Flea, Tick & Pest Center

Tapeworms are found throughout North America.

They are difficult to diagnose accurately, so
prevention using regular de-wormers is especially important.

These flat worms have a head with suckers to attach to the walls of the small intestines and their larvae can live in the tissue of the host animal.

Tapeworms are spread by:

• Contact with larvae in contaminated soil
• Ingestion of fleas
• Eating an infected mammal
• A mother to a new animal across the placenta or in consuming contaminated milk while nursing

Usually, pets do not show symptoms. Mild symptoms can include:

• Intestinal or abdominal discomfort
• Intestinal blockage where large numbers of worms are present, especially in young animals.