This worm typically infects dogs, but is occasionally found in children. Adult tapeworms in the small intestine produce segments that are passed in the stool. These segments can be attached together in a long, flat, white ribbon; or they can break apart and resemble small rice grains or fly larvae. The segments then release egg packets that are ingested by the intermediate host – the common flea and possibly lice (other types of dog tapeworms have rabbits and rodents as the intermediate host). The dog then becomes infected by ingesting the adult flea (or a rabbit/rodent for the other tapeworm). Often there are no symptoms, but tapeworms can cause itching under the tail and mild gastrointestinal disturbances. Treating tapeworms involves eliminating fleas (and lice) and using a dewormer formulated specifically for tapeworms (Droncit).