Tapeworms

Tapeworms in pets

Tapeworms are segmented internal parasites, or endoparasites, that live in the intestines of animals. They can grow to be over 40 feet (12 meters) long, and can cause the infected animal to become very ill. Being a parasite, they are zoonotic, which means they can be passed on to other species of animal including humans.

Tapeworm eggs can be found in the stomachs of fleas and in raw or undercooked meat like pork. They are easy to treat with medication, but they are also easy to prevent simply by keeping your pets protected with anti-parasitic treatment, maintaining hygiene and making sure that any meat is thoroughly cooked.

Tapeworms in pets: Causes, signs and prevention

by Frank Will

Tapeworms in pets can spark immediate fear in most pet owners as there are numerous horror stories about how big these worms can actually grow. There are nine major species of tapeworms found in the United States, and seven of them will select eithe... More>

Tapeworm: Recognizing and treating canine tapeworm

by Katrina Murphy

Providing quality care for dogs requires focus on parasite control. One of the common parasites to watch for is tapeworm. Understanding reproduction of the tapeworm, symptoms, treatment and prevention will help you rid of dog tapeworm. How Does A Do... More>

Tapeworms in dogs: Symptoms and treatments

by Stephany Elsworth

Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that are transmitted through fleas, rabbits or other mammals. A number of different tapeworm species can infect dogs, but the most common variety is a species called Dipylidium caninum. Diplidium tapeworm infection... More>

Hamster health: Tapeworms symptoms and treatments

by Rena Sherwood

All species of hamsters are subject to internal parasites, no matter how clean their environment. Tapeworms are one of the most common. Hamsters tend to get the dwarf tapeworm (Rodentopelis nana) rather than the six-inch kind that dogs and cats usua... More>

Tapeworms in dogs: Symptoms and treatments

by Stephany Elsworth

Tapeworms in cats: Signs and treatments

by Michelle Graf

There are many varieties of tapeworms, and they are capable of infesting most vertebrates, including humans, although the actual subspecies of tapeworms tend to be specific to a few types of animals. Tapeworm eggs attach themselves to the wall of th... More>

Tapeworms

There are 6 different types of tapeworm.

Pork tapeworm (Taenia solium)
Beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata)
Fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum)
Rat or Dwarf tapeworm (Hymenolepis nana)
Dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum)
Hydatid tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus)

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Tapeworm facts

The longest tapeworm recorded was 120 feet long and found in the intestines of a whale.
Tapeworms are hermaphrodites, having both male and female reproductive systems.
The first sign of tapeworms is usually 'rice grains' found in the feces of an infected animals. These are the segments of the body dissolving.
Tapeworms are a type of flatworm.
They can live for up to 35 years.

Tapeworm Links

Tapeworm Info
Tapeworms in Pets (Pet Education)
Tapeworm infection: Symptoms - MayoClinic.com

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Tapeworm Lifecycle Movie

Watch the lifecycle of the tapeworm, see how it moves through a dogs system, embeds itself into the dogs intestine where it matures and begins to shed egg segments via the faeces. The video graphically demonstrates the entire lifecycle of the tapeworm in an animated style.

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