Understanding common illnesses in pet animals is essential for new owners to learn as the pet population in Dubai continues to rise. One of these common diseases is tapeworm infestation in dogs.
Tapeworms are parasites that become a health risk for dogs, including anemia, weight loss, poor growth, and blocked intestines.
Let’s discuss the causes, risk factors, and how to prevent tapeworm infestation in your pet.
What are Tapeworms?
Tapeworms are parasites that live in a dog’s small intestines. They are flat, segmented, and can grow up to 28 inches long.
They attach to the walls of a dog’s intestines to feed on the nutrients of their host. They reproduce by releasing eggs that dogs pass through their feces. The eggs will appear as small, white segments that appear like rice grains.
Causes of Tapeworms in Dogs
There are several ways dogs can contract tapeworms in Dubai. These sources include:
Fleas: Dog fleas can become a source of tapeworm infestation because fleas ingest tapeworm eggs. A dog can get infected by tapeworms when it accidentally ingests fleas.
Wildlife or Pests: Small animals like rats can be carriers of tapeworms. When a dog tries to eat such animals or pests, it can get a tapeworm infection.
Raw Meat: Feeding undercooked meat to dogs can also cause tapeworm infections. If you choose to feed your dog a raw meat diet, make sure to source it from clean, reputable suppliers in Dubai.
Signs and Symptoms of Tapeworms in Dogs
To get immediate medical care, pet owners must know the common tapeworm parasite symptoms in dogs. These signs include:
1. Scooting: When a dog drags their hind end on the ground, it could be a sign of tapeworms. This behavior is how a dog may try to relieve irritation.
2. White Segments in Feces: Observe your dog’s stool and check for any rice-like segments, which might be tapeworm eggs.
3. Vomiting: A dog may sometimes vomit tapeworm segments. This might be a severe symptom of your dog being infected.
4. Weight Loss: A dog that loses weight even when eating regularly means that tapeworms are feeding off the nutrients that your dog should be getting.
5. Licking or Biting the Rear: Like scooting, this is a dog’s way to relieve the itchiness and discomfort of a tapeworm infection.
6. Fluctuating Appetite: A dog may either lose its appetite due to discomfort or eat more than usual because it’s unable to feel satisfied because of the tapeworms.
7. Abdominal Discomfort: Check if your dog appears bloated or is experiencing any stomach pain and discomfort.
8. Dull Coat: A dull coat will be very evident, especially in long-coat dogs. Since the tapeworms are stealing nutrients from their host, an infected dog’s fur will appear less shiny or healthy.
If you notice any of these signs and symptoms in your dog, schedule an appointment at your vet clinic immediately. Dubai has accessible veterinary clinics with professional veterinarians who can help you treat tapeworms in your dog.
How to Diagnose if a Dog Has Tapeworms
Diagnosing tapeworms in dogs includes physical checks and some medical tests. Vets may look for any visible tapeworm eggs and segments on your dog’s fur and rear. They’ll also check for clinical signs during the examination.
Additionally, they may also conduct fecal testing to diagnose the tapeworm species that infected your dog accurately. This information will help them determine the accurate treatment plan for your pet.
Tapeworm Treatment Options for Dogs
Depending on your dog’s condition, your vet will administer a treatment plan to effectively eliminate tapeworms.
Treating tapeworms may include oral, topical, or injected deworming medications, and flea management. In severe cases, dogs may need to be admitted to the pet hospital for additional care.
Prevention of Tapeworms in Dogs
Preventing tapeworm infestations in dogs requires proactive pet owners. One way to prevent tapeworms in dogs includes keeping a clean environment and prompt disposing of your dog’s excrement.
It’s also important to take your dog for checkups regularly so your vet can provide deworming and flea control treatments if needed.
FAQs
Can tapeworms be passed from dog to human?
Yes, tapeworms can be transmitted to humans. However, the risks are low. This could happen if a person ingests a flea or tapeworm egg.
What foods cause tapeworms in dogs?
Dogs can get tapeworms from raw meat, infected prey, like rabbits or rodents, and when they ingest food, that may happen to have fleas or tapeworm eggs.
What kills tapeworms naturally?
There are rumors claiming that home remedies like pumpkin seeds help eliminate tapeworms. However, there’s a lack of scientific studies to back these claims.
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