tapeworms

My dog a shih-tzu has been passing some tapeworms, that I just noticed today, we live in Kanab,Ut. now where the ground doesn't freeze completly, use to live in Montana and Calif Baja, but I've never had him have worms before,why is this ??   and do I need to worm him regular now, and how else can the worms affect him ??
Thank you
Rose Sorensen

[Jaybay]

Any parasite left untreated can be lethal given enough time.  Take a stool sample to your vet (doesn't need to be a huge one!) and find out exactly what kind of worm you're dealing with.  Some worms can be difficult to get rid of, and may require repeat testing and treatment.  

If you don't have your dog on a heartworm preventive, it's time to start.  In addition to heartworms, these meds also prevent tapeworms and a host of other parasites from taking hold.  Even though your not in a high-risk area for heartworms, the meds will be beneficial.  Ask your vet about it.