Many pet owners are surprised to learn that tapeworms don’t usually come from dirt, grass, or other pets. In most cases, tapeworm infections begin with a flea.

The Flea-Tapeworm Connection

The most common tapeworm found in dogs and cats is transmitted when a pet accidentally swallows an infected flea while grooming.

Here’s how it happens:

1. A flea picks up tapeworm larvae from the environment.
2. The flea jumps onto your dog or cat.
3. Your pet chews, licks, or grooms themselves and swallows the flea.
4. The tapeworm develops inside your pet’s intestines.

This is why pets with fleas are at a much higher risk of developing tapeworms.

Signs Your Pet May Have Tapeworms

Common symptoms include:

• Rice-like segments around the tail or in bedding
• Scooting or dragging the rear end
• Excessive licking around the tail area
• Mild digestive upset
• Visible tapeworm segments in stool

Many pets otherwise appear completely healthy.

Why Deworming Alone Isn’t Enough

One of the biggest mistakes pet owners make is treating the tapeworm but ignoring the fleas.

Even after successful deworming, a pet can become reinfected simply by swallowing another flea.

Think of it this way:

❌ Treating only the tapeworm removes the symptom.

✅ Treating the tapeworm AND the fleas eliminates the source.

For long-term success, both problems should be addressed at the same time.

A Complete Tapeworm Treatment Plan

Step 1: Eliminate Existing Tapeworms

Use a tapeworm-specific dewormer recommended for your pet’s species and weight.

If you’re unsure which dewormer is appropriate, our team can help you select the correct option.

Step 2: Kill Fleas on Your Pet

Effective flea control products help stop the cycle immediately.

Popular UPCO flea control options include:

• CAPSTAR® Flea Control Tablets
• Frontline Plus or generic Firstect Plus
• Advantage II or generic Avantect II
• Seresto Flea & Tick Collars

These products help eliminate adult fleas before they can continue the tapeworm cycle.

Step 3: Treat Your Home

Did you know that only a small percentage of a flea population lives on your pet?

The majority may be hiding in:

• Carpets
• Furniture
• Pet bedding
• Cracks and crevices

Products such as:

• Zodiac Carpet & Upholstery Spray
• Flea Beacon Flea Trap
• Adams Flea & Tick Home Products

can help reduce flea populations inside your home.

Step 4: Treat Your Yard

If your pet spends time outdoors, your yard may be serving as a flea breeding ground.

Fleas thrive in:

• Shaded areas
• Under decks
• Tall grass
• Damp landscaping

Using an outdoor flea treatment can help reduce reinfestation and protect your pet year-round.

Prevention Is Easier Than Treatment

The best defense against tapeworms is maintaining consistent flea control throughout the year.

Even one flea can restart the tapeworm cycle.

By combining:
✔ Tapeworm treatment
✔ Flea control on your pet
✔ Home flea control
✔ Yard flea control

you can dramatically reduce the chance of future tapeworm problems.

Need Help Choosing the Right Products?

At UPCO Pet Supplies, we’ve been helping pet owners tackle fleas, ticks, and parasites since 1952.

Whether you need a tapeworm treatment, flea prevention, or products for your home and yard, our team can help you build a complete plan to keep your pet healthy and parasite-free.

Stop by our St. Joseph store, give us a call, or shop online anytime.