For pet parents, keeping a dog healthy and happy is always the top priority. That’s why it can be unsettling to discover your dog might have worms. Among the most common intestinal parasites in dogs are tapeworms, which can cause discomfort and even pose risks for humans if left untreated. The good news is that with the right knowledge and care, tapeworms are manageable and preventable. In this guide, we’ll walk through how dogs get tapeworms, the signs to watch for, treatment options, and steps you can take to keep them away for good.
What Are Tapeworms in Dogs?
Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that live in a dog’s intestines and absorb nutrients from the food your dog eats. The most common type found in dogs is Dipylidium caninum. These worms can grow several inches long, though what pet parents usually notice are small, rice-like segments around their dog’s stool or rear. While the idea of worms is unpleasant, knowing what they are and how they work is the first step in keeping your dog protected.
How Do Dogs Get Tapeworms?
The most common way dogs get tapeworms is by swallowing an infected flea during grooming or scratching. Fleas act as carriers, and once ingested, the immature tapeworm develops into an adult inside your dog’s intestines. Dogs may also get tapeworms from eating infected rodents, rabbits, or raw meat. Puppies and adult dogs alike can be affected, which is why prevention is so important at every stage of life.
Symptoms of Tapeworms in Dogs
Some dogs with tapeworms may not show obvious signs, but there are a few red flags pet parents can watch for:
Scooting or dragging their bottom along the floor
Small, rice-like segments in their stool or around the anus
Vomiting, sometimes with worms visible
Weight loss despite a good appetite
Irritation or licking near the rear
If you notice any of these symptoms, a vet visit is the best way to confirm whether tapeworms are the cause.
How to Treat Tapeworms in Dogs
The most effective way to treat tapeworms is with prescription deworming medication provided by your veterinarian. These medications, which may come as tablets, injections, or topical treatments, kill the adult worms inside the intestines. Because fleas are often the root cause, your vet will likely recommend a flea control plan as well. Treating both the tapeworms and the source of infection is the key to preventing them from coming back.
Preventing Tapeworms in Dogs
Prevention goes hand-in-hand with treatment. To reduce the risk of tapeworms:
Use flea prevention year-round (oral, topical, or collars).
Avoid feeding raw or undercooked meat.
Keep your dog from hunting or eating rodents and wild animals.
Schedule routine vet check-ups and follow deworming recommendations.
Taking these steps not only protects your dog from tapeworms but also from other parasites and infections.
Can Humans Get Tapeworms From Dogs?
It’s possible, though uncommon, for humans to get tapeworms from dogs. This usually happens when a person accidentally swallows an infected flea. Children may be slightly more at risk since they spend time on the ground where fleas can live. Practicing good hygiene—like washing hands regularly—and keeping your dog on a flea prevention plan greatly reduces this risk.
FAQs
How do I know if my dog has a tapeworm? The most common sign is seeing rice-like segments in your dog’s stool or around the anus. Scooting, weight loss, or vomiting may also occur. A veterinarian can confirm with a stool test.
How do you get rid of tapeworms in dogs? Tapeworms are treated with prescription deworming medication from your vet. Since fleas are often the source, a flea control plan is also necessary to stop reinfection.
Are tapeworms in dogs contagious to humans? Yes, but it’s rare. Humans must swallow an infected flea to get tapeworms from dogs. Preventing fleas and practicing good hygiene lowers the risk significantly.
Do tapeworms crawl out of dogs? Tapeworm segments can move and may be seen around your dog’s anus or in fresh stool. They look like tiny grains of rice and may wiggle before drying out.
Key Takeaway
Tapeworms in dogs are a common but preventable problem. While the idea of intestinal parasites can be unsettling, treatment is straightforward and prevention is highly effective. By keeping up with flea control, scheduling regular vet visits, and knowing the symptoms to look out for, pet parents can protect their dogs—and their families—from these pests. At the end of the day, awareness and proactive care are the best tools for keeping your dog healthy, happy, and tapeworm-free.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home or traveling to the U.S., Spot can reimburse the cost of vet bills for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions, including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. Pet parents can also get cash back on the cost of routine care, including wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more, by adding a wellness rider to their plan for an additional cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
I’m Charlie: canine enthusiast with a knack for figuring out why my dog, Dallas, is more infatuated with tennis balls than me. My lifelong passion for dogs has created a dedication to help other pet parents better understands their furry family members!
