Ask Dr. Fling

Q: I've had problems with finding small rice like worms on my dog's bottom and in his droppings. Just when I quit seeing them and I think they're gone, new ones show up again. What is causing these worms?

A: The worms you describe sound like tapeworms, which are acquired by the ingestion of a flea. It is difficult to imagine that something as small as a flea can carry the tiny lava of this ugly parasite! Once the infected flea is eaten by the pet, the larger tapeworm develops in the intestine. Periodically segments of the larger worm inside shed out of the body. These segments frequently resemble rice grains or cucumber seeds and often can be seen moving. Fortunately, your pet's doctor can easily eliminate these worms with an injection or an oral medication.