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"Dog Parasites (flea, Tick, Worms, Etc.)"
Dog Parasites (Flea, Tick, Worms, etc.): Page 23
of 26
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are made up of tiny segments that look like grains of rice.
Each of these segments may contain eggs. Tapeworms trigger severe
itching and discomfort on dogs around the anus and the segments can be
seen clearly in the feces. There are two types of tapeworms. One
type is named Dipylidium Caninum and can only affects dogs. The other
type of tapeworm can affect humans and cause an illness called the
Hydatid Disease.
Dipylidium Caninum is transmitted by fleas. This cucumber-shaped
organism is the most common type of tapeworm that affects dogs. The
flea larva ingest rounded tapeworm segments field with eggs or
sometimes the actual egg themselves. Once the flea matures, it hops
on your dog. Your dog can catch tapeworms by inadvertently eating the
fleas in which the tapeworm larvae have developed.
As the flea passes through your dog's digestive system, the tapeworm
egg attaches itself to the intestine, where it eventually hatches and
matures. The mature segments that are filled with eggs pass out of
the dog's anus. The segments, while moist, can move around for a
while. The eggs that are contained in the new segments are then eaten
by fleas and begin its new cycle.
Tapeworms can grow to up to two feet in length inside a dog's body.
Luckily, humans do not get this form of tapeworm from dogs. This
parasite is very hard to fully treat because the head tends to
separate form the body and remains stuck to the intestinal wall.
When tapeworms or the segments leave your dog's body, they are likely
to attach themselves outside the anus. This causes severe itch and
uneasiness which leaves your dog scratching itself for relief. In
addition, your dog tends to stop gaining weight and may even lose a
few pounds because he is inadvertently sharing his food with the
tapeworms. The stool will visibly reveal the presence of tapeworms in
the form of tiny white grains which moves about by forming a sort of
“point” on one end.
You will need to see your vet to treat this type of tapeworm.
Deworming agents that are used for treatment are very potent and has
to be given with extreme care. Furthermore, you need to take steps to
treat your house and get rid of fleas that carry tapeworm eggs.
A word of warning: Children can easily get tapeworms either by
accidentally swallowing fleas while petting and infected dog or by
being licked on the mouth by a dog with a flea on its tongue. It is
very important to have your children wash their hands after petting a
dog and to always remind them never to put their hands in their
mouths.
Copyright 2006 by Jay Jennings. All rights reserved.
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