Tapeworm Fact Sheet
My-Dog.info > Dog Diseases, Bites, Worms & Ticks
What is the most common kind of tapeworm dogs and cats get?
The most common tapeworm of dogs and cats in the United States
is called Dipylidium caninum (DIE-pih-LID-ee-um K-nine-um).
Infection is common and found throughout the world.
How did my pet get the Dipylidium tapeworm?
By swallowing a flea infected with a tapeworm larvae. A dog or
cat may swallow a flea while self-grooming. Once the flea is
digested inside the dog or cat, the larval tapeworm is free to
develop into an adult tapeworm.
The adult tapeworm is made up of many small segments, called
proglottids (pro-GLOT-ids), each about the size of a grain of
rice; adult tapeworms may measure 4-28 inches in length. As the
tapeworm matures inside the intestines, these segments
(proglottids) break off and pass into the stool.
How would I know if my pet has a tapeworm infection?
Although cats and dogs are rarely ill as a result of a
Dipylidium tapeworm infection, the proglottids can sometimes be
seen crawling near the anus or on the surface of a fresh bowel
movement. Proglottids contain tapeworm eggs; these eggs are
released into the environment when the proglottid dries out. The
dried proglottids are small (about 2 mm), hard and yellowish in
color and can sometimes be seen stuck to the hair around the
pet's anus.
What kind of problems do tapeworms cause for the dog?
Tapeworms are not usually harmful to your pet. Weight loss may
occur if your pet is heavily infected. Sometimes, an infected dog
will "scoot" or drag its anus across the ground or
carpet because the segments are irritating to the skin in this
area.
Occasionally, a portion of this tapeworm will be passed when
the dog vomits. If this happens, a worm several inches in length
may be seen.
How is tapeworm infection diagnosed?
Tapeworm infection is usually diagnosed when the moving
segments are seen crawling around the anus or in a bowel
movement. Dipylidium tapeworm eggs are rarely released into the
feces and are therefore not usually detected by routine fecal
exams performed by your veterinarian. Because of this,
veterinarians depend on you to notify them of possible tapeworm
infection in your pet.
Can I get a tapeworm infection from my pet?
Yes. For a person to become infected with Dipylidium, he or
she must accidentally swallow an infected flea. Most reported
cases involve children. The risk of infection with this tapeworm
in humans is low. The most effective way to prevent infections in
pets and humans is through flea control. A child who is infected
will usually pass proglottids (or what appears as rice) in a
bowel movement or find them stuck to the skin around the anal
area.
How is tapeworm infection treated?
Treatment for both animals and humans is simple and very
effective. A prescription drug called praziquantel is given,
either orally or by injection (pets only). The medication causes
the tapeworm to dissolve within the intestines. Since the worm is
usually digested before it passes, it may not be visible in your
dog's stool. The drugs are generally well-tolerated.
What should I do if I think my child is infected with
tapeworms?
See your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment.
How can tapeworm infection be prevented?
- Control fleas on your pet, and in their indoor and
outdoor environments.
- Have your veterinarian treat your dogs and cats promptly
if they have tapeworms.
- Clean up after your pet, especially in playgrounds and
public parks. Bury the feces, or place it in a plastic
bag and then put it in the trash.
- Do not allow children to play in areas that are soiled
with pet or other animal feces.
- Teach children to always wash their hands after playing
with dogs and cats, and after playing outdoors.
|
 |
|
|
Save big on quality brand name pet meds and other pet supplies!
Pet Shed is the premier source for discount pet supplies on the Internet. Heartgard heartworm, Frontline Plus flea control, Advantage flea control, Revolution flea & heartworm, and many other pet medications.
|
