Canine tapeworms are parasites that infect the intestines of animals, including dogs. These parasitic worms are not bloodsuckers but adhere to the intestinal walls of the animal. Tapeworms shed egg-carrying segments that are eliminated in the dog's feces. The segments are often found around the dog's rectum, in the fur or on the dog's bedding. Canine tapeworms pass to other animals and even people through infected fleas, contact with infested feces and eating infested meat. It is important to know the signs and symptom of tapeworms to prevent infections.
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Egg Sighting
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Sighting egg segments on the floor or carpets in the home, on the dog's coat or in the dog's feces indicates the infestation of tapeworms in a dog. The tapeworm segments look like grains of white rice. The egg segments, known as proglottids, move across the feces but dry up quickly when out of the dog's body. The dog can also excrete adult tapeworms in the feces that are very apparent, as they wriggle in the feces.
Licking
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The egg segments move out of the intestines through the dog's anus and are visible moving from the anus and into the fur. Dogs infected with tapeworms often lick their anus or rub their anus across the floor trying to stop the irritation. Tapeworm infestation continues when the dog licks and swallows the live egg segments.
Vomiting
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Tapeworm infections have very few metabolic symptoms in dogs, but occasionally adult worms will become unattached to the intestinal wall and move to the dog's stomach. If the tapeworm gets to the stomach, the dog may begin vomiting. Tapeworms can grow from 5 to 8 inches long and can be visible moving in the dog's vomit.
Diarrhea
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When untreated, severe tapeworm infestation can occur and the dog may begin to suffer from diarrhea. Nutrient loss from diarrhea can result in weight loss and anemia. Anemia lowers a dog's blood count, causing weakness, eye dullness, rapid heartbeat and loss of appetite.
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