Tapeworms in Puppies

As cute as they are, even pets such as puppies and dogs are prone to falling sick. In fact, it is worse when puppies fall sick because their bodies are not even completely developed and they don't have the natural defenses to fight their health problems. Among the many health problems that may plague these helpless creatures, developing tapeworms that begin to reside and grow in their intestines is a grave problem. While dogs may develop tapeworm by consuming fleas that are infested with it, some puppies are born with it because their mothers were affected, or they get it by consuming their mother's milk. The tapeworm then continues growing and if not treated, can get to point were it is fatal. Here, we will take a look at the symptoms of tapeworms in puppies, and how this problem can be treated.

Symptoms

Tapeworms will show themselves in the following symptoms in puppies.

• Puppies are usually an active species, and if you notice a lack of the general enthusiasm and energy they possess, it is possible that they are suffering from a tapeworm infestation.
• Diarrhea is another common symptom that is noticed when puppies are infected by this intestinal parasite.
• Due to this condition, they are likely to suffer from severe abdominal discomfort and restlessness.
• Weight loss is a common symptom of worms in puppies.
• Finally, puppies with tapeworms will also suffer from a huge loss of appetite.

The best way to detect tapeworms in puppies is by checking there feces. These are white and resemble rice grains. In some cases you may notice tapeworms around their anus too. These dog worms can grow up 15 cm long in the intestines if not detected and treated. Because they are parasites, they feast off the food the puppy eats and lead to a loss of energy in daily functioning. As such, treating them becomes very important to prevent their health from deteriorating further.

Treatment

Taking certain measures for puppy care is important, not only to treat but also prevent a tapeworm infestation in these little creatures. If you suspect a situation where your puppy is infested by tapeworms, it is best to consult a veterinarian. The vet will ask to see your puppy and will collect fecal samples to test for the presence of tapeworm. Upon detection, certain drugs will be prescribed to treat the tapeworms. In some cases, an injection may be necessary to treat this condition. The sooner it is detected the easier it will be to treat it. Tapeworms in dogs and puppies can be treated by means of some home remedies. However, you never know how a particular ingredient will react with your puppy, so it is better to stick to the drugs prescribed by the vet.

As a method of prevention, having your puppy dewormed within six weeks of its birth is a good idea. Though this is a slightly stressful process, it is essential for the prevention of this infestation. Your vet will advice you about the right method to adopt in this regard. Also have it wear a flea collar for flea control, and use methods of preventing and treating flea infestation in the puppy. Avoid giving it raw meat for a while as it may be one of the reasons of tapeworms. Do not allow it to mingle with other pets that appear unwell or unhygienic. While tapeworms are not contagious from puppies to human beings, it is likely that in some way they may get transferred from one puppy to another. Though not contagious, children may be prone to developing dog tapeworms. As such, keep them away from your puppy till it is completely treated, and maintain good personal hygiene to avoid any problems.

Finally, even after you believe that the tapeworms have been completely removed, it is always good to monitor their feces and check for any symptoms of illnesses. Ensure that you follow all the necessary prevention methods so that your puppy is in the pink of health.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert advice.