Tapeworm Sections
Tapeworms are one of several types of internal parasites that can infect dogs and cats. They enter your pet’s system when your dog or cat unknowingly ingests a host. Inside your pet’s digestive tract, the tapeworm fastens itself to the wall of the small intestine. There, it can cause numerous problems for your pet. In some cases, it can also be passed on to you or, more likely, to small children in your home who accidently swallow tapeworms that are excreted by a pet.
Sudden, extreme weight loss is often what people associate with a tapeworm infestation. While infected pets may end up losing weight, not all do. In fact, there may be no symptoms or there may be different signs that are less noticeable. If -- based on your pets’ ages, health, and environment -- there is a high risk for worms, you may need to work with your veterinarian to continually monitor your cats and dogs to ensure they remain healthy and worm free.
If your pet does acquire worms, however, take heart in the fact that there are many safe, effective treatments that will allow you to get rid of the parasites and avoid further complications.
Causes
Most often, dogs end up with tapeworms after snapping up a flea. They may be relieved to stop the insect’s biting, but if that flea has eaten a tapeworm egg, pets will ingest the egg and, in a short time, the parasite will be free in their digestive system. Among felines, tapeworms are usually acquired from rodents or by ingesting the infected feces of another cat. In addition, there are other ways that tapeworms can enter a pet’s system. The good news is that in most instances there are steps you can take to lower the likelihood that your pet will acquire these parasites.
Symptoms
Once a tapeworm scolex (head) attaches itself to the wall of your pet’s intestine, you may begin to notice a wide variety of symptoms such as loss of appetite or diarrhea. It’s possible, though, that your pet will never show any outward symptoms. In these instances, the only way to spot a tapeworm infestation is to check your pet’s stool. You might see tapeworm eggs in the stool or actual pieces of the tapeworm that have broken off its segmented body and have passed through the digestive system.
Treatment
To end a tapeworm infection, the scolex must be killed and removed from the body. Typically, your veterinarian will treat your pet with a dewormer solution to do this. It is important that your veterinarian examines your dog or cat closely before prescribing the solution or trying to treat your pet since treatments for tapeworms differ from treatments for other worms and parasites. Once your pet is cured, you may need to work hard to avoid a reinfestation: have pets stay indoors when appropriate, control fleas, and try to keep your pet away from other animals’ feces.
How do you get rid of tapeworms in dogs and cats?
Tapeworms are common in dogs and cats in the US, with Dipylidium caninum being the most widely found one. Getting rid of these intestinal parasites requires the use of a deworming product with praziquantel as the active ingredient. An anthelmintic (de-wormer), praziquantel expels tapeworms from your pet’s intestine by detaching them from the intestinal wall. Since tapeworms are digested with this medication, you will not see them passing in the feces after treatment. You may get praziquantel in over-the-counter and prescription alternatives. However, you must seek a vet’s advice to determine a safe and effective dose even before trying an over-the-counter product. Also, take preventive measures to ensure that your dog or cat does not get infected again.
Do I need to treat my home if my pet has tapeworms?
When a pet infestation occurs in your pet, ensure treating the environment along with your cat or dog to prevent recurring infestations. As soon as you get a positive tapeworm diagnosis, you must clean your house. Christine Stewart, DVM from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, notes that tapeworms are transmitted when a cat ingests a flea while grooming itself. This puts your home, family, and other pets in the house at risk. Wash your pet’s bedding and blankets with hot water, as it kills the eggs and larvae. Also, treat the rug and carpet in your home as worms may thrive in these areas. Also, get regular vet care and year-round deworming treatment to ensure that your pet does not have to go through the ordeal again.
Can tapeworms be passed from pet to pet?
Although an infected cat or dog in your home is a risk to other pets, you need not worry about a tapeworm passing directly from pet to pet, even if they are constantly in close contact. Tapeworms can pass only through an intermediary host such as a flea. The tapeworm eggs from an infected animal are ingested by a flea, which may be swallowed by another pet, causing the transmission of infection. It means you must have a flea prevention strategy in place to address the risk of tapeworm in your dog or cat. Rodent exposure is another factor because your pet may get a tapeworm when it hunts or eats rodents. Investing in rodent control can keep your home and pets safe from tapeworm infestation.
Is my pet in pain with tapeworms?
Your pet may become very ill if it has a heavy infestation or multiple types of worms. It may suffer from abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, all indicating that you should schedule a vet visit sooner rather than later. According to Aurora Brook, who studied veterinarian and biology at the University of Minnesota, diarrhea may sometimes have blood and vomiting sometimes may have worms if your pet has intestinal parasites. You may also notice a generally poor appearance with dry and dull hair. Tapeworms in cats show fewer symptoms, though they may experience perianal irritation and itching due to migration around the anus. If the problem is severe, your pet may suffer from intestinal obstruction or chronic enteritis (inflammation of the intestine).
Can I cuddle my pet if it has tapeworms?
As a pet parent, you always want to cuddle your furry companion, but it may not be the safest thing to do if it has tapeworms. While internal parasites have to pass from feces to mouth to infect humans, the risk of transmission through fleas is always there. You must wash your hands and keep the surroundings clean after tapeworm treatment to avoid transmission. Emily J Jenkins, a Canadian veterinary professor, warns about an infection caused by the tapeworm called Echinococcus multilocularis. This is a potentially deadly tapeworm that may pass to humans by domestic cats and dogs. It is more dangerous for humans than animals.
Do tapeworms make dogs or cats hungry?
You may notice changes in the eating habits of your dog or cat after it has tapeworms. They may lose appetite and quickly become hungry again as tapeworms feed on the nutrients reaching the small intestine through food. Your pet actually shares its meals with an intestinal parasite that wants all it gets. Your dog or cat may even lose weight if the infestation lasts long. That might come as a surprise, considering it always feels hungry and demands food. Pay attention to this sign and visit your vet to get a diagnosis and start treatment for tapeworm in your pet.
More on Pet Parasites
Heartworm in Cats and Dogs
What to Do if Your Pet Gets Whipworm
What Diseases do Fleas Cause?
This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.