Like many pet parents, I worry about finding parasites (such as ringworms and tapeworms (including tapeworm eggs)) on Ivi and Rylie, especially fleas. Ever since we got our first puppy and I terrified myself with all the information out there on parasites and why prevention is so important, I have been a big believer in year-round prevention. No one wants to think about their pets having heartworms, never mind tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and even whipworms! Having dealt with roundworms with every one of our puppies, I am excited when they start their first round of parasite prevention medicine. Even though I have been a SENTINEL fan for years, I was even more excited when we found out about Virbac® SENTINEL® SPECTRUM®, since it protect our dogs from six of the most common parasites – Heartworms, Fleas, Hookworms, Roundworms, Tapeworms, & Whipworms.
That being said, I honestly know very little about tapeworms. My knowledge of tapeworms actually is more from me being a history buff. Starting in the 19th century, eating tapeworms was one of the more popular (and dangerous) fad diets. With tapeworms growing up to 30 feet in the intestines and living for up to 20 years, they were considered extremely dangerous. Now, think of how dangerous these monster worms can be in our beloved dogs and cats. Normally, a tapeworm infection is diagnosed by finding segments which appear as white worms or white worm pieces that appear on the rear end of a dog, in their feces, or their favorite spots, including bedding.
So, how exactly do dogs get tapeworms? Unlike humans, they don’t take pseudo-science pills, that’s for sure. For them, getting infested with tapeworms is, unfortunately, quite easy and the most common way leads back to every pet parent’s most hated parasite – the flea. Dogs can contract tapeworms from ingesting fleas while grooming or from a flea bite. White it can happen from eating a dead animal; this isn’t as common for most indoor, family dogs.
Really, there are two important ways to make sure your dog doesn’t getting infested with tapeworms – make sure they take some form of year round prevention with a parasiticide against tapeworms AND have a plan to prevent fleas as well. If you have ever dealt with a flea infestation, you know that is easier said than done, since it can sometimes take MONTHS to get rid of fleas, especially if you are dealing with a full on flea infestation. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), fleas can survive up to a year before finding a host in your home and have an amazing ability to survive in even the more harsh environments on wild animals, dogs, cats, or within pupal casing as pre-emerged adults in a protected environment (aka carpet, upholstery, crawl spaces, porches, vehicle interiors, and your dogs housing and bedding). In most cases, by the time you have seen an adult flea, you are likely already infested, since that is only a small portion of the population. Once a female flea has had their first blood feeding, they start producing eggs with 20 to 24 hours, and product from 40 to 50 eggs a day.
With an adult flea surviving 2 to 3 months, you can easily have a flea problem. The answer is making sure you stop fleas before they can even happen!
Now, some of you are probably wondering about the survey we asked you take last month that involved parasite prevention. We personally thought the information was quite interesting. We found out that:
- 80% of respondents from survey said that heartworm protection was either a high or very high priority to them as pet parents
- 84% of respondents said that flea protection was either a high or very high priority for them as pet parents
- 79% said that they provide the dog with flea prevention year round
- 20% said they only provide flea protection during the spring and summer months
- 70% of respondents said that dog can contract tapeworms from ingesting just one infected flea
- 90% of respondents said that tapeworm segments can be found near dog’s anus, in feces, and where he lives or sleeps
Honestly, I have to say I am thrilled with the results, especially since it means many of you take year round prevention seriously. What makes SENTINEL SPECTRUM Beef Flavored Chews such a great choice for preventing fleas is Lufenuron, a unique ingredient found in SENTINEL Brand products, prevents fleas from developing into adults. What this does is stop flea eggs and maggot-like flea larvae from developing into adults, targeting the majority of the flea problem both preventing re-infestation and preventing infestation before it starts. Best of all, since it is in a chew form, it does not wash off and evenly distributes throughout your pet’s system. Oh, and it doesn’t cause light sensitivity, meaning your dogs can play and do whatever they like during the summer.
In our household, SENTINEL SPECTRUM has been a real lifesaver. Not only has it protected our sweet Ivi from parasites, but Rylie as well. There is just something great about knowing that no matter what your curious puppy gets into, she is protected from scary parasites, all because of her monthly chew. Who knew that year round prevention could be so easy? For those who don’t know about it, Virbac SENTINEL SPECTRUM Beef Flavored Chews is a tasty chew that protects your dog against all 3 parasite groups – heartworms, fleas, and intestinal parasites (roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, and tapeworms). It is currently available in 4 different sizes depending on your dog’s weight and can be given to any dog older than six weeks. Just remember, you will need to visit your vet since SENTINEL SPECTRUM is only available with a prescription. Virbac even makes life easier for dog owners with a rebate for SENTINEL SPECTRUM and a monthly email or text reminder to help your remember your monthly prevention.
About Susan Bewley
Susan Bewley is a professional writer who has been writing content online & in print format for over 10 years. As well, she is an alumni of the University of Louisville with a Masters Degree in Special Education. When not working as an online business consultant or ghost writing, she can be found writing on Budget Earth, on her own novel, or working with various entities in the pet industry.
This is very important, this can lead to other infections or diseases. Definitely have your pet checked and treated, its so crucial for their health and well being.
Great article, thank you for sharing these tips with us!
The chews are a great idea. Wonder if they do something similar for cats?
We have been using Nexguard and she has been on it for 3 months now but she still is getting fleas! I am definitely going to try something else different. Thanks for sharing!
Thinks for sharing this. I didn’t know how they get tapeworms.
I have never tried this particular brand. I am vigilant about fleas though! I have both a dog and cats and know what worms and fleas can and will do. I also socialize feral kittens, so have to be extra careful.
Thanks for sharing this important information. Our pets need the best care possible.
We’re in the middle of the country so there’s no knowing what the cats will come across and of course, they then pass it on. I’ve got a couple of bites myself from rescuing a hedgehog the other day that was stuck in a fence!
The tape pics were pretty funny. I live on the gulf coast and have to keep my dog on flea preventative year round.
Seems like a good product. I always worry about these things. I want my dog healthy.
Anything to help ease the discomfort of my fur baby.
this is a great piece
It’s been 50 years since I had a dog and don’t remember if we worried about tape worms and fleas.
My dog is a house dog and I don’t worry a lot about fleas. He never goes out unless it’s on the patio.
We used to have a pet when we were kids and I remember my Uncle getting a flee powder. I always believe in prevention as always.
I always worry about parasites, thanks for this info!
Your dogs are so cute!)
Thanks for this article. I never even think about tape worms. We do flea treatments every month.
Very interesting info! I don’t have a dog, but I do have a cat and I definitely wouldn’t want my pet to miserable because of parasites…
This article is very helpful, I will look out for these problems and solutions!
Thanks for the review..I live my fur babies and want them protected
Chews are great for dogs instead of trying to get them to take a pill.. I will definitely purchase these if they are available near me…
Having worked in a veterinary hospital for years I have seen first hand how much agony fleas and worms can put dogs and cats in. It is so sad when it is so easily preventable for only a few dollars a month.
Uuugh! Fleas are the worst. I find that once your pet gets them it is so difficult to get rid of them. Especially if your home has carpet! I try to be vigilant when it comes to taking care of my dogs when it comes to parasites so all advice and product recommendations is really appreciated! 🙂
top two things that my dad worried about and set that mindset in me our dogs are always cared for and that means ticks, fleas and worms are rid of
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My neighbor’s dog died of tapeworm, so this is very important to address!
This is a great piece on the importance of prevention when it comes to pets! I just have cats right now, but in the past have had dogs when I was living in the southeast, where fleas and worms and things were a bigger problem due to the climate. It was really hard to navigate sometimes, so stressful! Thanks for the information!
This is very important for the well-being of our pets.We want them protected.
I have cats and have in the past had a couple that got anemia from fleas, so I try to control fleas as much as possible. Living in the SE, fleas are a problem all year. I’ve had mixed results with the spot treatments (I prefer to use one that also prevents heartworm, as cats don’t reliably take the chewables and heartworm is a big problem – and can’t be treated in cats, just prevented). I use diatomaceous earth (food grade) in the house and have just applied nematodes in the yard. While my cats are indoor cats, they do have access to a porch and a “catio” enclosure, and the strays come around too.
Nice review. My dog gets the chews, too.
My kittys get treated all the time no since in waiting until they are ill to do it
You provided a lot of great information here. Thank you. Sentental sounds like a great product also.
Really informative post. I’m not a dog owner right now but will pass along to my friends that are.
Great article. Thank you for sharing these tips.
This is a great place. I would go there. And I thinks its worthwhile.
we have a dog. this would be helpful.
I remember when my Tenth Grade science teacher shared information on this with us, talking about his own dog. I think that this is one of the first things that people should be taught when they are seriously investigating adding a dog to their family. Thanks for the tip about how fleas lead to tapeworms. That is really helpful and I will be sure to share.
Great advice it only takes swallowing one flea to get tapeworm ! And so easily to avoid ! Great advice!
Protecting your pet is important! This product helps pet owner does that.
Wow, I’m glad I found this. I’m hoping to be able to have a dog when I move. I haven’t had a pet in so many years, I want to do everything right. I didn’t know they get worms from fleas.
I never had a dog (but did have a cat and hamsters and a parakeet), so I’m only guessing, but I figure people think of the idea of fleas, but maybe not something like tapeworms. Good to know!
Sentinel is a trusted brand that everyone should use. It is important to keep your pets protected no matter where you live.
Never had pets so have never been to up to date on this preventive advice. I will be forward the like to my sister in law and niece because they have lot of peets.
Great post. Should be required reading for all people who want a dog or cat.
What a gorgeous dog! Loved the advice, thank you.
Awesome article! Thank you for the information:)
It would be so nice to have a pet around the house, methinks. We never had one, you see. Will keep this post in mind, in the event we decide to have one. 🙂
It’s so important to take care of our furry babies too. Great post!
Wow! Only once a month and they even provide you with a reminder. Such important information. And to protect against all 3 parasite groups in one chew has to make it easier on the dogs as well. Thanks for sharing!
Swallowing a tapeworm to lose weight?!? Oh, my gosh!
2 sentences huh… hmm that took away 1. oh, i know, i know: there’s a whole ball of worms in my butt so can someone get those rascals out thanks for the relief buddy 😉
hi cutie
Great article, tapeworms in the intestines sounds really really scary..
Oh my, eating tapeworms was a fad diet?! EW! I just had to go to the link to read the rest. Crazy.
Anyway, I remember seeing the little segments around the rectum of my cat when I was a little girl. You definitely want to keep your pets from ingesting fleas and other things that cause them to get tapeworms.
Growing up my mom was a foster parent for the animal shelter. I remember the shots and meds the puppies would have to do to protect them. Now I have no pets.. my daughter is allergic. But this stuff sounds amazing.
Eeeek I’m itchy after reading this! But seriously, this was an eye opener for me! We have ours on Frontline, but I don’t think it protects against anything except for fleas & ticks! We still find an occasional tick on our dogs… NOT HAPPY about that! I’m gonna have to check out this Sentinel Spectrum! Thank you so much!
Very welcome! Fleas scare me and ticks are just as scary! Just as a heads up though, Sentinel Spectrum doesn’t protect again ticks (I recommend Bravecto for that – it is a 3 month tablet that kills fleas and ticks). It is what I use on my dogs after they are over 6 months of age. 🙂
Thank you for this wealth of information.We have an indoor cat but I do worry because I do baby sitting in homes were there are
farm dogs and cats.I worry that I will bring home fleas from them.This is really good advice.Thank you so much. 🙂
I don’t have a dog myself, but I have friends who do. This sounds like a great product that I would definitely recommend to them.
This is such a great article… My baby is so important to me and I want her protected…
As a longtime pet owner, I know the importance of flea and tapeworm prevention. My own dogs use Sentinel.
Lots of great information in this article. My only personal experience with fleas was moving into a home in New Zealand. There were fleas…mainly in the room where the previous owners dog slept. I had quite the time getting rid of them. We had no pets then, but the fleas were ezual opportunity employers…and flea bites are really really itchy!
Thank you so much for this very informative post! (And I got a kick out of the “Mommy! Ivi’s tapeworm got me!” photo.)
I have two indoor cats, and so this specific issue is not as relevant as it might be if I had dogs. That being said, I’m still glad to have read this, mainly for two reasons: 1) My mother has a dog that I “babysit” on occasion, and 2) It never hearts to gain this kind of important knowledge about the pets that we love!
I wish they had a product like this for cats! The only tapeworm experience I ever had was with a rescue cat I was helping at a shelter. They are so scary!
Great advice for any pet owner. It is important that a pet is a healthy addition to a family.
Tapeworms and fleas can be very debilitating for an animal. Never use treatments meant for dogs on cats. Thanks for sharing
Awesome photos, I love your creativity. These are two very important things to keep in mind and do what you can to prevent. I don’t believe any of our pets ever have had tapeworm, but we got some kittens from a farm and they came with flees. They were so little we had to use Eucalyptus oil I believe it was, because they were too young for chemical flea treatments. Whatever we used, it did work. Heck my mom’s outdoor/indoor cat has never had fleas and she has never done any preventative treatment. But those kittens some how had them, poor things.
We are thankful to have never dealt with the tapeworms either but I have seen pictures. They go hand and hand with fleas since fleas can carry them. *shiver*
I keep my dog and cats on flea protection all year long even in winter to prevent any infestations. It’s so important! I haven’t seen any fleas this summer. Thanks to Frontline and Advantage. I haven’t tried Sentinel before.
I’m guilty of only applying flea protection from about April to November. Thanks to your great information, I’ll keep it up year round!
OMG! Your pups are so ADORABLE!!! And, yes! Prevention is so important in keeping them healthy! This looks simple, easy and not as messy as what I use!!!
Having actually cared for a foster dog with multiple parasitic worm infections, including tapeworms, I can tell you that just the mention of tapeworms gives me shivers. A monthly preventative and regular fecal screenings are an absolute must.
Ah fleas and tapeworms I know them well from too many years of working in vet clinics. Sentinel was always a popular product for handling them.
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My cat never has fleas. But she picks up ticks in the woods during Summer. With good care they’re dead when we catch them.
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