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My 5-week-old puppy has tapeworms in her poop. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is 5 weeks and she has tapeworms in her poop what should i do

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 11th, 2017

Tapeworms are typically associated with fleas. There are over the counter deworming medications that can be used for tapeworms but if the fleas are not addressed as well the tapeworms will return. With a puppy that young most topical flea treatments are not appropriate but bathing with Dawn dish soap may help remove the fleas on your puppy currently.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 14th, 2018
Hello. Thank you for using PetCoach. Tapeworms need a special dewormer in order to treat them. It is called praziquantel. I suggest you get her to one of the VETCO clinics put on by Petco stores as they can prescribe/dispense this medication for you.

( https://www.vetcoclinics.com/services-and-clinics/clinic-locations-and-schedules/?zip=77067 )

Either take a photo of the worm or bring the worm with you so that you can get the appropriate medication. Sometimes people think they are seeing tapeworms but they are actually roundworms or hookworms and visa versa.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My puppy has worms, but is active and healthy. What should I do?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This worm looks like a tapeworm. Cassie should be treated with a deworming medication such as Panacar (fenbendazole) which treats roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms. This treatment is generally once daily for 3 days. Then, this same treatment should be repeated again in 3 weeks, and again in 3 months. This is done to ensure that all lifestages of the worms are treated by the medication. If there are any other pets in the household too, they need to be treated/dewormed too! I hope this is helpful!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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