Symptoms and Diagnosis

Because tapeworm infections often cause minimal problems, clinical symptoms may be slight or nonexistent. The most common cause for suspicion of tapeworm infection is the sighting of small segments on the dog's coat, around the anus, in his bedding, or on carpet frequented by the dog. These segments resemble grains of rice when new but change color slightly and become golden as they dry. Segments may cause irritation and cause your dog to lick the anus excessively or scoot across the floor in an effort to alleviate the irritation. Occasionally a tapeworm will release its attachment to the intestinal wall and move into the stomach, causing digestive upset and resulting in an episode of vomiting. The 5 to 8 inch long worm may sometimes be observed in vomit.

Though clinical symptoms are not common, especially severe tapeworm infestations may cause debilitation and weight loss if left untreated.

Once suspicion has been established, laboratory diagnosis is quite simple. Your veterinarian will examine a stool sample under the microscope in search of characteristic eggs. If eggs are detected, treatment can begin immediately.