Canine tapeworms are parasitic worms that may reside in the intestinal tract of your dog. Tapeworms are contagious parasites that can pass from the dog to other pets, so while tapeworms rarely causes severe health problems for dogs, it is important to treat your pet to prevent an infestation among other animals. Mild cases of canine tapeworms often exhibit no symptoms, but there are some signs of canine tapeworms you can watch for to help you determine if your dog needs to be tested and treated.
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Excessive Licking
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Tapeworm segments are shed through the anus, which can cause itching and irritation to your dog. A dog with tapeworms will often lick its anus excessively in an attempt to alleviate some of the irritation caused by the worm.
Scooting
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As the tapeworm segments are shed through the anus, the dog may scoot across the floor in a sitting position in an effort to reduce the itchy irritation the shed segments create around the anus. If you notice your dog scooting across the floor a veterinary examination is essential, as this can indicate other health problems. Some types of anal sac disease can also causing scooting behavior.
Vomiting
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If a tapeworm becomes dislodged from the intestinal wall, it will move into the stomach and cause digestive distress. When this occurs, it typically causes the dog to vomit in an effort to dispel the worm. Depending on the size of the worm, you may be able to actually observe the worm in the vomit.
Weight Loss
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Weight loss is not a common sign of tapeworms in dogs unless the infestation is extremely severe. Weight loss can be a sign of many other canine illnesses, however, so you should not assume that the weight loss stems from a tapeworm or other parasite infestation. At the first sign of weight loss in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately for a thorough examination.
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