Tapeworms

Tapeworms are common intestinal parasites of dogs and cats. Pets acquire these infections by ingesting an infected intermediate host (e.g.: fleas, rodents). Most pets do not experience intestinal symptoms with tapeworm infections. Diagnosis typically occurs when small white tapeworm segments are found on the feces or on the fur surrounding the anus. Tapeworms are treated with a dewormer specifically for tapeworms. Treatment for tapeworms also requires removal and control of the intermediate host (e.g.: flea control, stop hunting behavior). Pets that are hunters should be dewormed quarterly for tapeworms; some tapeworms can be transmitted to people causing serious disease.