Dog Worms

Dog Tapeworms

Most dogs will have an intestinal parasite infestation at some point in their lives, with the most common being the tahe tapeworm. If you've never dealt with tapeworms before and you just found out that your dog has them, don't be alarmed � while they are gross and unpleasant, they're not very harmful as long as you're quick to get rid of them.

Tapeworms - What are they?

Tapeworms are parasites which resemble worms and latch onto your dog's intestines, eating the dog's waste as it goes through his digestive system. They make their way into your dog when he ingests infected fleas which carry the parasite. When the tapeworm is inside the host it will continue to grow larger and release eggs sacks which end up being expelled with the dog's feces and are then ingested by flea larvae, infecting them to send more tapeworms out into the world. The egg sacks may also simply fall out of your dog on their own.

Tapeworms - Symptoms

One symptom your dog will show if he has tapeworms is sudden weight loss, as the parasite is using the nutrients that your dog needs from its food. This is usually the one of the first noticeable symptoms. Your dog also might look like he's sick, with a lack of energy, a larger appetite, and vomiting. These can all be signs that your dog has tapeworms. More obvious symptoms of tapeworms will occur as it begins to reproduce, releasing egg sacks and segments in your dog's stool � the segments will resemble tape (hence the name) and the egg sacks look similar to grains of rice. They will either be seen coming out of the dog's anus or may be found in the hair around her rear and your dog will experience severe anal irritation which may cause it to drag its rear-end on the ground trying to relieve the pain. Take your dog to your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as you suspect that it might have tapeworms.

Tapeworms - How to get rid of them

Do not try to get rid of the tapeworms on your own � there's nothing you can do, so you need to go see your veterinarian. This is a job for a professional � some home treatments will not only not get rid of the worms but may also harm your dog. At the vet you will most likely receive documentation about the tapeworm along with anti-parasitic medication to give to your dog. This medicine actually dissolves the tapeworm, which will then be expelled in the stool when your dog has their next bowel movement. You may need to follow up with more treatments as tapeworms can be pretty difficult to get rid of, and you will also need to treat the dog for fleas as well as they are the cause of the tapeworms and you don't want to end up with another infestation.