Tape Worm

    Tape Worm is a white worm that can grow up to several feet. It grows in the large intestine and uses sucking cups to attach itself and suck the blood. Your dog can get Tape Worm very easily by eating rabbit dung, grass, or by drinking in sheep grazing ponds. Your dog can also get it by segments of the worm scattered across the ground (not necessarily feces, can be soil). But most of all, it is passed along by fleas. If not removed soon enough, the tape worms can develop into bladder worms.  
    You can tell if your dog has Tape Worm if he/she's loosing flesh, looking poor (but not sickly), lessens her/his appetite, and gets a dull, harsh coat. An easy way to tell if your dog has Tape Worm is to look around the anus to see if there are white segments about 1/4 of an inch that look like uncooked rice. Don't get alarmed if some wiggle, for they're just moist segments.
    Get veterinary care as soon as possible. Your dog will be given medication that kills the worm in one application. But beware, if fleas continue to flourish on your dog, the worm may reappear, so flea medication/preventative is advised.