What are tapeworms?
Tapeworms are intestinal parasites found in dogs and cats. They are flat and segmented, and the segments may break off and be seen in the stool of pets.

Where do tapeworms come from?
Tapeworm eggs are released from the segments that are passed in the stool. The eggs are then eaten by an intermediate host such as fleas, lice or small rodents, which in turn can be ingested by our pets. The worms attach themselves to the wall of the intestine, where they continue to grow.

Can people and other pets become infected?
Tapeworms do not pass directly from pet to pet, or directly to humans, but require and intermediate host. Other pets and people and become infected in they ingest an intermediate host.

Clinical signs and symptoms
Tapeworms do not often cause symptoms, but can cause digestive upsets, poor skin and hair coat and weight loss.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually made by finding the tapeworm segments in the stool or near the anus of a dog or cat. The segments will move if recently passed, or will look like grains of rice if they are dried. Eggs are not always seen in fecal tests.

Treatment
Treatment consists of oral medication available from your veterinarian.

Prevention
Good flea control will help prevent infestations of tapeworms.