In the ongoing battle against the parasites which can infest our dogs and cats, knowledge is the key to victory. Do you know what the two main types of tapeworm that your pet might encounter are Diplyidium caninum & Taenia? Do you know how to treat a pet who has already come into contact with tapeworm eggs or larvae? If not, don't worry! Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions and more.

What are Tapeworm?

Tapeworms, also called flatworms, get their name from their flattened body shape which is rather like a measuring tape. These parasitic worms live inside their host: a dog, cat or in certain cases human - and can cause negative effects on health. There are two main types of tapeworm which pet owners must be aware of: Diplyidium caninum and Taenia.

Diplyidium caninum & Taenia

The main tapeworm species to infect dogs and cats is Diplyidium caninum. Pets become a host to the D. caninum parasite when they eat a flea or flea egg, which carries the tapeworm larvae. Humans can also become infected, if they accidentally swallow a flea egg. For example when playing with their pet.

Taenia is the second main type of tapeworm which can affect dogs and cats. Taenia is transmitted to dogs and cats when they consume other animals which are already carrying the tapeworm as larvae. The animals most likely to carry Taenia larvae are mice and other rodents, as well as sheep.

Tapeworm symptoms can be hard to identify, but may include changes in appetite and digestion, weakness and unhealthy skin or hair. Most of these problems are due to the deficiencies that a pet may suffer as nutrients are removed from their body by the tapeworm. Sometimes, pet owners may see visible tapeworm symptoms as egg-containing sections of the tapeworm body pass through the dog or cat's digestive system. These are often described as looking like small grains of rice and are occasionally seen moving around close to an infected animal's anus, which can cause discomfort for the pet.

How to Remedy Tapeworm Problems

The best way to protect your beloved pets from infection by tapeworm such as D. caninum and Taenia is to use a deworming treatment containing the active ingredient praziquantel. Praziquantel has been extensively tested for efficacy, works quickly and destroys 100% of tapeworm in infected animals. Other useful anti-tapeworm tips include using a flea control remedy such as Frontline Plus or Revolution , and using pest-control methods to minimise the amount of rodents which your pet comes into contact with.