Fleas and Tapeworm: A Real Connection

The question of whether or not fleas can carry tapeworm is not one that is asked as a part of caring for your pet dog. However, when you become aware of the possibility, it can become a rather frightening prospect. All dog owners strive to give their pets the best care possible, and for the majority of them, this won抰 change things at all.

?/p>

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;}

While fleas and ticks do carry the threat of spreading tapeworm, if you do your research, this won抰 make a difference in your life at all. Just knowing it抯 a real possibility that dogs, as well as cats, that are infested with fleas can also be carrying tapeworm is a big step in the direction of protecting yourself.

?/p>

There are several problems that fleas can cause for your dog. One of them is Flea Allergy Dermatitis, or FAD, which is an allergic condition of the skin. They also carry many other infections like tapeworm. In order to recognize the main symptom, you will need to examine your dog抯 stool for what looks like rice. These are the tapeworms and can severely irritate the anal area of your dog.?Tapeworms are very hard to get rid of once they have taken up residence in your dog抯 body.

?/p>

A tapeworm works by attaching to the host抯 intestinal walls. Segments of the worm break away and eventually make their way into the waste that is released from the dog. As fleas are carriers of the tapeworm, the next living being they invade has a high likelihood of also getting the tapeworm infection. There are several procedures that must be undertaken to get rid of this worm because its head must be disconnected. That抯 the way it continues regenerating and reproducing.

?/p>

Tapeworms can be extremely dangerous to humans. Symptoms experienced by humans who have contracted tapeworm or other bacterial worms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and permanent eye damage.

?/p>

Currently, there aren抰 a lot of medications that effectively attack the tapeworm. A de-wormer that DOES work is Drontal and is easily available. The application of the de-wormer can be performed 2 to 3 times to make sure it has taken care of the tapeworm. The applications should be done every 2 weeks in accordance with the life cycle of the tapeworm. This means that the first application should kill the adults and the following applications should kill any surviving worms.

?/p>

Over time, many products and methods have been developed to rid dogs of fleas, along with the tapeworms that can also come with those fleas. However, nothing works as well as preventing the fleas in the first place. This is the part that is up to you. Pay attention to whether or not your dog has fleas and do things to get rid of any you see. Following that, you can do what is needed to stop any possible tapeworm attack. So watch your dog for excess itching, loss of hair, or blood.

?/p>

Tapeworms can be transmitted to humans. So, if you have a pet, you抣l need to be alert, particularly if you or anyone living with you has a weak immune system. Children are also highly susceptible. Take action now to prevent fleas from bringing this dreaded parasite into your home.

牋