Tapeworm Infection in Dogs (Cestodiasis in Dogs)

Your dog may not display too many symptoms when infected by a tapeworm. But there are some signs to look out for:

• Dragging bottom across the floor (scooting): Proglottids can exit the body when the dog poops. Some of these prolottids can be seen moving around the anus, which may cause your dog to chew or bite the area or drag it across the floor.
• Stool with white streaks: When visible, tapeworms look like grains of rice. You may also notice that this grey matter is moving. 
• Weight loss: In more severe cases, even though your dog’s appetite may not decline, there may be some weight loss. The tapeworm can cause issues in the absorption of nutrients from the food.
• Vomiting: In some cases, the worm can cause enough of a flare-up to make your dog vomit. In this case, the worm may be visible in the vomit.

Tapeworm infestation or cestodiasis occurs when a dog ingests a disease transmitter such as flea larvae that have ingested tapeworm eggs. Dogs can accidentally ingest fleas while self-grooming or grooming another dog. Once the tapeworm enters the body, it uses its hooklike mouth to cling to the small intestine. From here it grows into flat, white segments called proglottids. Proglottids, which carry eggs, keep breaking off and passing in the faeces. When they break open, fleas may ingest the eggs and the cycle begins again. 

Dogs that are taken outside more often and interact with other dogs are more susceptible to tapeworm infestation.

A stool sample is usually sufficient evidence to confirm a tapeworm diagnosis. Stools littered with rice-like particles are suspect. If your dog is dragging his or her bottom across the floor, that is another telltale sign.

Your vet may also ask you questions about your pet’s medical history. Questions such as:

• Has your dog had tapeworm issues in the past?
• Has your dog been around wildlife recently?
• Has your dog been introduced to new dogs recently? 

If you have seen worms in your dog’s vomit or stools, tell your vet about it.

If your dog is dragging his or her bum across the floor or has white specks in their poo, it is important to get your dog tested for anal gland disease, as there is some similarity in the symptoms of these two conditions.

Deworming medicine will be prescribed to treat tapeworms. These can cost around Rs30 a tablet, though this can depending on the brand. These medicines are known to work well against tapeworms. Side-effects are reported rarely. Praziquantel is usually the drug of choice and dissolves the worm so you are unlikely to see it in the dog’s stools. 

Treatment can be carried out at home after the vet prescribes the drugs. 

If there are underlying causes such as diarrhoea or abnormal behaviour in your dog, these will need to be addressed as well.

One obvious way to prevent tapeworm infestation in your pet is to control fleas in dogs. This can be done through some simple measures such as bathe and groom your dog with anti-flea shampoo and sterilize his or her bedding and coats. If possible, buy new products for your pet. Tick and flea collars are also a good idea.

As for your house, vacuum carpeted surfaces and conduct a deep cleanse. Ask your vet about anti-flea sprays or call pest control. It is also a good idea to disinfect sheets and clothes. 

Keep your dog’s deworming up to date as well. Your vet can tell you how to plan a deworming schedule. Adult dogs mostly need to be dewormed once every three months. The dosage for most deworming tablets for dogs is one tablet for every 10 kilograms of body weight of your pet - however, it is a good idea to read the instructions that come with the medicine, as deworming tablets for extra large dogs have a different dosage; usually, of one tablet for every 25 kilograms of your dog's weight.