Tapeworms in Dogs

What are tapeworms?

Tapeworms are a highly specialised intestinal parasite known as Cestodes. Tapeworms need two hosts, the intermediate host which passes the cysticercoid around & the final host (your pet), where it develops into an adult tapeworm & lays it's eggs.  Tapeworms are hermaphroditic, which means they contain both ovaries & testes & are capable of reproducing on their own. They have a head (scolex), a neck & a segmented body (the segments are known as proglottids). They are whitish/cream in colour with a ribbon like appearance, and can grow to 15 - 60 cms in length. There are several types of tapeworm your dog can become infected by, the two most common are;

• Dipylidium canium:

• Taenia taeniaeformis:

Life Cycle of the Tapeworm & how dogs become infected: 

• Dipylidium canium: The most common tapeworm found in dogs. The flea is the intermediate host of dipylidium canum. Eggs are passed in the faeces & eaten by flea larvae. Once inside the flea larvae, the egg hatches & becomes (cysticercoid). The flea larvae develops into an adult flea, which goes about it's business of parasitising your pet & sucking blood. Your dog (or dog) then ingests the flea during grooming. Once inside the stomach the flea is broken down & the tapeworm is released. It hooks onto the small intestinal wall & develops into an adult tapeworm. Once it reaches maturity (in around 2 - 3 weeks) egg filled segments break off & leave the body via the anus. These segments have the appearance of rice grains. These segments are motile (capable of movement). Once these segments have dried out they have the appearance of sesame seeds. They are then eaten by flea larvae & so the cycle begins once again. 

• Taenia taeniaeformis: Probably the second most common tapeworm in dogs. Dogs become infected with taenia taeniaeformis via eating rodents containing the larval tapeworm. 

What are the signs of tapeworms in dogs?

The presence of rice like segments (proglottids) around your dog's anus & in the environment is a sign your pet has tapeworm. 

Your veterinarian may perform a microscopic study of the pet's faeces to check for the presence of tapeworm segments & or eggs. 

Are tapeworms dangerous to dogs?

Generally no, tapeworms aren't harmful to dogs. As tapeworms take nutrients from the dog a heavy infestation can cause your dog to become nutritionally deprived & lose weight & the fur to have a rough appearance. 

What's the treatment?

Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with a effective deworming medidogion which will kill the tapeworm(s). Once they have died, they will be digested along with the dog's food. 

Can I catch tapeworms from my dog?

Yes & no. You cannot catch tapeworm directly from your dog, but if your dog has fleas, it is possible to catch tapeworm by accidentally swallowing a flea carrying the tapeworm cysticercoid.

How do I prevent tapeworm in my pet?

Stringent flea control is a must. Preventing your dog hunting rodents is also advised. Children are much more likely to become infected than adults. 

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a veterinarian & should not be considered a replacement for a veterinarian visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only.

Always seek immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or behavioral) in your pets. 

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.