In this post, our veterinarians in Portland discuss the causes, signs, treatment, and prevention of dog whipworm infections. These intestinal parasites can infect dogs, feeding on their blood and causing irritation and other uncomfortable symptoms.
What are whipworms in dogs?
Concerned pet parents often ask us, "What causes whipworms in dogs?" Whipworms (medical term: Trichuris vulpis) are intestinal parasites that can severely impact your dog's general health. They measure about 1/4 of an inch long and live in your dog's large intestine and cecum, attaching to the mucosal lining and causing significant irritation.
How do dogs get whipworms?
Whipworms live at the beginning of a dog's large intestine (cecum) and colon, where eggs can be passed into the dog's feces. A dog can get whipworms by ingesting an infested substance such as feces, animal flesh, water, soil, or food.
Eggs can survive for up to five years in moist, warm environments. In mild cases, you typically won't see symptoms. However, severe cases can cause symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, inflammation, and occasionally anemia.
Dogs can be diagnosed with whipworms when their vet takes a fecal sample. Bug false negatives are uncommon, as eggs are difficult to find on all samples. Repeating fecal exams is recommended if you see blood in your dog's stool. Your vet will often prescribe three monthly treatments.
Whipworm Appearance
This intestinal parasite is easily identifiable by its shape. It features a thicker front end and a long, thin back end that resembles a whip.
Lifecycle of Whipworm in Dogs
The lifecycle of a whipworm consists of three stages: egg, larvae, and adult. Whipworms lay eggs in a dog's intestine, which ends in the dog's stool. Infected dogs can potentially pass whipworm eggs to other animals whenever they defecate because the eggs can survive in the environment for up to five years.
Once outside the host, the eggs typically become infective within 10-60 days, ready to infect the next host animal. After being ingested, they hatch and mature in the pet's intestine, laying more eggs and starting the cycle over again.
Symptoms of Whipworm in Dogs
You will likely notice very few signs if your dog has recently contracted whipworms. In the later stages of the infection, some dogs may even remain asymptomatic. However, it's important to keep an eye out for some common whipworm symptoms, which include:
- Anemia
- Chronic diarrhea
- Blood in stool
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Poor coat appearance
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
Treating Whipworm in Dogs
Your veterinarian's office performs fecal exams as the most effective method for monitoring your dog for intestinal parasites, such as whipworms. It takes up to 12 weeks for whipworms to mature and start laying eggs, and they tend to lay a limited number of eggs inconsistently. Due to these factors, obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be challenging, often requiring multiple fecal exams.
How Your Vet Will Help
Whipworm eggs' resilience often leads to frequent reinfection, posing a challenging obstacle in eliminating whipworms.
To combat whipworm infestations in dogs, veterinarians typically prescribe medications to eradicate these parasites thriving within your dog's intestine. If your dog exhibits uncomfortable symptoms, additional medications may become necessary.
Most prescribed whipworm treatments involve administering medication at one-month intervals. To prevent reinfection, it is crucial to meticulously clean your dog's kennel area, bedding, and yard. Your veterinarian may also recommend periodic retreatment every four months to combat future reinfections proactively.
Preventing Whipworm in Dogs
Preventing whipworms is far more accessible and more effective than treating them. Many heartworm medications for dogs also safeguard against whipworms. By administering monthly heartworm medication to your pet, you can protect them from various intestinal parasites, including whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms. Don't hesitate to consult your vet for guidance on safeguarding your dog.
At Cedar Mill Veterinary Hospital, we take pride in providing a range of prevention products designed to safeguard your dog against intestinal parasites.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.