How to Cure Tapeworm Infections
Tapeworms are among the most common parasitic infections of domestic dogs and cats -- and for better or worse, they're the easiest to spot. As soon as you see the writhing, rice-like tapeworm segments in your pet's bedding or around its hindquarters, you'll want to get rid of them.
Instructions
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Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian the first time you suspect a tapeworm infection. You'll want confirmation of the diagnosis.
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If tapeworms are present, allow your vet to administer or prescribe deworming medication in tablet or injectable form. Ask for suggestions on the leading at-home flea prevention products.
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At home, eradicate fleas (the only source of tapeworms) as carefully as you would bedbugs or lice. Clean and disinfect all pet bedding, vacuum carpets and upholstery and discard the bag, and apply whatever anti-flea products have been recommended to you. Treat your yard and your home.
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Return your pet to the vet three weeks later for a follow-up deworming treatment.
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Start your pet(s) on whichever oral flea preventative your veterinarian recommends. If your pet is guarded against fleas, tapeworms don't stand a chance.
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Tips & Warnings
Starting your animal on oral flea preventative is cheaper and easier than dealing with a full-fledged flea problem and tapeworm infestation. Consider prevention.
Ask your veterinarian about over-the-counter deworming medications that might be used to treat future tapeworm outbreaks until you get the flea infestation resolved. That could save you the return trip, once you've learned to recognize tapeworms.
The most common tapeworm medication, called praziquantel, stings when injected and makes a small fraction of patients sick with nausea. These side effects are not serious, but they might merit compassion for your infected pet.
