Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that attach to your dog’s digestive system and steal nutrients from their food. While they usually don’t cause immediate harm, tapeworms can be uncomfortable for your furry friend and may lead to other health issues down the road.1,2
If you think your dog has tapeworms, a vet can help diagnose the condition and offer safe, effective treatment options to get your pup back to full health!
Does Your Pup Have Tapeworms?
What Are Tapeworms?
Tapeworms are flat, long parasites that can live in your dog’s intestines. The most common type in dogs is called “Dipylidium caninum.” These worms grow by attaching themselves to the walls of the intestines and feeding on the nutrients your dog eats.1
As tapeworms grow, they release tiny pieces (or segments) of their bodies, called proglottids.2 These often look like tiny grains of rice and show up in your dog’s feces or around their rear end. While the idea of worms living inside your dog might sound alarming, tapeworms typically don’t cause serious harm and can be treated pretty easily.1,2
What Causes Tapeworms in Dogs?
Dogs usually get tapeworms by ingesting fleas, known as intermediate hosts, that are carrying tapeworm eggs.2 If your dog bites or licks a flea while grooming themself, they might accidentally swallow the eggs.
Other animals, like rodents or birds, can also carry tapeworm eggs — so a pup who’s outdoors might pick them up while exploring their environment.1,2
Once consumed, tapeworm eggs hatch inside the intestines, where the larvae then start to grow. Tapeworms can spread to other pets through infected fleas or by leaving their eggs in the dog’s environment, meaning they could eventually be picked up by a new host.1,2
Can humans get tapeworms from dogs?
It’s pretty unlikely for humans to get tapeworms from dogs, but it can happen. For this transmission to take place, a person would need to accidentally swallow a flea or come into contact with feces carrying tapeworm eggs.1,2
Children may be at a slightly higher risk, especially if they play in areas where animal waste might be around.1,2 The best way to avoid potential contact with tapeworm eggs is to practice good hygiene. Always clean up after your dog and use flea control methods to stop the tapeworm’s life cycle before it starts.
Tapeworm Symptoms in Dogs
A tapeworm infection can be tricky to spot because the condition often comes with no symptoms.3 Most adult dogs can carry tapeworms without much trouble, so they won’t show any signs of infection. Even if the worm grows to its full size, your pooch likely won’t feel the effects of the nutrients it’s stealing.
Signs to look out for include:1,3,4
- Scooting their rear end on the ground
- Irritation or redness around the anus
- Biting at or licking their hind area
- Unexplained weight loss
- Small, white, or yellow segments of the tapeworm in your dog’s feces or vomit
While an adult dog’s system can often handle tapeworms, it’s a different story for puppies. Growing pups need all the nutrients they can get, so a tapeworm can interfere with their development. If left untreated, tapeworms can lead to anemia, stunted growth, and intestinal problems in puppies.2
If you notice any of the symptoms above, your vet can help diagnose the issue and recommend the best treatment option to get your pup back to their best!
Diagnosing Dog Tapeworms
Your vet is the best resource for diagnosing tapeworms, but there are a few things you can watch for at home. Once your dog is diagnosed, you and your vet can work together on a treatment plan to get rid of the tapeworms for good.
What the vet can do
To diagnose tapeworms, your vet will usually request a stool sample and inspect it for tapeworm eggs or segments under a microscope. This test — called fecal flotation — makes parasite eggs rise to the surface of a liquid, so they’re easy to identify.3,5
Your vet may also physically examine your pup and ask questions about any changes in behavior, recent symptoms, or potential contact with fleas or other infected animals.
What you can do
At home, you can keep an eye out for signs of tapeworms by checking your dog’s stool and bedding. One of the clearest signs of tapeworms is small, rice-like segments in their feces or near their rear. These segments might move slightly if they’re still alive, but over time, they’ll dry out and turn yellow.1,2,3,4
If you spot anything like this, it’s a good idea to reach out to your veterinarian. Catching these signs early can help ensure your dog gets the care they need quickly.
How To Get Rid of Tapeworms in Dogs
If your vet finds that your dog has tapeworms, they’ll usually prescribe a medication called praziquantel. This treatment is available as a tablet or injection and works by breaking down the tapeworm so your dog can pass it naturally. It’s a quick and easy treatment that usually causes no side effects.1,3,4
Make sure to complete the full course of the medication, even if you stop seeing proglottids in your dog’s stool or your dog stops scooting. Completing the treatment helps ensure the tapeworm infection is fully cleared.
How Can You Prevent Your Dog From Getting Tapeworms?
Tapeworm prevention starts with keeping fleas under control. Flea prevention methods — like collars, topical treatments, or oral chews — can help protect your dog from tapeworm infections. Treating all pets in your household can stop fleas in their tracks and keep them from spreading.1,2,4
You can also take steps to create a flea-free environment by regularly treating your home and yard. This could mean pest control — so your pup doesn’t come in contact with rodents or other pests that can potentially carry tapeworm eggs.1,2,4
For an extra layer of defense, ask your vet about dewormers that work against tapeworms. Deworming medications are designed to get rid of and prevent intestinal parasites, like tapeworms. They can help protect your dog from recurring infections and keep their digestive system parasite-free.1,2,4
Keep Tapeworm Care Affordable With Pet Insurance
While tapeworms are relatively harmless, they can be a nuisance and may lead to long-term health issues in puppies — including intestinal blockages.2 Luckily, this condition is pretty simple to treat with help from your vet. And with reliable pet insurance coverage, you’ll have an added layer of protection for your pup and your wallet.
Are you ready to explore our policies? Get a free quote today, and find out how much MetLife Pet Insurance can save you.