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The Science of Tapeworms
Dogs and Cats can be infested with two tyhpes of tapeworms. Fleas carry the most common type, and rodents carry the less common type. Tapeworm segments are often visible on the surface of your pet's stool. They usually appear as short (1/2-3/4"), flat white particles, that when first passed are mobile; or they may be passed still connected ina long, flat string. Dry segments may stick to your pet's hair and look similar to a grain of rice.
Dogs become infected with tapeworms after eating fleas or small mammals (rabbits, hares) which ane infected wtih tapeworm larvae.
Steps should be taken to control fleas and small mammals on premisies as reinfestation after initial treatment is almost certain to occur if fleas are not removed from the animal and its environment. Until recently, the only effective control has required a prescription.
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