How do dogs get tapeworms?
When the infected eggs are released into the environment, they have to be swallowed by immature fleas (larvae) also in the environment. Once inside the larval stage of the flea, the tapeworm egg then develops into an infective tapeworm in the adult flea. During grooming or in response to a fleas bite, the dog can ingest the flea with the infective tape worm and the life cycle is completed. Are tapeworms dangerous for my dog? Tapeworms do not normally cause serious health problems in dogs. Occasionally dogs will drag their bottoms on the ground (scooting) in order to allay this irritation but this behavior can be for other reasons such as impacted anal sacs. In puppies, heavy tapeworm infestation can be more serious. Lack of growth, anemia and intestinal blockage can occur. Occasionally, the head of the tape worm (scolex) detaches from the intestinal wall. The worm can then be passed either in the feces or vomited. How is diagnosis made? Clinical diagnosis is usually made by observing t
