How to Treat Tape Worm in Dogs

Most puppies and kittens get worms at some point in their lives. These worms are extremely disruptive to the pet's digestive system, and can make them very sick. It's important to have your puppy checked for worms often, and to keep its environment free of fleas, which spread worms. However, if your dog or puppy does get parasites like tape worms, there are some easy steps for getting rid of them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• De-worming medication
• Treats

1. To prevent tape worms, take your puppy to the vet for anti-worming shots. This de-worming is very important.

2. If you haven't had your puppy de-wormed, watch for tape worms. You will be able to make this diagnosis if you see white, mobile segments (tape worms) crawling on your dog or in its stool.

3. Buy a de-worming medication or take your dog to the vet for a de-worming shot. This will kill the tape worms, and cause them to dissolve in the dog's intestines.

4. If you choose to de-worm your dog yourself, follow the directions on the package. Have treats available to reward your dog for cooperation.

5. Control the presence of fleas. Treat your dog, house and yard for fleas.

Tips & Warnings

• Most puppies are born with tape worms, or contract them from their mothers. Pets should be de-wormed at 6 weeks. Puppies can also contract tape worms from fleas, so it's important to maintain an environment free of those parasites. Use flea spray or flea powder to kill fleas.
• Environment is very important in the prevention of tape worms in dogs. Reinfection almost always occurs due to the environment, rather than failure of the medication.

References

• Associated Content
• Pawprints & Purrs, Inc.
• The Tapeworm Page

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