Symptoms of Tapeworms in Dogs
Loss of Appetite
A dog who is infected with Tapeworms will commonly display a visible decrease in appetite. This may or may not be associated with weight loss, depending on the duration of this symptom. Many dogs will display a lack of enthusiasm for anything food related, including treats.
Visible Tapeworm Segments
This is probably the most definitive symptom that may appear in a dog infected with Tapeworms. Visible segments of a Tapeworm may appear in a dog's vomit or feces, and may occasionally be observed to be still moving. These segments are common in appearance to small grains of rice, both in color and in size.
Dull Coat
Many dogs that are infected with Tapeworms will begin to display a noticeably dull coat of fur. This symptom is usually not initially visible to pet owners, except in very extreme cases. This symptom may or may not be accompanied by a noticeable loss of fur.
Distended Abdomen
Dogs with Tapeworms will sometimes take on a pot-bellied appearance. However, this symptom is typically only visible to pet owners in very severe or advanced cases of this medical condition. In some dogs, this symptom will manifest to the extent that a dog may have trouble walking normally, sometimes giving the appearance of joint problems. Many pet owners mistake this symptom for rapid weight gain, and do not immediately associate a distended abdomen with a Tapeworm infection.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms (Vomiting, Diarrhea)
When infected with Tapeworms, many dogs will begin to display gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. While both of these symptoms are also possibly indicative of a plethora of other medical conditions, this is one of the common symptoms associated with a Tapeworm infection. Also, it is possible for segments of a Tapeworm to appear in both vomit and diarrhea, promoting a much easier diagnostic procedure for a veterinarian.
Severe Anal Itching
This symptom produces visible behavioral changes in a dog who is infected with Tapeworms. A dog with Tapeworms may constantly lick or scratch around their anal area. Another very common behavior associated with this symptom is that a dog will "scoot", or drag their rear along the floor on a regular basis. This symptom is caused by the irritation of the anal area by the Tapeworm, and may produce secondary symptoms such as further irritation, redness or bleeding around the anal area.