the bottom along the ground)
- Diarrhoea
- Weight loss
- Intestinal blockage
- Abdominal pain
Most symptoms only appear when a dog has a heavy infestation, with many adult worms in the intestines.
Puppies can become ill from tapeworms. They may develop a swollen, worm-filled belly.
How do I treat my dog for tapeworm?
If your dog has tapeworms, you can treat it with a deworming tablet containing praziquantel. These products also work against other tapeworm species, such as the fox tapeworm.
How often you need to deworm depends on the risk of tapeworm infection. If your dog has fleas or eats raw meat, the risk is higher and you should deworm more frequently.
Our Worm Guide is a useful tool to determine how often you should deworm your dog.
Also read our blog: How often should you deworm your dog?
Do you have any questions about tapeworms or deworming your dog? Please contact us via veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.
