My dog got a pill from the vet because he had tapeworms. Does it kill them and that's it? Or does it continue to protect him for a month?

It kills them, but you must take another stool sample back in another 2-3 weeks to make sure all the worms are gone. They will test the sample to see if it's *clean* and if it isn't, the dog will need to be wormed again. It is common that a dog would need to be wormed twice, so make sure to take that other fresh stool sample to the Vet in another couple of weeks.

Tapeworm medication works for the current problem. Because tapeworms are most often caused by ingesting an infected flea this can be a problem that returns. A tapeworm is actually long and segmented and the segments come out sporadically (look like a rice grain). The medication will kill the adult. BUT - if the animal ingests another infected flea the problem will recur.

This particular parasite needs a specific medication so a general dewormer does not work. The key is to treat as needed. Flea prevention helps by killing the flea (after biting) but before it reproduces. So - you may see this problem again in the future. Also note that this particular parasite egg is not always seen on a fecal sample. Some vets will treat again in 2 weeks just to make sure..

Wormers for any worm are a one-time deal - they kill the live worms and eggs, but do not prevent the dog from getting worms again. The vet may suggest that the dog be wormed again in two weeks. Do discuss with the vet the source of the tapeworms, and see what you can do to eliminate (or minimize) them in the dog's environment.

It kills the worms and that's it for now. Dogs can get re-infested with tapeworms by swallowing fleas.

and you did not talk to your vet about is ?

it kills them