Tapeworm Infection in Dogs – If you see worms in your dog’s poop, specifically with segments of the worm(s) being present, they may be tapeworms. Tapeworms, which are typically obtained through flea transmission, are common in dogs, but you will want to confirm the tapeworm presence by reaching out to your veterinarian for the proper treatment.
Tapeworms (cestodes) are a type of parasite that lives inside a dog’s intestines. The tapeworm has a mouth with numerous hooks and suction cups that attach to the small intestine lining or attach or stay at the wall of the dog’s body.
Types of Tapeworms
There are multiple types of tapeworms. A common type of tapeworm found in dogs is Dipylidium caninum, also known as the cucumber tapeworm or flea tapeworm. Dogs can also have Taenia species of tapeworms from ingesting small rodents or rabbits. This tapeworm is not commonly seen in dogs.
Symptoms of a Tapeworm Infection in Dogs
Here are the symptoms listed below –
Tapeworm Segments (seeds) in Feces
Seeing small tapeworm segments in your dog’s feces is the most common sign of tapeworms. These are white rice-like seeds or pieces. You may also see segments in the fur around the anus, as well dried up white or yellow bodies in places where your dog sleeps.
Scooting
It’s possible you can observe your dog scooting his rear on the floor. He might be doing that to relieve itching caused by segments of the tapeworm. However, you must realize a dog can scoot on the floor for other reasons involving full or impacted anal glands.
Decreased Appetite
Your dog might eat some meals and miss others, or eat less than normal at meal time. Also, he may refuse treats that he used to eat.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea it a common conditions in dogs, and for the most part it is not a concern. But if your dog has loose stools and is showing some other symptoms, he might have tapeworms.
Vomiting
Dogs can vomit for several reasons, one of which is because of tapeworms. Tapeworms can pass through a dog after they have matured in the small intestine and can be passed by way of vomit.
How do Dogs become infected with Tapeworms?
Dogs nearly always become infected by ingesting fleas. Fleas are the only intermediate host for the flea tapeworm, which means that the tapeworm first must reside in a flea before it can infect dogs.
When a dog has fleas irritating their skin, they try to make them itch, so the dog may turn to chew at their back or sides while trying to scratch themselves. In doing so, this, and when the dog has fleas on their body, sometimes the dog can ingest some of those fleas accidentally. If you find segments of tapeworms on your dog’s feces, your vet may ask that you look for fleas on your dog.
How to treat Tapeworm Infection in dogs
Even though the first cases of the litter may not be quite damaging, if you see any symptoms of tapeworms, it is time to seek veterinary assistance for your dog. For the good of your dog’s health, speak to your veterinarian about the cause. If it is determined your dog has a tapeworm infection, your veterinarian may prescribe a medication called praziquantel.
This parasiticide is available in oral or injectable forms. It works by enabling the adult tapeworm to detach from the intestinal barriers. This detaching will enable the tapeworm to be digested as it shifts through the dog’s gastrointestinal tract, thus killing the tapeworm parasite. However, because the dog is digesting and dissolving the worm, you will not see any parts of the worm in the stool.
How can I stop my dog from having a tapeworm infection?
Make sure your dog has a good flea prevention regimen starting in the spring and continuing through the fall every year. Treatments must be given every 30 days. Some nonprescription flea preventatives have been around for a long time and are not as effective as the latest treatments. It seems that fleas have developed resistance against them. Essentially, the ingredient fipronil is specifically included in these treatments.
Recovery And Management Of Tapeworm Infection in Dogs
The control of tapeworms in dogs starts with medication. In addition, you will need to take precautions to avoid reinfection since it can only be transmitted through fleas.
This means you will also need to manage flea infestations on your dog and in your home. Managing your dog’s access to carrion, raw meat, and game will decrease the risk of reinfection by other types of tapeworms.
Conclusion
Tapeworms in dogs are general intestinal parasites. While they are simply treatable with medicine, they can lead to serious issues in young, old, or weakened dogs, so it is essential to be aware of the signs. Basic symptoms include reduced appetite, signs of worm seeds in feces or vomit, and failure to rise (in puppies). Tapeworms are preventable. Talk to your veterinarian about a suitable monthly preventative medicine to keep your dog in good condition.
FAQs
What happens if you do not treat tapeworms in dogs?
Tapeworms rarely cause severe symptoms in healthy dogs. Also, very young, very old, or dogs with weakened immune systems may show more serious signs, like intestinal blockages. These can be deadly if not treated.
How long does a tapeworm survive without treatment?
These tapeworms frequently cause no visible symptoms, and various individuals do not realize they are infected. However, a serious infection can cause unexplained weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, nausea, or diarrhea.
How frequently do dogs need tapeworm treatment?
Nowadays most of the dogs likely never come across a tapeworm, so do not need regular, regular treatment. If they do get a tapeworm, then generally you become aware of it, different from other worms which usually remain fully hidden.