If you own a pet, you’ve probably heard of or dealt with tapeworms before.
Worms can negatively impact a dog’s general health and result in some extremely unpleasant gastrointestinal problems. However, canine tapeworm infestations are rarely thought to be harmful or fatal.
Here is everything you need to know about canine tapeworms, including what they are, how they spread, how to treat them, and how to avoid getting them.
Each segment of these worms, which are typically flat and segmented, is known as a proglottid. To the human eye, they resemble a grain of rice almost entirely.
The cestode family of worms contains several common tapeworm species that can infect dogs, including:
Signs and Symptoms of Tapeworms in Dogs
Depending on the severity of the infection, tapeworm signs and symptoms in dogs can vary, but frequently include:
Tapeworms rarely cause serious symptoms in healthy dogs. However, very young, very old, or canines with immune system issues may display more severe symptoms, such as intestinal blockages. These can be fatal if not treated.
The hook-like mouths of tapeworms allow them to attach to the small intestine of dogs. However, the remaining portions of the tapeworm are made up of short, flat segments known as proglottids, each measuring between 3 and 5 mm. An adult tapeworm can grow to a maximum length of 8 inches.
Your dog’s poop may contain fragments of adult tapeworms. You might also notice worms around your dog’s anus. These segments resemble rice grains. Some dogs scoot to relieve the irritation caused by tapeworms. Scooting, however, is not always an indication of tapeworms in dogs because it can also be a symptom of impacted or full anal glands.
Depending on the species, there are various ways to spread tapeworms in dogs.
Common causes:
The most prevalent tapeworm in dogs, Dipylidium caninum, is spread by fleas, a third host. Dogs with tapeworm infection excrete segments that eventually dry out and burst open in their feces. By doing this, the fertilized eggs are dispersed into the environment, where flea larvae eat them. The tapeworm egg also develops as these larvae become adult fleas. Dogs ingest fleas infected with tapeworms while grooming or itching. Once ingested, the tapeworms infect a canine host.
Other species of tapeworms can be found in wild animals. These tapeworm species can infect dogs that are used for hunting, have access to small mammals like mice or rats, or are fed raw meat or offal.
When a veterinarian discovers tapeworm segments or eggs in a sample of dog feces, that is when tapeworms in dogs are diagnosed. In order to make a proper diagnosis, tapeworms and other parasites must be ruled out if additional clinical signs, such as stunted growth or poor coat condition, are present. Your dog’s feces will be examined by your veterinarian for signs of tapeworm activity. He or she may also look directly at the anus to check for worms.
However, dogs pass tapeworm segments intermittently, not in every stool. Thus, not all cases of tapeworm infections are discovered during routine visits.
By bringing in samples of feces that have visible tapeworm segments, you can aid your veterinarian in making an accurate diagnosis. Bring in any segments of your dog’s coat that you notice. When tapeworms are found, veterinarians use diagnostic procedures like PCRs to distinguish between different species of tapeworms. This is important for determining the appropriate treatment.
Tapeworms in dogs are usually straightforward to treat. Praziquantel and other deworming drugs get rid of the parasites in your dog’s intestines and cure the infection. Depending on the type of tapeworm, additional medications include fenbendazole, epsiprantel, and nitroscanate. In some cases, tapeworms can cause additional issues like intestinal obstructions. Additional treatments and patient stabilization strategies may be necessary as a result.
Are tapeworms dangerous for my dog?
Adult dogs typically do not experience severe health issues as a result of tapeworms. On rare occasions, dogs will scoot (drag their bottoms on the ground) to soothe irritation brought on by proglottids. Keep in mind that there are other causes of scooting, like impacted anal sacs. If scooting is noticed, it is crucial to have your dog examined by your veterinarian.
In puppies, heavy tapeworm infestation can be more serious. Lack of growth, anemia, and intestinal blockages can occur.
The white, moving segments of the tapeworm are typically visible in the feces or crawling all over the anus These pieces resemble white rice grains or cucumber seeds. Occasionally segments are seen crawling around the dog’s anus.
Because tapeworm segments only occasionally pass through the feces, they are frequently missed during a routine fecal examination. Bring any segments you discover, whether they are white or golden, to your veterinarian for a firm diagnosis.
On rare occasions, the adult tapeworm’s head will separate from the intestinal wall. When this happens, the entire adult tapeworm will be passed in the feces or, if it moved to the stomach, will make the patient throw up.
With todays deworming medications, treatment is simple and effective. The parasiticide can be administered intravenously or as tablets. You typically won’t see tapeworms passed in the stool because it causes the parasite to be digested in the intestines. These medications are extremely safe and should have no negative side effects.
How to Spot Tapeworms in Dog Poop
As they leave the intestinal tract, tapeworm proglottids can frequently be seen “wiggling” around the anal opening. When they are fully dried, the fur around the anus and under the tail may resemble dried rice grains.
The proglottid segments, which again resemble white rice or sesame seeds, may also be seen on or in recently passed feces.
The tapeworm eggs, which are invisible to the naked eye, are contained in the proglottid packets.
Under a microscope, tapeworm eggs can be seen in fecal samples, but their absence does not necessarily indicate that the dog is tapeworm-free because proglottid packet expulsion is unpredictable.
FAQ
Can tapeworms be passed from dog to dog?
People may mistakenly believe that they can directly contract tapeworms from other dogs because dogs can acquire them after prolonged contact with an infected animal. A flea ingests tapeworm eggs from an infected dog, but tapeworms require an intermediary host, like a flea.
How do dogs get tapeworms Besides fleas?
Dogs can contract many other parasites by coming into contact with the feces of an infected dog, but tapeworms can only be contracted by ingesting a flea or rodent that has the parasite. Deworming medication and managing flea and rodent exposure are all part of the treatment.
Can a dog catch worms from another dog?
“Your dog’s stool and contaminated soil can both contain worms.” They can spread to other dogs, and in some cases, they can spread to humans. One reason for this is that you should always thoroughly clean up your dog’s poop. ”.
How are tapeworms transmitted?
Ingesting food or water contaminated with tapeworm eggs or larvae results in tapeworm infection. Some tapeworm eggs have the ability to leave your intestines and develop larval cysts in body tissues and organs (invasive infection).