What Are Signs That Your Dog Has Tapeworms?

Tapeworms are long, flat, segmented worms that attach in an animal&'s intestines. Dogs can be infested with several different varieties of tapeworms, including Taenia species, Echinococcus granulosus or multiocularis, Diphyllobothrium latum and Spirometra mansonoides, but Dipylidium caninum is most common. Typically, a dog infested with tapeworms will show no or few symptoms until the infestation becomes severe, but there are some signs you can watch for.

  1. Tapeworms

    • Because tapeworms are segmented, small pieces of the tapeworm can break off and pass outside the body. These segments look like small pieces of rice and may be found around the dog&'s anus, in the stool, or on the bedding. The pieces may be white or yellow. You may also see whole tapeworms wriggling around in the stool or around your dog&'s anus. Round worms can also be found in a dog&'s stool. Roundworms can grow up to seven inches long and look like spaghetti.

    Scooting

    • A dog may "scoot" or drag her butt along the ground for several reasons, usually for reasons other than tapeworms. Any discomfort in the anal region can cause this behavior, such as blocked anal sacs or skin inflammation. In severe cases, tapeworms can irritate the anal area and cause the scooting behavior or excessive anal licking.

    Fleas

    • Since fleas are a common cause of tapeworms, there is a good chance your dog has tapeworms if he has fleas. Fleas serve as a temporary host for tapeworm larvae. When ingested by a suitable host, the larvae hatch and attach themselves to the host. Dogs may ingest fleas by licking or chewing at an area after a flea bites.

    Vomiting

    • Vomiting can occur if a tapeworm releases its attachment in the intestines and moves into the stomach. In these cases, a worm several inches in length will be seen in the dog&'s vomit. Roundworms can also show up in a dog&'s vomit, so this should not be considered definitive proof of tapeworms.

    Severe Symptoms

    • It is rare for a tapeworm infection to affect a dog&'s health, but it can happen. Symptoms of a severe infection include weight loss, a dull coat, lack of appetite, low energy levels and diarrhea. Your dog&'s stomach may also be swollen and tender to the touch.