Tapeworms are a parasitic flatworm that infects almost all species of mammals. Tapeworms are generally transmitted when a host animal ingests an egg packet either via the environment or through an intermediate host.
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Companion Animals
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Dogs and cats get tapeworms by eating infected fleas. Fleas are the intermediate host of the tapeworm species that infects them.
Humans
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Humans get tapeworms by accidental ingestion. This usually occurs in children who tend to explore their environments and often subsequently place their fingers in their mouths.
Other Species
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Other species of animals will ingest the eggs either by grazing and accidental ingestion, or by consuming an intermediate host species.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of tapeworm infection are not common but can include lethargy, weight loss and visible egg packets around the rectum or in feces.
Treatment
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Treatment for tapeworm infection includes the oral administration of deworming medication.
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