Dog Worms that Look Like Rice

Dogs often fall prey to worm infestation. There are different types of canine intestinal worms that cause serious illnesses in your pet. These different types of canine intestinal worms include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whip worms and heartworms. However, most pet parents often come to the vet with a question, "What kind of dog worms look like rice?" In the following paragraphs, we shall concentrate mainly on identifying dog worms that look rice.

What Kind of Dogs Look Like Rice
Pet owners may observe small rice like, flat worms in the stool passed by their dogs. This worries the concerned dog owners as they do not know what to make of their observation. If you too have spotted such kind of worms lately, then your pet is infected with tapeworm. They are intestinal worms in dogs that are classified as cestodes. The most common species of tapeworm that infects dogs is Dipylidium caninum. It appears like rice and is present on the stool, not in the stool. They are flat and have a segmented body. Tapeworms are white in color and attach themselves to the intestinal wall of the dog with the help of their hook-like mouth parts. They can grow up to 20 cm long and have the ability to break off into several individual segments.

How are Tapeworms Transmitted to Dogs
The tapeworm eggs are swallowed by a flea larvae. The tapeworms gain entry into dog's intestine after swallowing a flea. Normally, when a pet is bitten by an adult flea, he begins to lick or chew on the skin. During this process, the flea may be swallowed and it enters the pet's digestive system. Here, the eggs of the tapeworm hatch and get anchored to the intestinal walls with the help of their mouth appendages. The flea is the intermediate host for the tapeworm. Without the presence of a flea, the tapeworm cannot complete its life cycle. Therefore, even if you are sure your pet is free from fleas on his coat, you cannot be 100% sure that hasn't swallowed a flea. This is the only way these worms can infected a dog. Lice too are carriers of tapeworm egg, but their occurrence in United States is very rare.

Pathogenic Conditions Caused by Tapeworms
Tapeworms can lead to many dog health problems. Their infestation leads to excessive weight loss and debilitation of the dog. You will find the dog scooting on its rear across the ground. This is because the broken segments of the worm cause irritation around the anus. If the tapeworm travels to the stomach from the intestine, it will cause irritation that leads to vomiting. You will observe one or more than one inch long worm in the dog vomit. The dog undergoes depression, irritability, poor coat, mild diarrhea and unpredictable appetite. If the dog is heavily infested with tapeworm, it will cause severe anemia and weight loss.

Diagnosis of Tapeworms in Dogs
Dog worms that look like rice is the most important sign to diagnose a tapeworm infestation. You will see white, flat segments that crawl around your dog's stool. You will also observe your dog may vomit and suffer from convulsions. This occurs due to the toxin produced by the tapeworm. If you observe the dog's anus, you will find small white segments around the anal area. This causes the dog to scoot on the floor to get rid of the irritation and severe itching.

How to Get Rid of Tapeworms
One of the most common questions asked to a vet is how to get rid of dog worms. Treatment for tapeworms is rather simple and effective. The veterinarian will prescribe praziquantel tablets that are very effective in getting rid of tapeworms. The medication tends to dissolve the worms within the intestines. Also, the veterinarian will suggest flea management to prevent reoccurring of tapeworm infestation.

If you observe dog worms that look like rice, seek immediate veterinarian help. This is because if left untreated, it may lead to severe anemia, malnutrition, weakness and even death of the dog. Speak to your veterinarian for more information on dog worms and take appropriate action to rid your dog of them.