Clinical Features:
Most infections with Dipylidium caninum are asymptomatic.  Pets may exhibit behavior to relieve anal pruritis (such as scraping anal region across grass or carpeting).  Mild gastrointestinal disturbances may occur.  The most striking feature in animals and children consists of the passage of proglottids.  These can be found in the perianal region, in the feces, on diapers, and occasionally on floor covering and furniture.  The proglottids are motile when freshly passed and may be mistaken for maggots or fly larvae.

Laboratory Diagnosis:
The diagnosis is made by demonstrating the typical proglottids or egg packets in the stool or the environment.

Diagnostic findings

• Microscopy
• Macroscopy
• Morphologic comparison with other intestinal parasites

Treatment:
Treatment for both animals and humans is simple and very effective.  Praziquantel is given either orally or by injection (pets only).  The medication causes the tapeworm to dissolve within the intestines.  Since the worm is usually digested before it passes, it may not be visible in the dog's stool.  These drugs are generally well tolerated.  For additional information, see the recommendations in The Medical Letter (Drugs for Parasitic Infections).