Tapeworms are long, flat segmented intestinal parasites (or worms) that consist of a head, neck and numerous segments. The head of the tapeworm consists of suckers or muscular grooves which enable the tape worm to attach itself to the dog's intestine.

Each segment of the tapeworm has its own reproductive organs and new segments are continually being formed in the neck region of the tapeworm.

Segments at the end of the tapeworm are cast off as they mature and appear as small white worms on or in the anus area of the dog or in your dog's feces. Tapeworms that can be seen while they are still alive may be moving and are easy to recognize to the discerning eye. These mature tapeworm segments contain large numbers of eggs that are often grouped into packets.

Segments that have dried usually look like small grains of uncooked rice, sesame seeds or cucumber seeds and can be found in areas where your dog lives or sleeps.

Tapeworms in dogs have a definite life cycle which includes an intermediate host and can include fleas, fish, and domestic animals such as pigs and sheep, mice and rodents. All adult canine forms of tapeworms live in the dog's digestive system.

Tapeworms do not have a digestive system of their own, they absorb nutrients through their skin from the host animal.

In most cases, the manner in which each of these groups infects the dog is different:

• Dipylidium caninum infects dogs when they eat lice or fleas that carry tapeworm larvae.
• Taenia taeniaformis infects dogs when it eats prey.
• Echinococcus infection is through eating raw meat or carrion of an infected host.

Flea Tapeworm:

Dipylidium caninum, also called (double-pored tapeworm, cucumber seed tapeworm or common dog tapeworm) is the adult form that lives in cats, dogs, fox and occasionally humans. Flea tapeworm is found throughout the world. The intermediate host is the louse or flea.

How is Dog Tapeworm infection diagnosed?

Most dogs infected with canine tapeworms do not show obvious signs or symptoms.

The diagnosis of a D. caninum infection can be diagnosed by finding the moving segments, dried segments, and occasionally by seeing eggs in the feces if the segment had ruptured.

Signs or symptoms of tapeworm infection may not be apparent for long periods of time.

When symptoms do appear they often mimic a number of other conditions making it difficult for early diagnoses. In heavy infections your dog may have abdominal discomfort or you may notice nervousness or listlessness in your dog.

Dogs may vomit and the toxins released by tape worms can cause convulsions in some dogs. Active tapeworm segments that are released from the main body of the tapeworm tend to stick to the fur and anal area causing extreme itching and irritation.

If you notice your dog scooting on the floor or excessive scratching and licking in the anal area it is a sure indication of tapeworm infestation.

Worms in dogs can cause serious problems when infested with large numbers and left untreated.

How do I prevent my dog from getting tapeworms?

Try to keep your dog from coming in contact with intermediate hosts that contain tapeworm larvae. Since fleas are one of the most common intermediate host it is important to find a safe effective flea control product. Flea control is the most essential measure you can take in controlling and preventing tapeworm infestation caused by fleas.

However, simply controlling fleas will not prevent every outbreak of tapeworms in dogs.

You must keep in mind fleas are only one way that your dog can become infected with tapeworms.

Tapeworms are also passed from the mother dog to her puppies. Dogs that spend time outside where they are tempted to hunt and catch small mammals or rodents can become infected with tapeworms.

Dogs that consume raw meat are also at risk of tapeworm infestation.