The eggs are released and hatch into tiny tapeworm heads, which mature into adult worms inside your pet over 2 months or so.
How long can tapeworms go undetected?
Depending on the species, tapeworms can live for up to 20-30 years. Many times, people can be infected for long periods of time without even knowing they have a tapeworm infection. While viral or bacterial infections can disappear in a matter of days or weeks, a tapeworm could be with you for years.
How small do tapeworms start?
Proglottids contain tapeworm eggs; these eggs are released into the environment when the proglottid dries out. The dried proglottids are small (about 2 mm), hard and yellowish in color and can sometimes be seen stuck to the fur around the pet's anus.
How long does it take for parasitic worms to grow?
Eggs that have been swallowed will hatch inside the intestine. After 2 weeks, the worms reach adult size and begin to reproduce, starting the cycle again.
Can tapeworms live in carpet?
Contact between flea larvae and tapeworm eggs is thought to occur most frequently in contaminated bedding or carpet. The life cycle of the tapeworm cannot be completed unless the flea swallows tapeworm larvae. Next, the dog chews or licks its skin as a flea bites; the flea is then swallowed.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
What does a big tapeworm look like?How big can tapeworm segments get?
