Dog Tapeworm (Proglottid segment)

Scientific Name: Dipylidium caninum

Order & Family: Order: Cyclophyllidea / Family: Dipylidiidae

Size: Proglottids (segments) are typically 3-12 mm long and resemble grains of rice or cucumber seeds when fresh, shrinking and becoming yellowish-brown when dried.

Dog Tapeworm (Proglottid segment)

Natural Habitat

Intestinal tract of dogs and cats (adults); fleas (intermediate host); commonly found on bedding, anal fur, or fresh feces as expelled segments.

Diet & Feeding

Absorbs nutrients directly through its skin from the host's intestinal contents.

Behavior Patterns

Adult worms release egg-filled segments (proglottids) that migrate out of the host's anus. These segments can move independently when fresh and eventually dry out, releasing eggs to be eaten by flea larvae.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause itching and irritation ('scooting') in pets; rarely infects humans (requires ingestion of infected flea). Benefits: None (parasitic).

Identified on: 3/9/2026