Dog owners may have to deal with Tapeworms.Even though the thought of an idiosyncrasy can make a dog owner queasy, tapeworms typically only cause itching and pain.Knowing the proper things to look for, such as tapeworm segments in your dog's feces, will help you figure out when you need to schedule a visit with your veterinarians to confirm a tapeworms diagnosis.
Step 1: If you see signs of itching, that's a sign.
It is possible for your dog to bite at or lick its bottom to fight the itching caused by tapeworms.There are other causes of excessive itching.Check your dog for signs of tapeworm infections, like worm segments in the dog's feces, if you notice increased scratching.
Step 2: There is a chance that your dog will lose weight.
If your dog has tapeworms, it may lose weight.Tapeworms don't usually cause serious health problems for dogs.Your dog is not getting all of the nutrition it needs because tapeworms attach themselves to your dog's walls and feed on its blood supply and food.When your dog is bitten by a tapeworm, it splits the food it eats between it and the parasites, leading to weight loss.
Step 3: If your dog is tired, investigate further.
Since the tapeworm takes some of your dog's nutrition and blood supply, general lethargy or sleepyness can be a result.Keep an eye out for signs of a tapeworm when your dog's energy level suddenly drops.There are other possible causes of your dog's energy level dropping.If the change seems sudden, seek veterinary care.
Step 4: There are issues with the stomach.
Sometimes tapeworms migrate to a dog's stomach.GI issues can occur when this happens.If you notice any issues with your dog, consider a potential tapeworm problem.A tapeworm can be seen when a dog vomits.There are many causes for a dog to have bicyle issues.If your dog suddenly has a case of diarrhea, don't diagnose it with a tapeworm.
Step 5: You should look for the tapeworm segments.
There are many segments called proglottids, each measuring between 14 and 2 inch.The segments look like grains of rice or cucumber seeds and range in color from white to golden.They can be seen in your dog's feces.The segments exit through the anus after periodically being shed.Each segment has its own reproductive system and contains eggs that can lead to further invasion.Sometimes you can see tapeworm in your dog's bed.
Step 6: A stool sample can be collected.
Take a sample to your vet for a diagnosis if you find mobile white tapeworm segments in your dog's feces.Use a lidded food storage container or a sealable plastic bag.On the outside of the container, mark your dog's information.Your doctor can give you a container for your sample.To prevent spills, double-bag the sample.A small amount is needed for testing.If you need to keep the sample fresh, you can keep it in the fridge.
Step 7: You can schedule a visit with the doctor.
If you suspect your dog has tapeworm, you need to consult with your vet for a diagnosis and treatment regimen.Your dog's feces will be inspected by your vet.Deworming medication is used to kill tapeworms.The medicine can be injected or oral.Your dog should finish all of the medicine.
Step 8: Don't allow fleas.
Adult fleas are great hosts for tapeworm eggs.The most common way for dogs to contract tapeworms is by eating an flea.The adult tapeworm grows inside your dog.Fleas can colonize in your home if you don't wash your dog's bedding often.Flea sprays, powders, or collars can be recommended by your vet.Fleas can be a problem if you are around other dogs or animals.
Step 9: Courageless.
Birds, rabbits, and rodents can be tapeworm hosts.Although you keep your dog well-fed, it may try to hunt and eat tapeworm sources.When outdoors, keep your dog on a close leash.Do not allow it to wander around and eat tapeworm hosts.
Step 10: Treat the environment as well as the dog.
Once you have confirmed that your dog has a tapeworm, you need to clean your house to rid it of fleas.If you want to do this yourself, you can either hire an exterminator or do it yourself.It can take as little as two weeks for the environment to be treated for fleas.