Tapeworms are a common intestinal parasite in dogs. While many infected dogs show few obvious signs, tapeworms can still affect your dog’s health and may continue to spread if left untreated.
There are several different types of tapeworms that can affect dogs in Australia. Understanding how dogs become infected can help you choose the right treatment and prevention strategy.
Common Signs of Tapeworm in Dogs
Dogs with tapeworms may show:
- Small white, rice-like segments around the anus or in faeces
- Scooting or dragging their bottom along the ground
- Excessive licking around the rear end
- Mild digestive upset
- No visible signs at all
If you suspect your dog has tapeworms, treatment should be started as soon as possible.
Flea Tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum)
The Flea Tapeworm is the most common tapeworm found in dogs.
How dogs become infected
Dogs become infected when they accidentally swallow an infected flea while grooming themselves.
Treatment
Products containing praziquantel are effective against Flea Tapeworm.
Examples include:
- Drontal Allwormer Tablets
- Milbemax Allwormer Tablets
- Paragard Allwormer Tablets
- Endogard Allwormer Tablets
A single treatment is usually effective for eliminating an existing Flea Tapeworm infection.
For ongoing protection, adult dogs should be wormed every 3 months as part of a regular intestinal worming program.
The correct dose depends on your dog’s body weight and the product being used. Always weigh your dog and follow the dosing instructions on the product label.
Prevention
Because fleas are responsible for spreading this tapeworm, ongoing flea control is essential.
Popular flea prevention products include:
Without flea control, dogs can quickly become reinfected.
Spirometra Tapeworm (Spirometra erinaceieuropaei)
Spirometra tapeworms are less common but can affect dogs that hunt or scavenge.
How dogs become infected
Dogs can become infected by eating:
- Frogs
- Reptiles
- Snakes
- Birds
- Small mammals
Treatment
Praziquantel is the treatment of choice for Spirometra tapeworm infections. However, the dose required may differ from that used for common Flea Tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) infections.
If Spirometra infection is suspected or confirmed, owners should seek veterinary advice regarding the most appropriate treatment protocol.
Examples of praziquantel-containing products include:
The correct dose and treatment frequency will depend on the product being used, your dog’s body weight and veterinary recommendations. Always follow the product label instructions or your veterinarian’s directions.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of infection:
- Prevent hunting where possible
- Discourage scavenging
- Supervise dogs around frogs, reptiles and wildlife
- Avoid feeding raw wild-caught animals
Hydatid Tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus)
Hydatid Tapeworm is the most important tapeworm from a human health perspective.
How dogs become infected
Dogs can become infected by eating raw offal from infected:
- Sheep
- Goats
- Cattle
- Kangaroos
Treatment
Praziquantel-containing products are effective against Hydatid Tapeworm.
Examples include:
A single treatment is generally effective for removing an existing Hydatid Tapeworm infection. However, dogs at ongoing risk of exposure should be treated every 6 weeks, or as recommended by their veterinarian, with a praziquantel-containing product to help prevent reinfection and reduce environmental contamination.
The correct dose depends on your dog’s body weight and the product being used. Always weigh your dog and follow the product label directions.
Prevention
To help prevent Hydatid Tapeworm:
- Do not feed raw offal from sheep, cattle, goats, pigs or kangaroos
- Prevent dogs from scavenging livestock or wildlife carcasses
- Dispose of carcasses appropriately so dogs cannot access them
- Wash hands after handling dogs and before eating
- In hydatid-risk areas, treat dogs with a praziquantel-containing wormer every 6 weeks as recommended by your veterinarian
Hydatid disease can infect people and livestock, making prevention particularly important.
Which Worming Products Treat Tapeworms?
Many broad-spectrum allwormers treat tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms in a single dose.
Popular options include:
Always read the product label to ensure the product is suitable for your dog’s age and weight.
How Often Should I Treat My Dog For Tapeworm?
For most adult dogs, intestinal worming every 3 months is recommended.
If your dog is regularly exposed to fleas, hunts wildlife, scavenges, or lives in a hydatid-risk area, your veterinarian may recommend a more frequent treatment schedule.
Maintaining effective flea control is also important, as flea infestations are the most common source of tapeworm infection in dogs.
Important
Always follow the directions on the product label. Worming products are dosed according to body weight, and giving the correct dose is important for effective parasite control.
If you are unsure which worming product is right for your dog or suspect your dog has a heavy parasite burden, speak with your veterinarian for advice.
Shop the full range of Intestinal Wormers available for Dogs online at vetnpet DIRECT here.