Tape worm question?

[labman]

When one of my three dogs shows signs of tape worm I go out and medicate all three,which can get a little expensive.
I was wondering how necessary it is to medicate all three at the same time?
And if there is any natural alternatives to drugs?

 

[bubbatd]

Tapeworm = fleas .....take care of one and you won't have the other .

 

[labman]

I know fleas can be the no.1 cause of tape worm,but am thinking he might have picked up an egg somewhere else since I haven't seen a flea in a couple years.

 

[bubbatd]

You're right ...if they've picked up any animal outside ,,, they can get the eggs from their bodies .

 

[labman]

Well "Bear" the one that has the tape-worm is an avid mole catcher,so he probabely picked it up from that.
I think my MAIN question now is-can my other two dogs get a worm egg from "Bear"?
And if they should be wormed at the same time? I'm sure a vet would probabely worm all three dogs,but wondering if it might be a waist of doe.

 

[MafiaPrincess]

Think it takes 3 weeks from getting it to start producing tape worm segments. So if one is showing it, actively watch the rest for a minimum of 3 weeks. Segments are passed while laying down and sleeping and such. So if another dog goes to that area after the infected one was there, they could pick up segments..

 

[labman]

Thankyou,I was thinking the others might pick it up from sharing the same bowl,they do have their seperate sleeping quarters,so maybe I'll just get medicine for Bear then and watch for signs with the other two.

 

[Beth82]

Dogs can't get tapeworm directly from other dogs, according to all I've read. The eggs need to pass through an intermediate host like fleas, rabbits, or other small animals.

 

[bubbatd]

Agree ... I wouldn't treat until you see them .

 

[labman]

That's good to know,I'll just worm the one and change his bedding.
I'll save about 50 bucks by just worming the one.