Dipylidium cannot be transmitted directly from animals to people. However, finding tapeworms in a person’s stool can be distressing to the individual (and their family). Disease in people, if present, is usually mild and easily treated. Therefore, a negative fecal egg examination does not rule out tapeworms.ĭipylidium infections are extremely rare in people. Identification of tapeworm eggs in stool samples through routine testing used for other intestinal parasites is less useful, as the bare eggs are infrequently shed in stool. Diagnosis of a tapeworm infestation is easiest through identification of tapeworm segments in stool. Affected animals may ‘scoot’ (drag their rear end across the ground) because of irritation from tapeworm segments that are passed in the stool. In some situations, weight loss can occur.

Tapeworms are not usually harmful to dogs and cats, particularly if only one or a few worms are present. These whitish, rice-sized pieces (called proglottids, see the picture on the right) are parts of the adult tapeworm, which break off and are passed in the stool. People typically realize their pet has tapeworms when they see small tapeworm segments in the animal’s stool. Taenia pisiformis (dogs) and Taenia taeniaeformis (cats) are also common, and neither of these can infect people.

There is minimal concern about transmission of this tapeworm to people. A common tapeworm (at least in North America) in dogs and cats is called Dipylidium caninum, and it can be found in a high proportion of dogs and cats in some regions, particularly animals that go outside and are infested with fleas. Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that can be found in varying percentages of dogs and cats.

Finding a tapeworm in a pet’s stool can be a concerning event for some people.

Tape worm in dog