What is the recommended treatment for tapeworm infections in dogs?

The recommended treatment for tapeworm infections in dogs is the use of praziquantel or other anthelmintics. Praziquantel is a specific antiparasitic medication that effectively targets and eliminates tapeworms by causing paralysis in these parasites, allowing them to be expelled from the dog's body. It is important for treatment to directly address the intestinal parasite, which is the primary concern in tapeworm infections.

While effective flea control is crucial in preventing the transmission of tapeworms, particularly those transmitted by fleas (such as Dipylidium caninum), it does not serve as a treatment for an active infection. Probiotics and dietary changes may support overall gut health but are not effective treatments for tapeworms. Similarly, antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections and do not address parasitic infections like tapeworms. Therefore, the most appropriate and targeted option for treating tapeworms in dogs is the use of praziquantel or other appropriate anthelmintics.