Almost all dogs around the world are infested with worms at some degree. A tapeworm is one of the five types of worms that attach themselves to the dog’s intestines where they feed. They are transmitted through flea infected soil or even eating infected rodents. These tiny parasites cause very little harm except in severe cases when worm might cause abdominal pain, weight loss, vomiting, severe itching or anemia. Thanks to modern science, we have many more effective ways to prevent these pests.

Prior to going through the most effective treatments for tapeworms, initially it is important to recognize the symptoms of parasites to treat your dog in the right way.

Symptoms of Tapeworm in Dogs:

The tapeworm in large numbers can cause serious health problems in your pet. Potential symptoms of dog tapeworm can include:

Loss of weight

Loss of appetite

Abdominal pain

Vomiting or diarrhea

Nervousness or jumpiness

Treatment of Tapeworm in Dogs:

Before the tapeworm infestation reaches a certain point, it is best to ensure you treat your dog. Usually, the tapeworms are transmitted animal to animal by fleas and lice. So before doing anything else, it is best to apply flea treatment regimens using something like Frontline or Frontline Plus.

Once your pet becomes flea free, you can treat tapeworms by using praziquantel contained medications like Cestem, Drontal. These treatments attack intestinal worms and then leave them helpless in the gut of your dog. These medications generally do not have adverse side effects. There are also combination medications formulated that treat tapeworm, hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm in one dose. But consult your vet before starting any new medications for your pet.

Apart from the above treatment, you also have to treat the rest of your home to destroy all eggs or larvae before they grow up. While you are going to treat tapeworms in your dog, it is essential to break their life cycle and begins with fleas’ egg and larvae that usually reside in the carpeting, bedding, and living areas of your house. So, you might use carpet and floor treatments to keep living areas clean and dry for your pet. This way you can minimize the risk of tapeworms and sustain good sanitation for your best furry friend.