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Tapeworms in dog

Tapeworm in Canines:

Tapeworms in dogs are flat looking worms that consist of a head, neck and a number of segments.



The organism is able to attach itself on to the animal’s intestine because of muscular grooves or suckers that are present on the neck. The tapeworm that is most commonly found in the small intestines of dogs is referred to as the Dipylidium Caninum. The entire cycle of tapeworm manifestation begins when flea larvae feed on or consume fecal matter that is contaminated with the eggs of the tapeworm.



Once inside the flea these eggs hatch, to become what we refer to as cysticercoids. Dogs tend to chew or bite at an itchy spot and such itchiness would be typical with fleas. Very often a flea could get ingested, and if it contains cysticercoids this could be the beginning of an infestation.



Once the flea passes into the intestines and is broken down the cysticercoids then develop to form adult tapeworms. If a dog were to swallow a flea that contained these cysticercoids while chewing at or biting an itchy area on its skin, the flea would be broken down in the dog’s intestine, which would then enable the cysticercoids to develop into full grown adult tapeworms. When the tapeworm attached itself onto the intestine wall, it feeds on the passing nutrients. After it matures, the tail segment of the organism drops off. This segment is mobile and contains tapeworm eggs, which are passed in the excreta of the dog.

Symptoms, Causes of Worms in Dog:

 

While there are tapeworms in canines, the intestinal tract may not appear to be significantly ill, some more severe cases of the infestation will show up in the pet scooting across the floor to vomit segments of a live worm. A close inspection of the dogs bedding or the area surrounding its anus are likely to show dried sections of tapeworm in the region which would closely resemble rice grains. You may also notice segments of tapeworm in the canines stool while some dogs may also scoot on their rear end as a result of the significant irritation. The main cause behind the development of tapeworms in the intestinal area of dogs is the animal having consumed some contaminated food.

Treatments for Tapeworm in Dogs:

 

Even though there aren’t any prominent signs or symptoms during the initial phase of development of intestinal worms in dogs, you would be best advised to take your pooch to the veterinarian for an examination anyway. Treating the condition during the developmental phase will ensure that your pet does not suffer too much as a direct result of it. Most veterinarian doctors will prescribe some kind of easily available de-worming tablet. After the problem has been taken care of, you need to make sure that you do as much as possible to avoid a re-occurrence. Effective flea control will also help control the development tapeworms in dogs.
 
  Submitted on January 22, 2010  
 
 
 

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