What are Tapeworms & How Do They Affect Dogs?
Tapeworms in dogs are intestinal parasites characterised by their long, flat, segmented bodies, resembling ribbons. These worms attach themselves to the lining of a dog's small intestine using hook-like mouthparts. While often not causing severe illness, heavy tapeworm infestations can lead to discomfort and other health issues in dogs.
Symptoms of Tapeworm in Dogs
Often, the most noticeable sign of tapeworm in dogs is the presence of small, white, rice-like segments in your dog's faces or around their anus. These segments contain tapeworm eggs. Other potential symptoms can include:
- Scooting: Dragging their rear end along the ground, often due to anal irritation.
- Excessive licking of the anal area.
- Visible tapeworm segments around the anus or in the faces. These segments may sometimes be mobile.
- Occasional vomiting: In some cases, dogs may vomit up tapeworm segments.
- Weight loss: In heavy infestations, the tapeworms can absorb nutrients, potentially leading to weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite.
- Increased appetite: Sometimes, the presence of parasites can lead to an increase in appetite.
- Dull coat: The overall health and appearance of the coat might decline in severe cases.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with our vet as soon as possible for treatment.
How does Tapeworm in Dogs Spread?
The most common way dogs contract tapeworms is by ingesting fleas that are infected with tapeworm larvae. This can happen during grooming when a dog bites or licks at fleas on their body. Once the infected flea is swallowed, the tapeworm larvae develop into adult tapeworms within the dog's intestine. Tapeworms are not typically spread directly from dog to dog through contact. The life cycle requires an intermediate host, whether it’s a dog, another animal like a rabbit or rodent that a dog may have caught.
Preventing Tapeworm in Dogs
Protecting your dog from tapeworms involves a multi-pronged approach, focusing on both parasite prevention and controlling intermediate hosts:
- Consistent Flea Control: The most crucial step in preventing tapeworm is effective and regular flea treatment. Speak to your veterinarian about the best flea prevention products for your dog.
- Regular Worming Treatments: Many broad-spectrum worming medications prescribed by your vet are effective against tapeworms. Regular deworming, as recommended by our team, is essential.
- Preventing Hunting and Scavenging: Discourage your dog from hunting or scavenging, as this can lead to the ingestion of infected rodents or rabbits.
- Good Hygiene: Promptly clean up your dog's faeces to prevent the spread of tapeworm segments and eggs into the environment, although direct dog-to-dog transmission isn't the primary concern.
Book an Appointment to Discuss Worms in Dogs with our Vets
Treating Tapeworm in Dogs
If you suspect your dog has a tapeworm, it's crucial to consult your veterinarian. They will conduct a thorough physical examination of your dog and potentially request a faeces sample.
If your vet determines there's a possibility of worms, they will prescribe an appropriate deworming treatment to eliminate the parasites. They can assist you in establishing a proactive worm prevention strategy moving forward.
Read here on Preventing Lungworm in Dogs
FAQs on Tapeworm in Dogs:
Can dogs get tapeworm in the UK?
Yes, tapeworms are a common intestinal parasite affecting dogs in the UK.
How common are tapeworms in dogs?
Tapeworm in dogs is quite common, particularly in those that are not on regular flea and worming preventative treatments or those with exposure to fleas or prey animals.
Can you see tapeworm in dog poo?
Yes, the most common way to identify a tapeworm infection is by seeing the small, white, rice-like segments of the tapeworm in your dog's faeces or around their anus. These segments may sometimes be mobile.
Can humans get a tapeworm from dogs?
While it's uncommon, certain types of tapeworms that infect dogs can potentially infect humans. This usually occurs through accidental ingestion of flea larvae (for the most common dog tapeworm) or by ingesting the eggs passed in dog faeces.
