Most pet owners are familiar with spring’s more common pests such as fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. However, each of these well-known nuisances has the potential to transmit a variety of diseases.

For example, most pet owners are likely aware of the discomfort fleas can cause pets, and themselves, if bitten. However, fleas are also intermediate hosts for the parasite Dipylidium caninum, a type of tapeworm. This parasite causes infection when a cat or dog ingests an infected flea.

Though infected animals are usually asymptomatic, an infection may present as gastrointestinal issues. Sometimes tapeworm segments, which resemble grains of rice, can be seen in the feces or pet bedding. FULL ARTICLE