Tapeworms in Dogs

Contents

• What are tapeworms?

• How dogs get tapeworms

• Signs of tapeworms in dogs

• What to do if your dog has tapeworm

• Preventing tapeworms

What are tapeworms?

Tapeworms are a type of intestinal worm that can infest dogs. They are long, flat, segmented worms that live in a dog’s small intestine. Rather than feeding on the dog directly, they absorb nutrients from food passing through the gut.

Their ribbon-like shape gives them their name. A complete tapeworm is rarely seen outside the intestine; you are more likely to notice the egg-containing segments they shed into the dog’s faeces, called proglottids.

Types of tapeworms

Several types of tapeworm can affect dogs in Australia. The main ones include:

• Flea tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum)

• Zipper tapeworm (Spirometra erinacei)

• Hydatid tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus)

• Taenia tapeworm species

Flea tapeworm is the most common type of tapeworm found in dogs and cats.

How do dogs get tapeworms?

Unlike other worms, dogs don’t get tapeworms by swallowing an egg from their environment. Instead, dogs generally become infected by swallowing an intermediate host, such as an infected flea or prey animal, that is carrying tapeworm larvae. Each type of tapeworm has their preferred intermediate hosts that are needed to complete the life cycle.

After a dog eats the intermediate host, the larvae develop into adult tapeworms in the intestine and begin releasing egg-filled segments.

Can puppies get tapeworms?

Yes, puppies can get tapeworms. Puppies become infected through the same routes as adult dogs, such as swallowing an infected flea or eating infected prey. Heavy infections may affect puppies more severely than adult dogs, so early prevention is important.

Are tapeworms dangerous for dogs?

Many dogs with tapeworms show no signs. Heavy infections may cause digestive upset, weight loss or poor growth, particularly in puppies.

With the right diagnosis and treatment, most intestinal tapeworm infections clear without lasting effects. Reinfestation can occur if the source of worms, such as fleas or access to prey, is not addressed.

How to tell if your dog has tapeworms

Tapeworm infections can be easy to miss because many dogs show no obvious signs. Possible signs include:

• Rice-like tapeworm segments (proglottids) in faeces, bedding or fur around the anus

• Scooting

• Chewing or licking around the anus

• Weight loss or poor growth

• Diarrhoea

• Vomiting

What do tapeworms look like in dog poo?

Rather than a whole worm, you are more likely to see proglottids. These small, white segments can look like grains of rice or sesame seeds. They may appear in your dog’s poo, bedding or fur around the anus.

What to do if you think your dog has tapeworms

If you notice segments or other signs of worms, book a consultation with your vet. They may examine your dog and test a faecal sample to help identify the parasite and choose the right treatment.

Tell your vet about any segments you have seen, as routine faecal testing can miss some tapeworm infections if the tapeworms are not actively shedding proglottids at the time of the test.

How are tapeworms treated in dogs?

Your vet will recommend treatment based on the tapeworm species and your dog’s risk. Many common tapeworms are treated with a parasiticide containing praziquantel, but some tapeworm species need a specific dose or treatment schedule. Follow your vet’s directions.

Can humans get tapeworms from dogs?

Some tapeworms found in dogs can infect people, but the route depends on the species. Hydatid tapeworm is the main concern in Australia. People can swallow microscopic eggs from contaminated hands, food, water or soil. Once consumed, the hydatid tapeworm treats people like an intermediate host and the larvae form cysts, most often in the liver or lungs.

People can also rarely acquire flea tapeworm by accidentally swallowing an infected flea.

Reduce the risk by picking up dog faeces promptly, washing your hands before eating, preventing scavenging and keeping your dog’s flea and worm protection up to date.

How to protect your dog against tapeworms

Tapeworm protection works best when you address the worms directly while also managing access to intermediate hosts.

Choose a worming product that covers tapeworm, keep flea control up to date, prevent hunting and scavenging, and dispose of dog faeces promptly. Dogs with access to livestock or wildlife may need a different plan, so ask your vet.

Choose a wormer that covers tapeworm

Not every wormer or all-in-one product covers tapeworms. Check the label and choose a product suited to your dog’s weight, age and risk. Products containing praziquantel cover several common tapeworms, but the dose and timing vary.

Some dogs may only need to be given a wormer that is effective against tapeworm every three months. Dogs at higher risk of hydatid tapeworm may need treatment as often as every six weeks, while zipper tapeworm infections can require a different dose.

Keep flea protection up to date

Flea tapeworm reaches dogs by hitching a ride inside a flea. Regular flea protection helps break that route of infection by reducing flea numbers.

Keep every pet in the household up to date and follow the product directions for managing fleas in the home.

Pick up dog faeces regularly

Tapeworm eggs are shed in segments passed in faeces. Prompt clean-up helps reduce contamination and stops intermediate hosts like fleas or prey animals from consuming eggs and continuing the life cycle. Bag the poo, bin it and wash your hands.

Prevent hunting and scavenging

Wildlife and prey can carry tapeworm larvae. Keep your dog from hunting or eating frogs, reptiles, birds, and rodents. Prevent access to carcasses and dispose of offal securely. 

Supervision, secure fencing and prompt clean-up around the home can help.

Avoid – or be extra vigilant – if feeding raw

Do not feed your dog raw offal from livestock or wildlife. Hydatid cysts are commonly found in organs such as the liver and lungs, and dogs can become infected by eating affected tissue. Cooking thoroughly kills the larval stage; visual inspection for cysts alone is not reliable.

If you choose to feed raw dog food, discuss your dog’s parasite risk with your vet. 

Keep tapeworms off the guest list

Tapeworms are unwelcome guests. Help keep them out by staying up to date with flea, tick and worm protection.

Not sure if your current worm protection is enough? Check our Dog Flea, Tick, and Worm Protection Comparison Guide or ask your local Petbarn or Greencross Vets team members for advice on how to protect your dog.