Worms?

[Michael C.]

This morning I noticed what looked like a tape worm in my dogs waste. I am taking her to the vet this afternoon but was just curious on what these little suckers do to a dog! I noticed yesterday that she did not seem to feel good. She seemed real sluggish and did not eat very much. Is this because of the worms?

Mike

[MJ22LAM]

Sammy has only had roundworm, however I have had cats that have had tapeworms, the tapeworm basically sustains itself off of the food your dog eats, they are very long and you will only see small pieces in their waste. The tapeworm is actually eating your dogs nutritional, and will make Him/Her sluggish, your dog may also be eating more than usual too compesate for what the tapeworm is taking away. Ours cats seemed to recuperate very quickly afterward. As long as he/she gets the medicine they will be fast to be themselves. This is at least my experience from the cats. My sammy has has 2 bouts with Roundworms, and gets very tired from them, but bounces back fast. Good Luck!

Leigh

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MJ-ICQ 44365363

[SableMom]

I adopted a doberman from the local SPCA about a year ago. When I got him he was full of fleas and as a result he had tapeworms. The info you're getting so far is great but I had one more piece of advice to add. Tapeworms usually come from FLEAS. I would definately recommend that you use Frontline Topspot on you dog. It works great and takes care of ticks, mosquitos, etc. Maybe if you get rid of the fleas you'll get rid of the tapeworms for good. Just an idea that worked for me http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/smile.gif

[LisaS]

Titus (2yrs) came to me with a tapeworm. Didn't seem to bother him at all - once the treatment was done, his occasional loose movements firmed up though. My understanding is that healthy dogs tolerate them fine - but any stress or other illness is worsened by their presence. Young puppies are probably effected more. Of course, if you dog has one, you want to get it treated. The shot apparantly stings like the devil - and at Titus' size, there is alot of medicine to be injected - he was convinced that his left leg would not work and dragged it around just for good measure for about 1-2 minutes - then he was fine. He was also pretty "dopey" for the rest of the day. In addition to eating fleas as a primary source, you need to consider "other dogs poop" too. Not a problem with a puppy that you keep in your own yard - but something to remember if you turn out to have a poop-eater and are walking in the park. Also, another sign of tapeworm is dried segments that look like rice kernels.

[Michael C.]

Thanks everyone,

I dont see any fleas on her? WE went to the vet and she gave us one pill that will take care of the worm. Well see how it goes.

Mike