Do Fleas Cause Tapeworms?
WouterIf you suspect your dog may have tapeworms, you should consult a veterinarian to determine the exact cause of the problem. A veterinarian will prescribe an effective medication to treat tapeworms. The medication should be given orally with food. The treatment is not permanent and will not eliminate the worms from your pet. However, you can use flea preventative products to avoid reinfection.
Fleas transmit tapeworm eggs to dogs and cats through contact. The flea’s life cycle is dependent on temperature and available food. Warmer temperatures stimulate their growth and development, while colder temperatures slow them down. Fleas can live for more than a year and can be brought indoors with your pet.
Symptoms of tapeworms vary with the severity of the infection. Most pets with tapeworms do not show any symptoms. Usually, you will know if your pet has tapeworms only when segments of the worms appear in the fur or stool. The risk of a tapeworm infestation is extremely low – however, if you suspect that your dog or cat has tapeworms, you must take steps to eliminate the problem.
Adult tapeworms consist of a head, neck, and multiple segments on the back. They enter the digestive tract as larvae and develop into adults. They can grow up to eight inches in length. Their bodies are made up of several segments, each containing their own reproductive parts. Once they reach this stage, the tapeworms reproduce rapidly.
