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Tapeworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites seen in cats and dogs. There are three common species that affect dogs and cats: Dipylidium caninum which can infect dogs, cats and people uses the flea larva as an intermediate host; Taenia pisiformis which infects dogs uses the rabbit; Taenia taeniaeformis which infects cats uses the rat or mouse. Dipylidium caninum is the most common species of tapeworm that infects dogs and cats. (ABOVE PICTURE: tapeworm segments magnified. These can be seen around the anus or in feces of dogs and cats infected with tapeworms and are about the size and color of rice.) What are the signs of a Tapeworm infestation? Most tapeworm infestations go totally unnoticed. We rarely ever know unless we find a segment on the couch or see them in the feces. They appear as white or tan rice-like segments. In other cases, we can hear a "rumbly tummy syndrome" where the animal undergoes increased intestinal motility, cramping and sometimes gas. We can also see diarrhea streaked with mucous, but most of the time tapeworms don't cause problems that we are aware of. How do you control tapeworm infestations? Sometimes it is difficult to keep tapeworms from reoccurring over and over again. First of all you need to get rid of the fleas. Advantage for dogs or cats, or Frontline for dogs or cats, can be used to effectively rid the pet of flea infestations. This takes care of the Dipylidium species which uses the flea as an intermediate host. Where we have problems is with the cats that are hunters. They often get the Taenia species which use the mouse as an intermediate host. With these pets, it is often necessary to prophylactically worm two or more times a year. To deworm your pet, you need an effective dewormer. Praziquantel is an effective wormer for tapeworms and it used to be only a prescription product. Recently, this dewormer has come out over-the-counter and can be obtained without a prescription. Tape Worm Tabs for Cats and Tapeworm Tabs for Dogs are effective in removing tapeworms. Can people get tapeworms? Not generally. On very rare occasions, children have been infected with Dipylidium species by swallowing a flea accidentally. It generally causes tremendous cramping and discomfort. Totally unrelated to dogs and cats are the tapeworms that people are getting from eating Sushi or raw fish. There are certain species of tapeworms that use the fish as an intermediate host. If food is cooked properly there is no worry.
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