Dogs and cats can become infected with tapeworms by swallowing infected fleas, while hunting or scavenging, or when eating uncooked meat or innards of a dead animal. Symptoms of flea tapeworm infection in dogs include an itchy rear end, vomiting and diarrhea.
Can dogs get worms from flea?
If your dog is suffering from a flea infestation, they are also at risk of picking up an intestinal worm. Fleas are common transmitters of tapeworms, and if your dog swallows infected fleas when grooming, they could develop tapeworms.
Can fleas give worms to cats?
The most common way is through fleas. Tiny flea larvae can be infected with tapeworms. If your cat digests an infected flea while grooming herself, that flea can transmit a tiny tapeworm into your cat and grow into a full-sized adult worm. Cats can also get tapeworms by eating small animals like squirrels and mice.
Can fleas cause worms?
"Fleas are the intermediate host for the tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum." Consequently, tapeworms are more common in environments that are heavily infested with fleas. It is recommended to treat your cat for fleas if tapeworms are noted, and use flea control to prevent future flea infestations and tapeworm infections.
Should I deworm my cat if they have fleas?
Because a cat can contract worms due to infected flea eggs, it is important to treat your cat against fleas (preventively) on a regular basis in addition to deworming. If you fail to do so, fleas and worms will keep facilitating each other which leaves your cat exposed to both parasites.
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