- Tapeworms live in the intestines of the dog. They range in length from 4 to 28 inches. They are segmented and pieces break off. The pieces look like small grains of rice and usually appear near the dog's anus.
- A dog with tapeworm may not appear ill. Occasionally dogs scoot across the floor or vomit segments of live worm. Weight loss may also occur.
- Most tapeworm infections are diagnosed by a veterinarian through a history. The owner of the dog describes what she saw. Tapeworm is rarely diagnosed by fecal tests.
- A veterinarian prescribes a medication named praziquantel, which dissolves the worm.
- Tapeworm can be passed to humans from pet dogs. The culprit is actually the flea, which can be swallowed by someone, causing the larvae to pass into the body. A human needs treatment from a doctor for tapeworm. Infections caused by pets are rare.
