A tapeworm is a nasty parasite that is often found in domestic animals. These flat worms can grow up to 20 inches long and live in your pet's digestive system, feeding off the nutrients passing through. If your dog has a tapeworm, you will find segments of the moving worm passing in your dog's stool. You may also notice your dog vomiting or licking or scooting his anus across the floor. Treatment is easy with the help of your vet.
Instructions
Inspect your dog's stool. While this isn't pleasant, the only way to diagnose tapeworm is to find the moving segments of tapeworm in the stool. You might also see eggs around your dog's anus. These are about 2 mm in diameter and yellow.
Take your dog to the vet. The vet will ensure that your dog is otherwise healthy and will prescribe the proper treatment.
Give your dog praziquantel to kill the tapeworm. This drug can either be given orally or by injection. Only vets can give your dog the injection, but the oral form can be given by you.
Watch your dog to see if the tapeworm is eradicated. You probably won't see the tapeworm pass through your dog's stool because it's usually digested, but make sure all your dog's symptoms go away.
Treat your dog for fleas to prevent another tapeworm. Tapeworms enter your dog when they swallow an infected flea. You can buy flea shampoo from your vet or any pet supply store. Make sure to also wash your dog's toys and bed to kill any fleas there.