Overview
Dipylidium caninum is a common tapeworm of dogs and cats in the United States and throughout the world. Dogs and cats get Dipylidium tapeworm by swallowing a flea infected with a tapeworm larvae, often while grooming themselves. The larval tapeworm will then develop into an adult tapeworm in the animal’s intestine. People get Dipylidium tapeworm the same way dogs and cats do, by swallowing a flea infected with tapeworm larvae.
The adult tapeworm is made up of many small segments called proglottids. Each proglottid is about the size of a grain of rice. Adult tapeworms may measure 4 – 28 inches in length. As the tapeworm grows inside the intestine, these segments (proglottids) break off and pass in the stool.
Signs and symptoms
Most dogs and cats infected with Dipylidium tapeworm do not show signs of illness. However, you can sometimes see the proglottids crawling near the animal’s anus (butt) or on the surface of a fresh bowel movement. Dried out proglottids look like grains of rice: they are small, about 2 mm, hard, and yellowish in color. You can sometimes see them stuck to the fur around your pet’s butt.
Most people infected with Dipylidium tapeworms also do not show signs of illness. It is more likely that you will recognize a Dipylidium infection when you see tapeworm segments in your or your child’s feces (poop).
Causes
Dogs and cats get Dipylidium tapeworm by swallowing a flea infected with a tapeworm larvae, often while grooming themselves. The larval tapeworm will then develop into an adult tapeworm in the animal’s intestines. The segments of the adult tapeworm, proglottids, break off and pass in the animal’s stool. The proglottids contain tapeworm eggs. Once the proglottid dries out, the eggs release into the environment. Flea larvae then feed on the Dipylidium eggs and start the cycle over again.
People get Dipylidium tapeworm the same way dogs and cats do, by swallowing a flea infected with tapeworm larvae. Most reported cases are in children.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent Dipylidium infection in pets and people is through flea control. Other ways to prevent infection include
- Have your veterinarian treat your dogs and cats if they have tapeworms.
- Clean up after your pet, especially in playgrounds and public parks. Place the poop in a plastic bag and dispose of it in the trash. If plastic bags or trash are not available, bury it.
- Do not allow children to play in areas soiled with pet or other animal feces.
- Teach children to always wash their hands after petting or playing with dogs and cats, and after playing outdoors.
Diagnosis
In Dogs and Cats
Your veterinarian will not typically find Dipylidium tapeworm eggs in a routine fecal (poop) exam. They rely on the pet’s owner to notice the tapeworm segments (proglottids) crawling around the anus or in the pet’s feces.
In People
Most infections in people are diagnosed clinically. This means your healthcare provider will look for the tapeworm segments around a person’s anus or in their feces. Your healthcare provider may also do a stool exam to look for eggs or tapeworm segments.
Treatment and recovery
Treatment is simple and very effective for both animals and people. If you think your pet has Dipylidium tapeworms, talk to your veterinarian about treating your pet.
When people have Dipylidium infection, their healthcare provider can prescribe praziquantel to treat the infection. The medication is well-tolerated and causes the tapeworm to dissolve within the intestine.
