Canine Tapeworms
Canine tapeworms affect your dog’s intestinal tract. They attach to the inner walls of the intestine, but do not suck as much blood as hookworms. Although these parasites aren’t incredibly harmful, they should be dealt with promptly as they can be passed along to humans. Tapeworm infections in humans usually require surgical treatment.
Cause
Infected dogs pass mobile segments out through the anus. Once the segments dry out, they release eggs which are usually eaten by flea larvae. When you dog tries to deal with the itching caused by the fleas by licking or chewing, he may swallow the fleas themselves. If the fleas have consumed the tapeworm eggs, they will be released into the digestive system and hatch soon afterwards.
Symptoms
Canine tapeworms don’t usually cause prominent symptoms in dogs. The most common symptom to look for is the presence of small segments on your dog’s fur, in the bedding, or around the anus. The segments can also be found on areas of carpet that are frequented by your pet.
Initially, the segments will have a white color much like rice. However, they will turn a golden color as they dry out. If the segments begin to irritate your dog, you will notice excessive licking of the anal area. He may even scoot across the floor to try to eliminate the irritation. If canine tapeworms detach from the intestinal wall and move into the stomach, your dog may experience vomiting. Severe infections may cause weight loss if left untreated.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian can easily diagnose the presence of canine tapeworms. A stool sample is simply examined under a microscope in order to look for the presence of tell-tale eggs. Treatment will normally begin immediately if eggs are spotted under the microscope.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatments for canine tapeworms. Drugs can either be injected or given orally that will cause the worms to dissolve. As mentioned earlier, fleas play a role in the infection of canine tapeworms. Therefore, controlling fleas is an important part of treatment. There are a number of topical treatments, collars, and powders that you can use for effective flea control.
Prevention
Occasional de-worming may be necessary for dogs with a high risk of infection. Proper hygiene is also important when trying to prevent an episode of canine tapeworms. You should properly dispose of all feces, especially if you allow your dog to play in public parks and playgrounds. It is also a good idea to frequently wash your hands.
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