Which parasite is commonly carried by fleas and can infect pets as a tapeworm?

• A. Heartworm
• B. Tapeworm
• C. Coccidia
• D. Mosquito

Answer: (B)

Fleas can act as intermediate hosts for tapeworms, most commonly Dipylidium caninum. In this cycle, fleas pick up tapeworm larvae, and when a dog or cat grooms and swallows an infected flea, the larvae mature into adult tapeworms in the intestines. That’s why fleas are a common source of infection for pets as tapeworms. The correct answer points to a tapeworm because the other options don’t fit this transmission route: heartworm is spread by mosquitoes, coccidia is a protozoan and not a tapeworm, and a mosquito is a vector for heartworm rather than a tapeworm infection. Treating involves a tapeworm dewormer (like praziquantel) plus robust flea control to prevent reinfection.