How long do tapeworm eggs last and can my pet get reinfected?

Question

How long can tape worm eggs live after being expelled by the host. Is this a possible way of reinfection.

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA · Accepted Answer

It is possible for tapeworm eggs to survive months after being passed by your pet but they then require an additional 'intermediate' host before reinfecting your pet dog or cat. The most common type is passed through fleas and these can last for over a year before developing fully (other rarer types are passed through raw meat including rodents etc if cats catch mice). It is helpful to get your vet to confirm the type of tapeworm in order to understand the cycle of infection - using an insecticidal household flea spray is essential to break the flea/tapeworm life cycle

How long do tapeworm eggs last and can my pet get reinfected?

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