Tackling Pet Tapeworms: Signs & Prevention

Tapeworms in pets are a common yet potentially very dangerous condition. The good news is that successful treatment is possible (especially when tapeworms are caught early), and routine parasite prevention can help prevent tapeworm infestations from happening in the first place.

But what exactly are tapeworms, and how can you tell if your pet is at risk? It's not the most fun topic of discussion when it comes to cat and dog health concerns, but knowing more about this parasitic worm and how it affects your pet is important for all pet owners.

What are tapeworms?

Tapeworms are long, flat worms with segmented bodies, each with its own reproductive organ. The worms attaches itself to your pet’s intestines, where it can absorb nutrients and grow. As the infestation progresses, more worms can appear, and your pet may start to lose weight due to lost nutrients. While only fatal in extreme cases, tapeworm infestations in dogs and cats can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues.

Tapeworms can also be passed onto humans, which is why it’s always important to be hygienic when dealing with your pet’s waste and observant to any changes in their behavior that could show they’re uncomfortable.

How do dogs and cats get tapeworms?

The most common type of tapeworm found in pets is Dipylidium Caninum, infestations of which are typically caused by swallowing an adult flea containing tapeworm larvae. This often occurs when a cat or dog grooms themselves or another animal.

They can also pick up the parasite while scavenging, especially if they eat another animal or its feces. After it has been digested, the eggs hatch and attach themselves to the intestines, where they can grow to a staggering 28 inches in length.

As tapeworms in pets develop, small segments break off and get passed through the animal’s digestive system. These segments contain tapeworm eggs, which means they can soon find another host.

Even the most well-fed pets can scavenge. If you want to break the cycle, you’ll need to keep your dog on a short leash and prevent them from eating anything from the ground.

Signs of tapeworms in pets

Pets that have a tapeworm don’t necessarily have any symptoms. You may not notice any weight loss or sickness, and even though some may ‘scoot’ along the floor, this could simply be caused by an itch or impacted anal gland. The most definitive way to diagnose tapeworms in pets is through sight.

When the tapeworm grows, some of the segments break off, which are about the size of a grain of rice and pass into the animal’s intestines. You may see dried, white or cream-colored segments in your pet’s feces. However, some segments can be too small to spot easily.

So, with this in mind, it's important to look at your pet's behavior and physical appearance as well as what they leave behind when going to the bathroom. Keep an eye out for the following:

• Licking or biting their anus
• Irregularly itching their behind, perhaps by dragging or ‘scooting’ along the floor
• Losing weight, even though they are eating normally
• Vomiting, which can be caused if tapeworms make their way into the stomach
• White or cream ‘grain-size’ segments on the fur, particularly by their tail, or in their bed
• White or cream ‘grain-size’ segments, or worms, in their stool
• Diarrhea, which may or may not have visible worms in it

If you spot any of the above signs of tapeworms in dogs and cats, schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. You'll also want to go ahead and do so even if you just feel like something is off with your pet or you are noticing any other potential causes of concern.

Treating tapeworms in pets

There are a variety of touted home remedies for tapeworms, but be aware that many (if not most) of these only help ease some of the discomfort your pet may be feeling. It's always best to take an aggressive approach with pet parasites and use medication prescribed by their veterinarian. If you have detected tapeworms by finding segments in the animal’s feces or in the fur by their tail, your veterinarian can properly confirm that your pet has tapeworms (as opposed to a different parasite). They will then be able to provide or advise which deworming medication will be most effective in killing all live tapeworms and larvae.

It is your responsibility as the pet owner to administer all medication as directed by your veterinarian. If this is not done or treatment is inconsistent, then it is possible that the tapeworms will return, and you will have to start over again.

Preventing tapeworms in pets

Prevention is always better than having to actually deal with tapeworms. And as any dog or cat parent who has already had to battle them will tell you, once you get rid of tapeworms, you're going to want to keep them at bay permanently.

Here are five easy steps you can take to help prevent tapeworm infestations to keep your pet healthy and happy.

1. Check daily

The number-one rule of good dog care is to bag it and bin it. It’s not our favorite job; however, in the days and weeks after your pet has been treated for tapeworm, take it as an opportunity to check their stools for any signs of white segments or worms. As for cats, clean litter boxes daily and look for any signs of worms while you're at it.

2. Continue flea treatment

Get a flea treatment for your pet and eliminate any fleas or lice from their environment. Regularly check their fur for fleas, bites or any kind of irritation. This will significantly lower the risk of ingesting fleas and your pet picking up another infection.

If you do notice signs, don't wait to treat fleas or other infestations. Tackling them quickly will help reduce the chances of more serious parasites (like tapeworms) moving in.

3. Keep your four-legged friend away from other hosts

Some dogs are prone to sniffing or even eating other animals’ stools. Cats, on the other hand, may be inclined to bring dead or injured small animals into the household. Do your best to keep your pets away from these things.

4. Put a lid on it

Parasites carrying tapeworms can sometimes be on uncooked meat or other food items. Always check with your veterinarian before feeding your pet anything uncooked, and follow all of their safety recommendations if they do give you the go-ahead. Likewise, keep your pets out of your trash by ensuring it’s contained and out of range for them. Any pet will find it hard to resist things like leftover chicken, so make sure they don’t have the option.

5. Inspect your pet's bed

Whenever your pet wakes from a nap or comes over for a pet, check their bed for any grain-like segments that may have shed from their fur. This is much easier on darker material, so it may be time for a new bed for your precious companion.

Preventing tapeworms can be a challenge, and symptoms can be hard to spot. But you can get ahead of the situation by being vigilant and practicing routine parasite prevention. Be sure to conduct regular, thorough checks on your pet and keep an eye on their bowel movements. Remember: even though tapeworm segments can be tough to see, this is the best way to spot tapeworm infestations early in pets.

Does pet insurance cover tapeworms?

Because monthly parasite prevention is a part of routine pet care (for both dogs and cats), tapeworm infestations are considered a preventable condition. As a result, it is not covered by most pet insurance providers. That said, getting a pet insurance policy can still be a very worthwhile investment. While you can take various steps to prevent pet tapeworms and treat them early on if they do happen, there are so many other veterinary conditions that you cannot predict or prevent. Good pet health insurance can step in and help with the often steep medical expenses that come with these unpredictable conditions.

Learn more about what pet insurance covers today!