What do tapeworms do to dogs?

Fleas can carry the tapeworm's larvae or babies. If your dog swallows it -- maybe while grooming himself -- an adult tapeworm can grow inside your dog's intestines. Tapeworms are flat, white worms that are made up of tiny segments. read more

If those tapeworm segments make their way inside your dog's stomach, they can, though rarely, make your dog throw up. Then you may actually see a worm (maybe 5 to 8 inches long) in your dog's vomit. If your dog has a heavy tapeworm infection, he may lose weight, even though he is eating normally. read more

Tapeworms do not normally cause serious health problems in dogs. Occasionally dogs will drag their bottoms on the ground, a behavior known as scooting, in order to allay this irritation. read more

Tapeworms typically settle in the small intestine of dogs, puppies, and other pets. The tapeworm species can include Taenia, Dipylidium Caninum, Echinococcus, and Mesocestoides. Treatment to destroy tapeworms is critical to avoid transmission to humans (typically children) and to avert damage to the dog's body. read more