Background
Several species of Tape-worms infect both dogs and cats. The most common species of canine tapeworm is (Dipylidium caninum). Other species of Tapeworms that can infect dogs include Taenia spp. and Echinococcus spp.
Tape-worms have relatively complex lifecycle in that they require more than one “host” animal to complete their life cycle. The intermediate host (also known as the primary host) is infected with tapeworm larvae. The final host (or secondary host) becomes infected after eating one of the intermediate hosts. In the intestine of the final host the tapeworm will develop into its adult form.
Dogs, being carnivores, tend to be final hosts in the Tapeworm lifecycle. Intermediate hosts for Dipylidium caninum include fleas and lice, which dogs often ingest as they are grooming themselves. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to treat your dog for fleas regularly.
-Dr Caroline
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