The most common way a dog gets tapeworms is from having fleas, which often carry immature tapeworms. Dogs infested with fleas will often ingest fleas as they chew on themselves and become infected with tapeworms. Dogs can also get tapeworms from hunting small rodents or rabbits and even from consuming raw meat from wildlife or farm animals, such as elk, deer or sheep.

The most common way a cat gets tapeworms is from having fleas, which often carry immature tapeworms. Cats infested with fleas will frequently ingest them as they groom themselves (a daily behavior) and become infected with tapeworms.

Cats that hunt small rodents (in your house or backyard) may also be at risk of infection from tapeworms.

It can be difficult to tell if your dog or cat has tapeworms as many pets with tapeworm infections won't act sick or lose weight. If your dog or cat has a flea tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) you may periodically see tapeworm segments that look similar to small grains of rice or sesame seeds on the fur around their rear end or in their feces (poop). Other types of tapeworms shed microscopic eggs that you'll never see but can cause serious disease in people if inadvertently ingested. Your veterinarian is your best resource for information about tapeworms and how to treat and/or protect your dog from these parasites.

Luckily, one treatment with Droncit should be adequate to clear out the tapeworms. However, steps should be taken to treat and prevent fleas on the affected dog or cat (and other pets in the home) and remove rodents around the home or premises in order to prevent reinfection; otherwise, retreatment will be needed.

For complete directions for use and safety information read product label.

The directions for Droncit Tablets are simple! You can offer the proper dosage tablet(s), based on label directions, to your dog or cat by placing the tablet(s) in a pill pouch or include in a type of food your dog or cat will readily eat. Fasting is not necessary or recommended.

For complete directions for use and safety information read product label.

Tapeworms are considered zoonotic, meaning that infections can be spread between animals and humans. Practicing good hygiene such as routine hand washing, regularly picking up and disposing of pet fecal material, limiting opportunities for predation by your pet and maintaining good flea control can limit the risk of tapeworm infections for pets and people.

Droncit Tablets for dogs and Droncit Tablets for cats require a prescription and are available from veterinarians that carry the products.