There are two species of tapeworms that affect dogs. Dipylidium caninum, which an animal gets by accidentally ingesting an adult flea containing the parasite, is the most common tapeworm found among dogs. Taenia species are transmitted to dogs that eat rabbits or rodents carrying these tapeworms. Neither type of tapeworm causes significant harm to canines, although minor irritation or itching of the anus may occur.
The adult tapeworm is composed of many small segments, called proglottids, and can reach a length of eight inches. The mature end segment of the tapeworm, which contains eggs, will break off and pass into the stool. These proglottids, which have been said to resemble "grains of white rice," may also appear on the animal's fur, near the anus.
