Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Have you ever seen a tiny speck of what looks like rice wiggling around in your dog's poop, or even under their tail? It can be a disturbing sight, but don't ignore it. Although tapeworms in dogs are often just a minor inconvenience, they can sometimes develop into something more serious.1 That's why it's so important to recognize tapeworms and know what to do if your pup has them. The good news is that treatment is easy, especially if tapeworms are caught early.
What are tapeworms?
Tapeworms are parasitic worms that live in the intestines of host species, like dogs.1 There are a number of different species of tapeworms that can infect dogs, but Dipylidium caninum is the most common in the United States.2 It's sometimes called the flea tapeworm because dogs and cats acquire the worm when they accidentally ingest infected fleas while grooming.
The next most common tapeworm in the U.S. is Taenia pisiformis.2 Dogs can get infected when they ingest a prey animal that has T. pisiformis, typically rabbits. Dogs can also be infected by tapeworms of the Mesocestoides, Echinococcus, Dibothriocephalus and Spirometra varieties, but these are rare in the U.S.2
How do dogs get tapeworms?
It's a fairly simple lifecycle: Dogs get infected if they eat an "intermediate host" insect or animal that's already infected with the tapeworm larvae.1 An intermediate host houses the tapeworm larvae and allows them to develop. Most commonly this is a flea, but not always.
What about you? Can humans get tapeworms from dogs? Although humans can indeed be infected by the same species of tapeworms that infect dogs, they don't get them directly from dogs. Rather, humans get infected the same way dogs do—if they accidentally eat an infected intermediate host, like a flea.3
Symptoms of tapeworms in dogs
So how do you know if your dog has tapeworms? While tapeworms are a fairly gross parasite, they don't usually cause much harm to their host. Often, the dog may have no other clinical signs of a worm infestation.
Most dog owners realize their pets are infected when they see what looks like grains of rice. You may see tiny yellow, wriggling pieces in your dog's poop,1 or dried segments in your dog's bedding or fur that are about the same size as rice.3 Dogs with tapeworms might also scoot their bums across the ground to try to relieve irritation, or even lick their bums more frequently.1
Additional symptoms in a more severe infestation can include:
- Vomiting (you might even see the worm in the vomit)1
- Weight loss, even when eating regular portions of food1
- Diarrhea or colic4
- Irritability or behavior changes4
Some of these symptoms can also be signs of more serious health issues, so it's important to visit your veterinarian if you notice any of these.
Tapeworm diagnosis and treatment for dogs
If you think your dog has tapeworms, your veterinarian may prescribe medicine just based on the symptoms you've seen. Other times, your veterinarian may do a fecal flotation or PCR assay test.4 They may also ask you to bring in the tapeworm segments you found for better identification.2
The treatment is fairly simple. Your veterinarian will prescribe a parasiticide, which is given via pill or injection.1 The most common tapeworm prescription is praziquantel,1 but depending on the infection, your dog might be prescribed fenbendazole, epsiprantel or something else.2
The medication makes the worms detach from your dog's intestines, and they're then digested while they pass through your dog's gut.3 Side effects are rare, but you should still keep an eye out and let your veterinarian know if you notice anything amiss. Side effects can include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea or appetite loss.
Treatment for tapeworms must also include removal of the intermediate host. In many cases, this means treating for fleas. Fleas spend a good portion of their life off the dog, so treating the environment with an exterminator or by other means may be necessary.
Tapeworm prevention for dogs
Since the most common type of tapeworm infection comes from ingesting fleas, the best way to prevent tapeworms is by stopping your dog from getting fleas in the first place.1 You'll also want to keep an eye on your dog when you're outdoors to make sure she doesn't try to eat a wild rabbit or rodent that might have a different type of tapeworm.
Ask your veterinarian about flea and tick preventives that you can give your dog regularly.3 Some are available by prescription, and some are over the counter. Your veterinarian can recommend what's best for your pet.
If your pup is at higher risk, she might even be put on a preventive tapeworm treatment.1 This is more likely if your dog regularly spends time outside in rural areas or encounters animals that could be infected. Many monthly heartworm preventatives regularly deworm for tapeworms. Or, your veterinarian might suggest a deworming schedule that involves treatment once or twice a year.
While you may feel a little queasy when you see tapeworm segments in your home, the good news is that they're easy and inexpensive to treat. If you're worried that your dog or puppy has tapeworms, talk to your veterinarian and don't delay treatment.
Sources/Citations
1. Tapeworms in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention. Animal Care Center of Castle Pines. February 16, 2022. https://animalcarectr.com/blog/tapeworms-in-dogs-symptoms-treatment-and-prevention/
2. Chelladurai, J.J. Canine Tapeworms. Today's Veterinary Practice. December 14, 2021. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/parasitology/canine-tapeworms/
3. Gillette, L. How to Get Rid of Tapeworms in Dogs. PetMD. November 3, 2020. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_multi_cestodiasis
4. Peregrine, A.S. Tapeworms in Dogs and Cats. Merck Veterinary Manual. October 2022. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/gastrointestinal-parasites-of-small-animals/tapeworms-in-dogs-and-cats