What are flat, white worms in dogs?
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What you're seeing is most likely tapeworms. Tapeworms are intestinal parasites of the cat and dog. They belong to a different family than hookworms and roundworms, which are the other common intestinal parasites of dogs and cats.
Fleas are the intermediate host for tapeworms. In other words, the tapeworm is unable to complete its life cycle without the presence of fleas in the environment. Regardless of whether you have seen fleas, the pet must have ingested a flea in order to have tapeworms. Consequently, tapeworms are more common in environments that are heavily infested with fleas.
When segments of the tapeworm break off and pass into the pet's stool, they can be seen crawling on the surface of the feces. These proglottid segments look like grains of cooked white rice or cucumber seeds. Less commonly, segments are seen moving around the pet's anus.
A variety of products are available to treat tapeworms in pets but they are not all equally effective. For the best advice on the type of de-worming preparation most suitable for your pet, you should seek the help of your veterinarian. The most effective worming products are only available by prescription from a licensed veterinarian.
Flea control, both environmental and on the pet is necessary to help prevent this from recurring.
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