Tapeworms in dogs and cats dwell inside the intestines and are released in feces. Nine species of Taenia tapeworms exist in North America, and seven of them can rely on dog or cat hosts. These parasites absorb nutrients through their outer layer. Tapeworms are usually not harmful, although they can cause malnutrition and weight loss in severe cases.
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Tapeworms
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Tapeworms are segmented worms that attach themselves to your dog or cat's digestive region through suckers in their mouths. Each worm segment contains reproductive parts that release eggs once the segments become mature. The mature segments can often be seen around your pet's anus and usually resemble a thin grain of white rice.
Life Cycle
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The Taenia tapeworm life cycle begins when an egg is consumed by a flea, mouse or rabbit. In the digestive system of the intermediate host, the egg develops into an immature tapeworm. When your dog or cat consumes the flea, mouse or rabbit, the tapeworm is transferred into your pet's digestive tract. When the worm matures and the individual segment pieces begin producing eggs, the process starts again in a new intermediate host.
Symptoms
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According to the "Petstuff Online Newsletter," symptoms of tapeworm infestation are not obviously noticeable. At most, pet owners will notice gas, mucus in the feces or a rumbling stomach sound. The white segments may also be visible.
Treatment
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It can be difficult for a vet to diagnose tapeworms if there are no tapeworm segments or eggs around your pet's anus. If a diagnosis is made, the vet prescribes a medication that causes the tapeworm to lose its protective coat, which makes the tapeworm digestible. The dead tapeworms are not released, but are absorbed in your pet's digestive system.
Control
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The best control of Taenia tapeworms is to destroy fleas on and around your pet. Without fleas, it is rare for a pet to become infested with tapeworms, unless it is hunter that feeds on mice or rabbits. If this is the case, you may need to deworm your pet twice a year and remain vigilant about checking feces and fur for eggs or worm segments.
Humans cannot contract Taenia tapeworms from dogs or cats. Taenia tapeworms are present in beef and pork and can be transmitted to human hosts if undercooked meat is consumed. Interestingly, neither dogs nor cats can serve as primary hosts to the type of Taenia tapeworm that uses beef and pork as intermediate hosts.
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