A dog or cat may swallow a flea while self-grooming. Once the flea is digested by the dog or cat, the larval tapeworm is able to develop into an adult tapeworm. The adult tapeworm is made up of many small segments, called proglottids, each about the size of a grain of rice.
How long does it take for fleas to turn into tapeworms?
It takes 3 weeks from the time the flea is swallowed to the time tapeworm segments appear on the pet's rear end or stool. Controlling fleas is essential to prevent recurring infections with this species of tapeworm.
Why do fleas turn into tapeworms?
In pets with flea infestations, the larval fleas hatching in the area consume organic debris, flea dirt (digested blood shed by adult fleas–it looks like pepper) and any tapeworm eggs. The tapeworm egg proceeds to develop inside the flea and by the time the flea is an adult, the tapeworm can infect mammals.
Do fleas hatch into worms?
Fleas reproduce a lot like butterflies. Females lay eggs that hatch into worm-like larvae. The larvae then spin cocoons and become pupae, and an adult flea emerges from the cocoon.
Is flea tapeworm and tapeworm the same?
Flea tapeworm is the most common tapeworm in dogs in Australia. Fleas carry the tapeworm larvae, so if your dog ingests an infested flea during grooming the adult tapeworm can develop and grow in the dog's intestine. Flea tapeworm segments passed in the faeces of infested dogs look like small white grains of rice.
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