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.

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.

Symptoms of Tapeworms
The symptoms of Tapeworms are as follows:

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.

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)

Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis)

Whipworms also referred to as Whip worms (Trichuris vulpis)

Hookworms also referred to as Hook worms (Ancylostoma caninum)

About This Advice
We hope that this information about Canine Tapeworms has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are in doubt about your Dog's Health you should consult your vet or other suitably qualified expert.

You can find details and contact information for any UK vet here

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