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)
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.
