Worms

Question
What are the short flat worms I'm seeing in my 7 week old puppy's bowels. And why are they alive?

Answer
Hello Veronica -

What you are seeing in yor puppies stool are tapeworms.

Tapeworms are flat worms that are segmented. They consist of a head, neck, and then a number of segments. The head usually has suckers or muscular grooves that enable the tapeworm to attach itself to the animal's intestine. Each tapeworm segment has its own reproductive organs. New segments are continually formed in the neck region of the worm while those at the end of the tapeworm are cast off as they mature. These mature segments contain large numbers of eggs which are often grouped into packets. The segments may often be seen near the anus of the dog or cat. These segments may move if recently passed or, if dried, they look like grains of uncooked rice or cucumber seeds. Tapeworm infections are usually diagnosed by finding these segments on the animal. All of the adult forms of these tapeworms live in the cat's or dog's digestive system. It is interesting that tapeworms have no digestive systems themselves, but absorb nutrients through their skin.

The adult worm, which can be up to 20 inches long, lives in the small intestine. The segments, full of eggs, are passed in the feces. While warm, the segments are active, but as they dry, they break open and liberate the eggs inside. Either an adult louse or a flea larva ingests the eggs. The egg develops into an immature form in the insect. When a dog or cat eats the insect, the immature form develops into an adult and the life cycle is completed.

The most common treatment is praziquantel which is found in Droncit and Tradewinds Tapeworm Tabs. The dose is determined by number of tablets per body weight. It can not be used in pregnant animals. The drug epsiprantel (Cestex) is also effective, but cannot be used in puppies and kittens less than 7 weeks of age. The most important preventive measures are flea control and lice control. Numerous products are on the market which can be used for this purpose. It is recommended to not only treat the animals but also the environment in an attempt to kill as many flea larvae as possible.

There are herbal remedies to administer for tapeworm but your puppy is too young to ingest the main vermifuge called Wormwood. If you are interested in pursuing this naturally I will leave my email address at the bottom of this response. For now, I recommend you take your puppy to your vet, they will be able to administer the proper dosage for the age and size of your puppy.

I hope this information has helped you and your pet.

If you would like information on natural and herbal remedies for human and animal concerns please contact me at wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you. I will also be happy to send you my catalog of home made herbal remedies.

Thank you and best wishes to you and your pet.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist