Can dogs get tapeworms from cats?

The most common tapeworm of dogs and cats is Dipylidium caninum. Unlike roundworms, dogs cannot become infected by eating fertilized tapeworm eggs. Tapeworms must first pass through an intermediate host (a flea) before they can infect a dog. read more

When the infected eggs are released into the environment, they have to be swallowed by immature flea larvae in the environment. read more

Tapeworm infections in cats and dogs are very similar. The pests can pass back and forth between species fairly easily, with the help of an intermediate host. Fleas also infest cats and dogs at a similar rate. read more

Dogs can get tapeworms from fleas, mice, or other rodents. Flea control is an important step in protecting your dog from tapeworms. People rarely are affected by dog tapeworms. Other kinds of worms that dogs can get include heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. read more