How to Get Rid of a Dog's Tapeworm

A tapeworm is an internal parasite that lives in the intestines of the host. Tapeworms need an intermediate host before it can infect your dog. In most cases, the intermediate host is a flea, although dogs can also get tapeworms by eating a rabbit or a rodent. Adult tapeworms are very large, usually measuring several inches in length.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Know how to diagnose tapeworm. Tapeworms break off small segments that are passed out in the dog's feces. Tapeworm is the only parasitic worm that is visible to the human eye in the feces. The segments that break off and are passed are white in color and look like small grains of rice. A fecal exam done by a vet can not detect tapeworm, so diagnosis is primarily made by the owner who find the segments in the feces, laying around the house, or attached to the hair around the dog's anal area.

2. Rid the dog of fleas. If your dog has tapeworm, chances are good that he has fleas, unless he is a hunter and he got the tapeworm by eating other animals. Treat your dog for fleas to avoid reinfecting with tapeworm.

3. Treat your home for fleas. In addition to treating the dog, you also need to thoroughly treat the house. After treating the house for fleas, vacuum all floors thoroughly and throw away the vacuum bag. Wash the dogs bedding in hot water.

4. Call or visit the vet to get prescription Praziquantel, commonly sold under the name of Droncit. Praziquantel attacks the worms defense system so it can be safely digested by the dogs body. You do not see the dead tapeworm pass in the dog's stool.

Tips & Warnings

• Most over the counter tapeworm medications do not work, and some may be harmful for your dog. It is best to save time and money by buying the prescription medication from the vet.

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