Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that live within a host animal, such as dogs, cats and even humans. They are made up of a head and a long flat body made up of many segments, each with the ability to produce new tapeworms.
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Infection
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To become infected with tapeworms, your dog must ingest a tapeworm egg. These can be found in fleas which the dog can swallow while grooming, or in the feces of another infected animal.
Symptoms
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Early infection usually produces no symptoms, but as the infection progresses, your dog may have an upset digestive tract, an unusual appetite or abdominal discomfort. Tapeworm segments---these look like rice grains---may also be seen in your dog's stool.
Diagnosis
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Unlike other diseases, tapeworm infestation can be diagnosed at home with no special tests. Check your dog's feces for tapeworm segments and around his anus for dried segments stuck to his fur.
Treatment
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Treating tapeworms in your dog is easy and effective. A drug which kills tapeworms is given to your pet, usually orally. Once the tapeworm is dead, your dog's digestive tract will dissolve the parasite, ridding the body of the infection.
Prevention/Solution
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Since many infections start with a swallowed flea, regular application of flea control medications is important. In areas of high risk for parasites, regular deworming may help. Proper and quick disposal of feces should also lower the risk of infection.
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