How tapeworms affect your dog: symptoms and treatment

Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that affect many dogs, causing discomfort and sometimes health issues. Most dog owners know regular worming is essential, but tapeworms require special attention because they spread differently and often cause visible symptoms. Understanding how tapeworms live, the symptoms they cause, and how to treat them helps you keep your dog healthy and comfortable.

What are tapeworms and how do dogs catch them?

Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that attach themselves to your dog's intestinal lining using special suckers. The most common species affecting dogs in the UK is Dipylidium caninum, transmitted when dogs swallow infected fleas during grooming.

Dogs can also become infected by eating raw or undercooked meat containing tapeworm larvae, or through contact with contaminated environments where other dogs have passed tapeworm eggs in faeces. Fleas act as intermediate hosts, carrying the tapeworm eggs until ingested by your dog, which is why effective flea control is crucial alongside worming treatment.

Common symptoms of tapeworm infection in dogs

1. Visible tapeworm segments: Small, rice-like segments appear in your dog's faeces or around their hindquarters. These may look like grains of rice and are often the first sign noticed by owners.
2. Anal irritation: Tapeworm segments cause itching around the anus, leading your dog to scoot or drag their bottom along the floor to relieve discomfort.
3. Excessive licking of the rear: Continuous irritation prompts dogs to lick their anal area more than usual.
4. Weight loss despite a good appetite: Heavy infestations cause your dog to lose weight as the worms compete for nutrients.
5. Occasional vomiting: Large tapeworms may cause vomiting of worm segments, visibly causing distress to your dog.
6. Poor coat condition and irritability: General discomfort and nutrient loss from heavier infections can lead to a dull coat and behavioural changes such as irritability.
7. More serious signs in puppies: Young dogs may show stunted growth, anaemia, or intestinal blockage if infected heavily.

Why treating tapeworms is essential and how to do it

Tapeworm infections in adult dogs are often mild but can become serious if left untreated, especially in puppies. The key is prompt diagnosis and treatment.

1. Visit your vet: If you notice tapeworm segments or symptoms like scooting, your vet can diagnose infection with stool tests or physical exams.
2. Administer prescribed dewormers: Your vet will recommend an effective medication specifically targeting tapeworms. These usually come as oral tablets or spot-on treatments.
3. Maintain regular worming schedule: Unlike flea treatments, wormers do not provide long-lasting protection. Worm your dog at recommended intervals to kill existing worms.
4. Control fleas carefully: Use effective flea treatments to interrupt the lifecycle of tapeworms, as fleas carry the infectious eggs.
5. Practice good hygiene: Cleaning up dog faeces promptly and preventing your dog from eating raw meat lowers infection risk.

Can humans catch tapeworms from dogs?

Humans catching tapeworms from dogs is rare because humans are unlikely to ingest fleas, which are necessary to transmit the larvae. More commonly, humans get tapeworms from eating undercooked or raw infected meat. Good hygiene and flea control protect families as well.

Common questions from dog owners

How often should I worm my dog for tapeworms?

Quick Answer: Worm your dog every 3 months or as advised by your vet to keep tapeworms under control.

Tapeworm wormers do not protect against future infestations; they only kill worms present at treatment time. Regular worming every 3 months combined with strict flea control is the best prevention strategy.

What if my dog scoots but has no visible tapeworms?

Quick Answer: Scooting can be caused by anal gland issues or other irritation, not just tapeworms.

If your dog scoots but you do not see tapeworm segments, it could indicate anal gland problems or allergies. It's important to have your vet check to identify and treat the cause properly.

Summary

Tapeworm infestation in dogs, especially from Dipylidium caninum, causes discomfort such as anal irritation, visible worm segments, and occasionally more serious symptoms like weight loss. Puppies are more vulnerable to severe effects. Prompt veterinary diagnosis, combined with the right deworming treatment and diligent flea control, ensures your dog remains healthy and happy. Regular worming every 3 months, flea prevention, and good hygiene are the pillars of responsible pet care against tapeworms.