Tapeworms can exist in mice, humans, whales and everything in between. Living and growing in the small intestines of their host, these parasites range in size from microscopic to over 100 feet long. Endowed with both male and female sex organs, they propagate without other tapeworms. Sections of their segmented bodies break off and are expelled in fecal matter. Pet owners realize their animal is infected when noticing dogs and, more rarely, cats scooting across the floor, dragging their rump. Or the owners might see a wiggling, white, worm-shaped creature the size of a grain of rice on the animal's anus. Though not life-threatening to animals, an infestation of multiple worms can cause weight loss.
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum
- Washing machine
- Plastic bags
- Medication
Instructions
How to Avoid a Tapeworm infection
Seek immediate treatment for a flea infestation. Flea larva eat the tapeworm proglottids. When the fleas are ingested by a cat, the cat becomes infected.
Clean where your pet likes to lay. Vacuum pet beds. Wash your pet's blankets and your own bedding.
Vacuum all rugs regularly. Remember that fleas can jump long distances.
In addition to thorough, routine scooping twice a day, discard the litter and clean the litter box each week.
Wrap all animal feces in plastic, and dispose of them in the trash.
Wipe your feet entering any home, and ask others to do the same when entering your home. You can track in excrement or fleas.