Tapeworms in Dogs and Cats

Tapeworms are Commonly Diagnosed Intestinal Parasites in Pets

Apr 18, 2009

Tapeworm segments are often seen in a pet's feces or around the pet's tail and anus. Most commonly obtained through fleas, these parasites are common in dogs and cats.

Tapeworms are a type of intestinal parasite or worm known as a cestode. These intestinal worms affect both dogs and cats as well as several other species of animals.

How do Dogs and Cats Become Infected with Tapeworms?

Dogs and cats can become infected with Dipylidium caninum tapeworms by ingesting fleas. Quite often, when a pet has fleas, a flea may be swallowed by the pet while grooming. If this ingested flea is infected with tapeworms, then the dog or cat which ingested it can become infected with tapeworms.

Dipylidium caninum tapeworms are the most common type of tapeworm seen in both dogs and cats.

The other type of tapeworm, Taenia spp., can be transmitted when a dog or cat eats undercooked or raw meats, such as livestock, venison, rats, mice or rabbits.

How are Tapeworms Diagnosed and What do They Look Like?

Both types of tapeworms are diagnosed by seeing tapeworm proglottids (small segments of the tapeworm) around the anus, under the tail or in the feces. These proglottids or tapeworm segments resemble small grains of rice when dry. When fresh, these proglottids may be seen crawling slowly across the anal region or the surface of a fresh bowel movement.

Can Pet Owners Get Tapeworms from a Dog or Cat?

Though it is not impossible for pet owners and other people to get tapeworms, they usually do not become infected directly from a pet.

In order for a person to become infected with tapeworms, the person needs to ingest undercooked (or raw) meat which contains tapeworms. Undercooked beef or pork are the most likely culprits in the transmission of tapeworms to people and it is the Taenia spp. tapeworms which people can become infected with in this fashion.

People can, on very rare occasions, become infected with Dipylidium caninum tapeworms as well. However, transmission of this intestinal parasite or worm requires ingestion of a flea, so occurrence is not common.

What Types of Symptoms can Tapeworms Cause in Dogs and Cats?

Occasionally, tapeworms may cause weight loss if the tapeworm infection is severe. Scooting or dragging the anus across the floor can sometimes be seen when a pet is infected with tapeworms also.

Most commonly, dogs and cats infected with tapeworms show no symptoms other than passing the tapeworm segments.

How are Tapeworms Treated in Dogs and Cats?

The medication most commonly used to rid dogs and cats of tapeworms is praziquantel. Praziquantel is available in an oral and an injectable form. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on which is better suited for your pet.

Can Tapeworm Infections be Prevented?

Restraining pets from hunting and not allowing ingestion of raw or undercooked meals is also necessary to prevent the spread of tapeworms to dogs and cats.

The copyright of the article Tapeworms in Dogs and Cats in Pet Diseases is owned by Lorie Huston. Permission to republish Tapeworms in Dogs and Cats in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.