What are the symptoms of tapeworms (flatworms)?

White segments resembling grains of rice around the anus or in the faeces. Anal itching: the animal drags its bottom along the ground. Generally few digestive symptoms. In heavy infestations: weight loss

Is Tapeworms (flatworms) contagious?

Tapeworms (flatworms) does not spread directly between animals. However, it can affect people in certain circumstances.

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Tapeworms (flatworms)

Flat, segmented worms that live in the intestine. The most common species (Dipylidium) is transmitted by swallowing an infected flea. Some tapeworms are zoonotic.

Mild🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats Zoonosis

Symptoms to watch for

• White segments resembling grains of rice around the anus or in the faeces
• Anal itching: the animal drags its bottom along the ground
• Generally few digestive symptoms
• In heavy infestations: weight loss

Causes

The most common tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) is caught by swallowing an infected flea during grooming. Other tapeworms come from eating raw offal or prey.

Diagnosis

Observing the segments ("grains of rice") around the anus or in the faeces. Conventional faecal tests sometimes fail to detect them.

Treatment

A specific dewormer effective against cestodes (praziquantel). It is ESSENTIAL to treat the fleas at the same time as well, or the tapeworm comes back.

Prevention

Strict flea control (this is the main route of infection), and preventing the animal from eating raw meat or catching prey.

When should you see the vet?

It is not an emergency. See your vet to deworm correctly and review your flea control, which is the underlying cause.

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.