Tapeworms in Dogs, Poop, Vomit, Symptoms, Causes, Pictures, Home Remedies, Treatment, Prevention & Home Remedies

What are the signs and symptoms of tapeworms in dogs? Discover how to tell whether your dog is infected with tapeworms. Explore the causes of tapeworms in dogs. Learn how to get rid and prevent them, Including best treatments and home remedies. We have included illustrative pictures for your better understanding.

Tapeworm in Dogs Symptoms

The symptoms of tapeworms in dogs are normally nonspecific. Owners of dogs that are infected with tapeworms might notice the following:

Anal or perianal itchiness (pruritus around the anus)
Licking of the anal as the perianal area
Weight loss (despite maintaining a very good appetite)
Increased appetite (no weight gain)
Poor hair coat (dull, unkempt)
Poor skin condition
Abdominal distension
Lethargy
Abdominal pain

Owners might notice tapeworm segments that are stuck to or even crawling through the fur around the dog’s anus.

They usually resemble grains of the white rice or sesame seeds. Affected dogs usually scoot the bottom on the ground so as to relieve the itchiness and the irritation brought about by tapeworms. Uncommonly, heavy loads of adult tapeworms in dogs leads to partial or even total intestinal obstruction, which may be a medical emergency.

Causes of Tapeworm in Dogs

Tapeworms in dogs normally rely on an intermediate host so as to survive.

The larval stage that develops in flea, rabbit or even the mouse for instance, which then serve as the intermediate host
Canines may not be infected by eating of the fertilized eggs; the eggs are to pass through the host and then the dog eating the host
Tapeworm eggs are then released into the environment and consumed
Dogs might eat fleas through grooming process, or even just by biting at anal area because of itching
The diet of canine and the geographical location is able to influence the likelihood of the tapeworm infestation
Rural, suburban and the urban dogs might hunt rodents or even be fed scraps that have the tapeworm Eating undercooked or even the raw fish can lead to a tapeworm infection

Tapeworm in Dogs Poop

Tapeworms are the flat intestinal worms which are composed of several small segments, each measuring about ¼ – ½” long. Unlike roundworms which normally live freely in the intestinal tract, tapeworms have to attach themselves to the wall of small intestine by use of hook-like mouthparts.

Tapeworms belong to cestode family of worms. The most common tapeworm of dogs is Dipylidium caninum. The adult worms might reach up to a size of about 8 inches in length.

The individual segments start to develop beginning from behind the head and then moving down the tapeworm as they slowly mature, finally being shed at opposite end, either singly or in very short chains. These particular segments, known as proglottids, are then passed in feces when an infected dog defecates.

They are about 3 mm long and appears like grains of cucumber seeds. Sometimes they can be seen moving on the hairs that are around the anus or even on the surface of the freshly passed feces. As the tapeworm segment dries, it becomes golden in color and then breaks open, thus releasing the fertilized eggs into the environment.

Unlike roundworms, dogs are not able to be infected by eating of the fertilized tapeworm eggs. Tapeworms should first pass through an intermediate host before they infect a dog.

Tapeworm in Dogs Vomit

Physalopterosis is an infection of gastrointestinal tract, brought about by the organism Physaloptera spp. Usually, only a few worms are found. In fact, single worm infections are very much common.

There is no age, breed, or even the gender of dogs that is more susceptible to acquiring this condition than others. If you want to find out more about how the disease affects dogs, please visit the petmd.com health library.

Symptoms and Types

An infection of stomach worms caused by Physaloptera spp. can be asymptomatic, meaning that no obvious outward signs are present, or even the infection might be found by presence of gastric symptoms. The basic symptom is just by vomiting, which might be of chronic or acute nature. In some of the cases, multiple worms can be found in vomit contents.

Causes

Tapeworms in dogs are brought about by the parasitic organism that is known as Physaloptera spp. The worms are usually transmitted when an animal ingests infective larvae which are found in an intermediate host. Intermediate hosts, like beetles, cockroaches, and the crickets, are usually coprophagous – implying that they eat feces, thus propagating the life cycle of the parasite.

The worm is also able to be transmitted through ingestion of transport host, like a bird, rodent, snake, or even the lizard. Outdoor exposure also increases access to the intermediate or even the small vertebrate transport hosts, thus increasing the odds of contracting the stomach worms.

Dogs that are kept indoors without having an access to the hosts are normally less susceptible to an infection.

Diagnosis

The basic method that is used for identifying and diagnosing tapeworms in dogs is through the use of endoscopic gastroscopy, where a small thin tube having a tiny light and the camera fitted at the end is inserted through the mouth into the stomach so as to visually examine the interior of the stomach. Worms will attach to the stomach lining, or to the mucus-covered lining of intestines.

A thorough exam is crucial for detecting of the worms as there are not many that are present, and they may be hidden by the mucus or the stomach contents. Also, at about 5 cm long, the worms are very small.

An examination of dog’s vomit and the feces might also reveal an infection of the stomach worms if the worm eggs are found to be available in contents.

Tapeworms in Dogs Pictures

What do tapeworms in dogs look like? We have inserted illustrative pictures of tapeworms in dogs, including those in poop and vomit. These pictures will enable you to understand and identify them.

How to Get Rid of Tapeworms in Dogs

Tapeworms in dogs are usually the intestinal parasites which are able to latch onto the dog’s intestinal wall leading to damage and also stealing the crucial nutrients. Over time as the worm continues to mature, individual segments of the body having the eggs, break off and then pass out of the body in stool.

Once out of the body, the eggs are able to hatch and thus new tapeworms then enter the world so as to infect once more. If your pet is infected with tapeworms, then you’ll probably be able to see the segments stick to hair that is surrounding the dog’s anus. You can as well see them in the fecal matter. They appear like small pieces of rice.

If it is freshly squeezed, they might even wiggle just like worms. Once you’ve spotted the parasites, then it’s time to act very fast and treat the pet.

Home Remedies for Tapeworm in Dogs

It’s very unfortunate that dogs usually get worms. There’s no stopping of the dog from going outdoors in park, backyard and also for walking around the neighborhood, so it’s easier for the dog to pick up parasites from the soil.

Fortunately, there are several simple and readily available home remedies that can be used to treat the dog for worms if you would prefer to get rid of additives, chemicals and artificial components from the diet.

Some of the remedies that are listed below are herbal, and others are usually homeopathic. Choose the one that you find works better for the dog.

1. Wormwood

Wormwood is an effective herbal remedy that is used for expulsion of the tapeworms in dogs. It’s a plant which has been used for many years so as to expel roundworms and tapeworms.

The challenge with the wormwood is that it has volatile oils together with tannins which can be harmful to the dog if you don’t use with a lot of care.

Overusing the herb is able to damage the dog’s nervous system, so ensure to use wormwood only if there’s an immediate need to get rid of the parasites.

Finding the right balance is very much crucial: Add about a half teaspoon of dried wormwood to dog’s food. Do not use the treatment for a period of more than four consecutive days.

2. Garlic

Garlic is a herb which provides several health benefits including doing away with tapeworms in dogs. There has been a debate that surrounds the benefits of the garlic for the dogs.

It should be used in moderation and also if you’re not sure on giving garlic to the dog, you’ll still get rewards if you give the dog a small amount.

When grated and also mixed with the fennel, garlic can be able to boost dog’s immune system and get rid of internal parasites. Just understand that garlic contains the potential to be very toxic, so make sure that you administer according to dog’s weight.

Carrots

Coarsely chopped carrots that are mixed with the dog’s food normally acts as a very effective dewormer against tapeworms in dogs.

The chunky bits that are found in carrots might not be digested, so there’s no given absorption in the nutritional and the pH balance of food.

But, the carrot usually scrapes the mucus that houses the parasite, off the walls of intestines.

Within a few hours, the dog will then expel the carrot, in a similar shape, together with the mucus and the worms. Add some grated carrots to dog’s food and it can assist to boost the dog’s immune system and also assist in fighting off infection.

Black Walnut

Black walnut is a herb which can get rid of heartworms and also intestinal tapeworms in dogs.

It’s safer than most of the commercial dewormers, but the black walnut is normally toxic if you administer in a wrong dosage.

Use it only if all other natural remedies are not very effective in expelling the worms. But, if a solution like the garlic fails, it’s an indication of the state of the dog’s intestinal health.

In this given case, you are required to use products that can boost his immune system, so consult with vet before use of black walnut. The herb is very much effective, but the dog can have negative side effects, like diarrhea, gastritis and vomiting.

Cloves

Clove is a known aromatic spice. It is used to treat the parasites that are in both animals and the humans and is normally used as a component of anti-parasitic formulas.

The effectiveness of the clove in dealing with tapeworms in dogs is usually enhanced when it is combined with several other antiparasitic agents like black walnut and wormwood.

Give him a clove daily after each meal for 1 week and then repeat the process every week for three months – for a large dog. Do not try to administer clove treatments for a longer period of time as it might be very harmful to the dog.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous earth assists to get rid of tapeworms in dogs, but you must make sure that you use only the food grade DE for a dog. Pool grade DE is toxic for the dog so ensure that you check the labels.

This remedy can be able to reduce the worms, but you’ll be required to find a different solution if the dog has tapeworms.

For the smaller dogs, add a teaspoon to dog’s food at least once daily. One tablespoon is normally effective for the dogs who are over 55 pounds. Thus make sure it’s well mixed in with food as inhaling the mixture can lead to irritation.

Tapeworms in Dogs Treatment

Have you ever wondered why the veterinarian asks you to do the task of bringing in a fecal sample for an annual physical? That’s how the vets test for worms.

The test can determine if tapeworms in dogs are in anal sac or in feces of your dog. False negatives are able to happen, but the tapeworm test is usually reliable, and most of the results are conclusive. The prognosis for both animals and people is good post-treatment. Follow the following steps.

Look for common symptoms.

In general, indications of tapeworms might be very difficult to spot. The most obvious indication is when you spot little segments of worm – like grains of rice – around dog’s anus or in fecal matter.

Sometimes, behavioral clues can be able to tip you off. If the dog appears to be dragging the button carpet frequently, you might want to check for the existence of tapeworms in dogs. It is also very possible that the dog’s anus is also irritated – thus, why it would rub the anus on the ground. Anemia happens on rare occasions also.

Collect a stool sample

The veterinarian might need to verify the presence of tapeworms in dogs before any kind of prescription is given. The best method that can be used to do this is taking a plastic bag and then collecting a specimen.

Don’t try to make physical contact with the tapeworm. Just scoop it and put it in a plastic bag. In other given cases, you have to pick the worm segment off of the dog’s anus. Otherwise, your veterinarian might ask to keep your pet for some hours to collect a specimen

Call your pet

They’ll insist you come for a check-up, prescribe a medication over phone, or even direct you to an over-the-counter medication that is sold at most of the pets supply stores.

There are several medications, mostly use praziquantel, so as to combat these wormy parasites. The most common of the medications are Drontal Plus, as well as the Tradewinds Tabs.

These are able to be found at the vet clinics and some of the pet superstores. Your vet will understand exactly which kind of treatment can best get rid of tapeworms in dogs. Depending on your pet’s size, and age, your vet can be able to take differed medicinal approaches.

If you purchase a de-wormer from a pet supply store, then be sure to follow the indications methodically.
Most of the treatments are given orally, but there are also injections and topical treatments also.

Follow your vet’s instructions closely

All of the medications can have age and the size specifications that you’ll be required to follow. For instance, most of the medicines might not be used on young kittens (less than about 8 weeks) or kittens who are under 2.3 Lbs.

Administering the Medicine

Regardless of using a pill, liquid, or even a given topical treatment, you’ll need to have the medicine in hand. If your pet is very much reluctant to receive any of the mentioned treatments, then your job can be harder if you don’t have the medicine that is ready.

Restrain your pet

This might be done in several ways and thus depending on the size of your pet, you might require another set of hands.

Start by cornering in its hind legs. Your pet can likely try to back out of whatever situation they are in. If they are not, then they’ll be easier to contain. Hold the head using one hand and then have the other hand prepared so as to administer the medicine.

If you are using oral medication, then place your pointer finger the thumb on either side of pet’s mouth and then tilt the head backward. This is the effective way that can be used to get your pet’s mouth open so as to receive the medication.

Apply or even insert the medicine

Now that the pet is restrained, administer medicine. Use topical treatments only according to the given directions — most of the times on the back of your pet’s head, so it cannot mess with it once it has been done. Insert the pill into dog’s mouth.

For the oral medicines, you’ll need to close pet’s mouth. Hold it closed for 10 seconds and then rub the outside parts of its throat gently. This can spark swallowing process.

Reward pet

Make it a pleasant experience for your pet. After all, it isn’t like it wanted to get tapeworms. Pet your dog profusely. If you do this, then the next treatment can go much easier, as your pet associates the experience with good treats.

Other Instructions

A prescription drug known as praziquantel is usually used in the treatment of tapeworms in dogs, either orally or even by injection. The medication leads to the tapeworm to dissolve within the intestine. The drug does not have any adverse side effects.

Other medications that are effective at getting rid of the tapeworms in dogs are chewable, granules which are sprinkled on food. There are combination parasite medications which can as well treat tapeworm, roundworm, and also the whipworm in one.

PetMD also points out that it’s very crucial to administer all of the prescribed medication so as to ensure that the tapeworms are fully gone from dog’s body. And before using any of the over-the-counter medication on your own, consult with the veterinarian for diagnosis and available treatment options.

Are Tapeworms in Dogs Contagious?

Tapeworms in dogs are able to be transmitted to people, but the risk of infestation is low—a person would have to swallow an infected flea or species of parasites, through the accidental ingestion of feces which is carrying parasitic eggs.

Children are prone to this, as they’re likely to be outside playing in the grass and other areas where the dog waste is left.

How to Prevent Tapeworms in Dogs

The best method that can be used to avoid a tapeworm infestation is keeping your dog free of flea infestation. The surrounding environment should as well be treated well so as to prevent recurring infestations. The CDC usually recommends the steps to reduce the likelihood of the tapeworm infestation. To prevent tapeworms

Control fleas

Tapeworms should have an intermediate host, so as to complete their life-cycle and then infest the next available victim. Your pet gets them by swallowing a flea that is infected with tapeworm larvae or even by eating a small mammal, normally a rodent which has the worm.

Flea control largely involves treatment of your pet and the outdoor environment where the pet usually resides.

There are several available sprays and traps which can be purchased at most of the pet stores. Or you might have a pesticide professional come by and then do it for you.

If the pet stays in a flea-infested environment, then the reinfection with the tapeworms might happen in two weeks. Because the medication that treats tapeworm infection is effective, recurring of the tapeworms is always because of reinfection from the environment.

Keep your pet on preventative prescription plan

Consult vet for specifics. Some of the medications, such as the Sentinel Spectrum, act largely to protecting against fleas, hookworms, and tapeworms.

Clean up after dog

Since tapeworms in dogs start their life cycle in pet’s feces, take care of them from start. Clean the litter box. Dispose of pet’s waste carefully. Wear the gloves. Use a disinfectant whenever doing the cleaning.

Put its waste into a plastic bag and then finally dispose of it. The air will then run out in the bag and the worms can then suffocate.