Cat Health Questions

Tapeworm Treatments

The first action of treatment is to control the intermediate hosts – namely, the fleas. If your house and pet are flea-free then the chances of your pet getting tapeworm is diminished drastically. However there are conventional and natural treatments that can help to rid already existing tapeworm infestations and help to prevent them.

Conventional Treatments

If your pet has tapeworms you veterinarian may prescribe a medication such as Praziquantel. Drugs such as these work by dissolving the tapeworm inside your pet’s intestine an unlike after treating roundworms, you generally won’t see dead tapeworms being expelled in your pet’s stool.

One treatment is effective enough to kill off infestation; however, sometimes a second dose is advised if the chances or immediate re-infection are high. Some vets advise that you manage the flea problem before coming back for a second dose, while others advise only coming back if your pet shows signs of re-infection. Keep in mind that these drugs do sometimes have side-effects such as nausea and because they are chemical based, frequent use can negatively affect your pet’s immune system.

Natural Remedies

Because of their potential negative affects, many pet owners are turning to more holistic and natural treatments for their pets. There are a number of herbal ingredients that can help treat and protect your pet against infestations of tapeworm. Herbs such as Wormwood and Ruta graveolens help to cleanse the digestive system and promote internal balance. They also help by restoring digestive health after parasitic infections. Others beneficial herbs include Cloves and Neem which have antiparacitic and bactericidal properties which discourage pests and act as natural parasite repellants.

Tips for preventing Tapeworm

* The number one preventative measure for preventing tapeworms is to get rid of fleas on your pet! Fleas are not always easy to control, but by keeping your pet and house flea-free, you can greatly reduce the chances of a tapeworm infestation.
* Eating raw meat is another common way that tapeworm is transmitted so make sure your pet eats only cooked meat.
* Make sure your pets have a healthy sanitation area. This includes cleaning litter boxes daily and regularly removing stools from the garden.
* Tapeworm can also be transmitted by smaller host animals such as rodents. The larvae lay dormant until the host animal is caught and ingested by a larger animal. If your cat is an avid hunter it is at a much greater risk of contracting a number of unwanted parasites. You can try a collar with a bell to discourage your pet from catching small animals.
* While humans can get tapeworm, it is rare and only likely to occur if they swallowed a flea or ate uncooked meat or fish. However, it is always important to practice good hygiene when cleaning litter trays or cleaning up after your pet as other parasites can infect people this way.

Recommended Product

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