Effective Treatment & Prevention of Cat & Dog Tapeworms

It's not uncommon for multipet households to face a risk of infection due to cats and dogs accidentally ingesting feces containing worm eggs. Additionally, tapeworms can also be transmitted to humans. Adult tapeworms reside in the small intestines of cats and dogs, with gravid proglottids (eggcontaining segments) detaching from the chain either singly or in clusters. These segments often automatically protrude from the host's anus or are excreted with the feces.

I. Clinical Symptoms of Tapeworms in Cats and Dogs

Cats and dogs with tapeworms may exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea, soft stools, and often find white or pale yellow proglottids resembling grains of rice around their anal area. These segments, which have just emerged from the anus, can contract and extend, but if left for too long, they can dry and stick to the fur around the anus, resembling sesame seeds. Chronic infection can lead to malnutrition and anemia.

As tapewworms are among the longest parasites in the intestinal tract, they pose a high risk of causing intestinal obstruction, torsion, and intussusception. In severe cases, symptoms like hemorrhagic enteritis and anal itching may occur.

II. Treatment for Tapeworms in Cats and Dogs

Oral anthelmintics, such as praziquantel tablets, praziquantel, Hellebore, and niclosamide, are commonly used for treatment.

During the treatment, it may be necessary to repeat the medication multiple times until no worm eggs are detected in the fecal examination.

It's important to promptly replenish the body's missing nutrients (easily digestible highenergy food) and manage symptoms appropriately, as well as to isolate and protect the pets (in multipet households, isolate the pets for breeding). This helps prevent the condition from worsening.

III. Prevention

Interestingly, by consistently practicing regular preventive deworming, the chance of cats and dogs contracting tapeworms can be significantly reduced.

Internal Deworming: Choose anthelmintics effective against tapeworms, such as praziquantel.

External Deworming: Choose deworming medications effective against fleas, such as Adept.

Avoid feeding freshwater fish, shrimp, and uncooked meat or offal products.