The bad news is that your dog has tapeworms. Yuck! They're squirmy, they're gross and your dog will definitely need to be treated. As for the good news, tapeworms are pretty common in dogs, particularly when they're young, so the treatment is very easy and effective.
Tapeworms are segmented, and one collective worm body will have numerous individual tapeworm parts. What you are most likely seeing in your dog's faecal matter are the end or tail segments of these tapeworms, as a complete worm can grow upwards of 20 cm in length.
These worms are parasitic and attach to your dog's small intestine for nourishment. It is often the case that you won't notice any changes in your dog and will only learn that it has tapeworm by discovering the little buggers in its poop, around its anus, or in places like its bed. In severe cases however, your dog might fall lethargic and vomit the worms out of its system. Vomited tapeworms tend to be their full size.
Another indicator that your dog might be suffering from tapeworms is the use of a scooting action to scratch its rear. Note, however, that your dog might just be itchy or suffering from another form of irritation, so a scooting dog isn't always a dog with tapeworms.
Fortunately, treating tapeworm is rather simple. All your dog will need is an injection or a prescription for an oral tapeworm-killing drug. Your dog should show no side effects from this treatment, and should be completely free of tapeworms before long.
In the future, you will want to ensure that your dog is protected against fleas and that his bedding is kept clean. Tapeworms are highly unpleasant to look at (or think about), so you really will want to do as much as you can to prevent them from reoccurring.
Tapeworms are segmented, and one collective worm body will have numerous individual tapeworm parts. What you are most likely seeing in your dog's faecal matter are the end or tail segments of these tapeworms, as a complete worm can grow upwards of 20 cm in length.
These worms are parasitic and attach to your dog's small intestine for nourishment. It is often the case that you won't notice any changes in your dog and will only learn that it has tapeworm by discovering the little buggers in its poop, around its anus, or in places like its bed. In severe cases however, your dog might fall lethargic and vomit the worms out of its system. Vomited tapeworms tend to be their full size.
Another indicator that your dog might be suffering from tapeworms is the use of a scooting action to scratch its rear. Note, however, that your dog might just be itchy or suffering from another form of irritation, so a scooting dog isn't always a dog with tapeworms.
Fortunately, treating tapeworm is rather simple. All your dog will need is an injection or a prescription for an oral tapeworm-killing drug. Your dog should show no side effects from this treatment, and should be completely free of tapeworms before long.
In the future, you will want to ensure that your dog is protected against fleas and that his bedding is kept clean. Tapeworms are highly unpleasant to look at (or think about), so you really will want to do as much as you can to prevent them from reoccurring.
