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Tapeworms in DogsTapeworms in dogs do not cause as much damage as other intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms. Natural remedies
can be used to get rid of canine tapeworms.
Tapeworms are segmented flat worms. They consist of a head, neck, and then a number of segments. They use the suckers on their heads to attach themselves to a dog's
intestine. They do not have digestive systems of their own. Instead, they absorb nutrients through their skin.
Tapeworms belong to a class of organisms known as Cestoda. This class of organism utilize intermediate hosts in their transmission cycle.
Intermediate hosts can be fleas, fish, rodents, and domestic animals such as sheep and pigs.
Each tapeworm segment has its own reproductive organs. New segments are continually formed in the neck region of the worm. The segments at the
end of the tapeworm are cast off as they mature. These mature segments contain large numbers of eggs.
Tapeworm segments containing eggs are shed in fecal material. When these eggs are ingested by an intermediate host, they hatch and the larvae
migrate into the body tissue and develop. Yet they will not develop to full maturity in the body of the intermediate host. When the intermediate
host is ingested by a dog (the "definitive host"), the larvae proceed to develp into adult tapeworms.
Tapeworms in Dogs - How Do Dogs Get Infected?By far the most common type of tapeworms in dogs is the "flea tapeworm" (Dipylidium caninum), also known as "double-pored tapeworm". It is so common because it uses the flea as an intermediate host. Segments from the tapeworm are passed in the feces. The segments then dry out and release the eggs into the environment. Flea larvae ingest these eggs, and tapeworm larvae begin development in their intermediate host. If the flea happens to be ingested by a dog while self-grooming, the tapeworm larvae will continue to develop into adult worms within the dog's small intestine. Dogs can also get infected with other types of tapeworms, although not as frequently as the flea tapeworm. For example, dogs who eat raw meat may sometimes get infected with Echinococcus granulosus, another type of tapeworm. TopSymptoms of Tapeworms in DogsIn heavy infestation, a dog may show the following signs: TopDiagnosis of Tapeworms in DogsIf your dog has tapeworms, you can sometimes see some white segments on your dog's fecal material. Sometimes, you can even find the segments hanging near the anus of the dog. These segments may move if recently passed, or if dried, they look like grains of uncooked rice. TopTreatment for Tapeworms in DogsAlthough the appearance of tapeworms is revolting, they are seldom a big threat to our dog's health. If our dog is healthy and has a strong immune system, tapeworm infestation is usually short-term and harmless. Since deworming involves the use of rather strong chemicals which may put additional stress on our dog's body, it is not advisable to use such a program to get rid of tapeworms. Try the following milder herbal and other natural alternatives. They are more gentle on your dog.Natural Remedies for Tapeworms in DogsPumpkin seeds Freshly-ground pumpkin seeds can be fed to your dog to treat tapeworm infestation. Use whole raw seeds and grind them immediately before feeding the fine meal to your dog. Depending on the size of your dog, you can give 1/4 to one teaspoon of ground pumpkin seeds to your dog for each meal. Oregon grape A tincture of oregon grape can be fed to your dog to treat intestinal worms. (6 drops/10 pounds of body weight, twice a day for a week. Discontinue use for 2-3 days before resuming the twice daily dosage). Wheat Germ Oil Depending on the size of your dog, add up to 1 teaspoon of the oil to each meal to discourage tapeworms. Garlic Intestinal parasites such as tapeworms do not seem to like the sulfur compounds or volatile oils contained in garlic. Feeding fresh or powdered garlic or garlic in extract forms to your dog can help to expel tapeworms from the dog's body. You may see an increase in visible tapeworm segments in your dog's stool after 2 to 3 weeks of daily garlic ingestion. After 2 months or so, the tapeworms may disappear totally or at least will be down to acceptable levels. Homeopathy for Dog Tapeworms The homeopathic remedy Granatum Vermifuge is effective in preventing and getting rid of tapeworms.
After Care for Dogs with TapewormsA dog with serious tapeworm infestations can be weak due to malnutrition (the worms rob the dog of a lot of essential nutrients). It is therefore important to replenish the supply of essential nutrients to strengthen up the dog's immunity. Diet While your dog is being treated for worms, it is essential to feed him foods that are nutritious. A diet high in protein and fat is desirable (e.g. 40% of the diet should come from meat or eggs). Add fish oil to the dog's food for fat supply. Improve Digestion Even if you feed your dog nutritious foods, he cannot get all the nutrients he needs if the foods are not fully digested. To ensure that he can properly digest the foods and absorb the nutrients, feed him supplements of digestive enzymes and probiotics. TopPrevention of Tapeworms in DogsFlea control is the best way to prevent infestation of flea tapeworms in dogs. Other tapeworms, such as Echinococcus, can be prevented by denying your dog access to raw meat and garbage.Related Topics Dog Worms Roundworms in Dogs Hookworms in Dogs Whipworms in Dogs References Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999). PetEducation.com TOP of Tapeworms in Dogs |
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