However heavy worm burdens may cause inflammation of the intestine, diarrhea or constipation. Infected dogs may lose weight and have a rough hair coat. Gravid segments of D. caninum are motile, and may migrate out of the anus to the perianal area. The irritation produced by the migrating segments may cause the dog to drag its rump over the ground or lick its hind quarters excessively. However, this is a nonspecific sign.
Similar behavior is associated with pruritus ani and impacted anal glands.
Most often passage of segments is just unsightly. Infected dogs may scoot along the ground on their rear or lick their hindquarters excessively to relieve the itching produced by the migrating progiottids of D. caninum . Other signs include diarrhea, gas, vomiting, weight loss, and a dull coat. Segments may be seen around the anus or in the feces of dogs. Because of the vague clinical signs of most tapeworm infections a veterinarian should be consulted.