Tapeworm Treatment for Puppies

Tapeworms are intestinal worms that can attach to the small intestines of puppies. Tapeworms may not cause symptoms in an adult dog, but thy can cause serious symptoms in young puppies. Many tapeworm medications cannot be used on small puppies. Praziquantel is the treatment of choice for getting rid of tapeworms in puppies. It also is important to control fleas since they carry tapeworms.

  1. Features

    • Tapeworms are flattened intestinal worms that have a hook-like mouth that can attach to the small intestines of dogs. They can grow up to 8 inches long and their body consists of small segments about ½ inch long. The most common parasite that causes tapeworms is dipylidium caninum.

    Transmission

    • As the tapeworm grows in an infected dog, it sheds small segments. These segments pass out of the dog through the stool and contain fertilized eggs. A puppy cannot become infected by eating or licking the stool with the fertilized eggs. They need a host. Flea larvae swallow the infected eggs where they grow to become a tapeworm. A puppy can get tapeworm by swallowing the host flea during grooming. The tapeworm will attach to the small intestines of the puppy. If there is a heavy flea population on the dog or in his environment, this cycle will repeat over and over and the puppy can become infested with tapeworms.

    Symptoms

    • Tapeworms may cause a number of symptoms in puppies. This includes inability to grow, anemia and abdominal discomfort. Serious tapeworm infestation may cause an intestinal blockage.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosis is made by the appearance of the tapeworm segments in the puppies stool. These segments look like grains of rice. Segments may be seen crawling around the anus of the infected puppy.

    Treatment

    • There are many de-worming medications that are effective against tapeworms. Unfortunately, they cannot be used in small puppies. The medication of choice for puppies is praziquantel. It is available under the brand names Drontal or Tradewinds. It causes damage to the skin of the tapeworm, which makes it disintegrate. It is available as a tablet or injection. One dose is usually given. If the flea population is very high in the puppies' environment and re-infection is possible, then a second dose may be given in two weeks. Flea control is a preventative measure that should be taken. This can be done with the use of a flea collar or a pesticide applied to the lawn.