TAPEWORMS

Nursery Rhymes

Tapeworms
"Dipylidium caninum"

These worms are segmented and live by absorbing nutrients in you dogs intestine. As tapeworms are taking the nutrients your dog or puppy needs they should be treated as soon as possible following diagnosis.

Dog Health Issues - Description of Tapeworms ( Dipylidium Caninum )
It is not surprising that Tapeworms are often referred to in two separate words as in Tape Worms because the description of these parasites is that they have the appearance of an old fashioned tape measure. These types of worms are called Dipylidium caninum.

The segments of a tapeworm are small but altogether canine Tapeworms measure at least 6 inches ( and can be over 20 feet! ) and live in the dog's intestines and it lives by absorbing nutrients through its skin, as the food being digested by the dog flows past it. The generic term "worms" is usually used to describe Roundworms - the most common of all the canine worms.

Dog Health Problems - Transmission of Worms including Tapeworms
There are several species of tapeworms and they are transmitted via fleas which the dog can ingests whilst grooming or when a dog eats infective eggs or larvae which live in the soil or in small rodents.

Dog Health Problems - Symptoms of Tapeworms
The symptoms of Tapeworms are as follows:

Anaemia

Weight loss

Apathy

Abdominal discomfort

Nervousness

Severe itching around the anus

Vomiting

Dog Health Questions - Dogs susceptible to Tapeworms
Dogs are susceptible to worms, including Tapeworms, at all ages of dogs but the greatest frequency is found in puppies. These particularly refer to the Tapeworms and the Roundworms. Worms are typically found in puppies, whilst tapeworms are more common in older dogs.

Dog Health Issues - Different Types of Worms
There are several types of parasites, or worms, which affect pets and are as follows:

Roundworms also referred to as Round worms - (Called Ascarids)

Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis)

Whipworms also referred to as Whip worms (Trichuris vulpis)

Hookworms also referred to as Hook worms (Ancylostoma caninum)

Dog Health Advice
We hope that the canine health information and dog health advice has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are in doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Health Specialist.

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
The sole purpose of the Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems is as a reference manual to provide useful information to dog and puppy owners. It is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately.

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