Tapeworm Infestation in Dogs & Cats

Tapeworm parasites are quite a common in dogs and cats. They are flat intestinal worms that are made up of many small segments. Unlike roundworms that live freely in the intestinal tract, tapeworms attach to the wall of the small intestine using hook-like mouth-parts.

Species of Tapeworms in dogs and cats

• Dipylidium caninum
• Echinococcus species (Hydatid Tapeworm)
• Taenia species (Pork Tapeworm)

How do dogs & cats get tapeworms?

Dipylidium caninum tapeworms are the most common type of tapeworm seen in both dogs and cats. Older segments which are filled with tapeworm eggs pushed toward the tip of the tail. This is like sac, called a “proglottid,” and is passed from the host’s rectum and then gets out into the environment with the stools. Tapeworm segments are often seen around the pet's tail and anus in stools. These segments are the size of grains of rice and are able to move. The sac breaks and tapeworm eggs are released in the environment. These eggs are not infectious to mammals. Eventually the segment will dry and look more like a sesame seed.

These tape worm eggs are swallowed by immature flea larvae in the environment. Inside the larval flea, the tapeworm egg continues to develop and, at the same time, the flea also matures into an adult flea. Now, the tapeworms are ready to infect your pets. The flea goes about sucking its host’s blood and reproducing.

During grooming or in response to a flea bite, a dog can swallow the tapeworm infected flea and complete the life cycle. Inside the host’s stomach, the flea’s body is digested away and the young tapeworm is released. It takes 3 weeks from the time the flea is swallowed to the time tapeworm segments appear on the pet’s rear end or stool.

Echinococcus spp. Dogs and cats that are definitive hosts can carry the adult tapeworms sub-clinically. Dogs are particularly important in zoonotic transmission due to their close relationships with humans.

Intermediate hosts such as sheep, goats, or swine are initially do not show any symptoms; however, the growth of the larvae, which form cysts in vital organs such as the liver and lungs, can lead to illness and death. Echinococcus infection is a major public health problem in some countries.

Taenia spp. can be transmitted when a dog or cat eats undercooked or raw meats, such as venison, rats, mice or rabbits.

How do I find out if my pet has worms?

Tapeworms can be diagnosed by finding the segments in your pet’s stools or in bedding or around the anus.  The eggs do not often show up in a fecal test, but having a fecal test done on your  pet's stool is a good idea if you see signs of  tapeworms.  It can show if any other parasites are present, so you can get the appropriate medication. When fresh, these proglottids may be seen crawling slowly across the anal region or the surface of a fresh bowel movement.

What kind of symptoms do tapeworms cause my pets?

Most commonly, dogs and cats infected with tapeworms show no symptoms other than passing the tapeworm segments. But in severe infection your pet may elicits following clinical signs.

• A dull coat
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of weight
• Development of a pot belly (especially in puppies)
• Low energy level
• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• “Butt scooting” - dragging the anus along the floor
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How do I control tapeworms?

• Most common medication is Praziquantel. It is available in oral and injectable forms.
• Flea control is critical in the management and prevention of tapeworm infection.
• Not allowing ingestion of raw or undercooked meals and feces of other pets and farm animals
• Restraining pets from catching prey, such as mice and snails

Can I get tapeworms from my pet?

Not generally.  On very rare occasions, children have been infected with Dipylidium species by swallowing a flea accidentally. It generally causes tremendous cramping and discomfort. Totally unrelated to dogs and cats are the tapeworms that people are getting from eating raw fish. There are certain species of tapeworms that use the fish as an intermediate host. If food is cooked properly there is no worry.