Named for their whip-like shape, whipworms in dogs, or trichuriasis, are microscopic parasites. You can’t see them or their football-shaped eggs without a microscope, but you can see their damage to your dog’s health, particularly if they’ve been living in her intestines for a while. Freaked out? No need to be.
What Are the Typical Symptoms of Whipworms in Dogs?
A marvel of evolution, whipworms have one thick end, which is literally used to whip up the cells found in a dog’s intestinal tract, so they can easily ingest them. Unlike other parasites, whipworms don’t consistently shed in fecal matter, so diagnosis from just one stool sample may be inconclusive. In the same manner, whipworm symptoms can come and go, so vigilance is extremely important.
“The symptoms of whipworms in dogs are similar to those of other parasites,” says Dr. Martha Bennett, a veterinarian at BluePearl Veterinary Partners. “They include diarrhea, poor appetite, weight loss, shedding and eventually anemia.” Since whipworms reside in the intestinal tract, you may also see blood in your dog’s stool, caused by damage to his intestinal cells.
Dogs with whipworms may exhibit extreme symptoms, like very dramatic weight loss and severe shedding, or none at all. “Dogs can sometimes live with whipworms for a long time but in other cases it can be fatal, particularly if blood loss or dehydration is severe,” she adds.
How Does a Dog Get Whipworms?
Puppies are often born with whipworms, received via direct transmission from their mother, but that’s not the only way dogs can get infested. An equal opportunity infester, whipworm transmittal is easy and the parasite can be passed between dogs, cats and people. Dogs may pick it up from chewing grass, sniffing stool or hanging around in areas with lots of dirt, like a backyard. They can also get it from close contact with other dogs, cats and people, both indoors and out, no matter the temperature.
To eliminate transmission potential, avoid any area where dogs toilet and keep your own grounds clean and free of droppings, and make sure your dog walker knows to do this, too. It’s also really important that people never, ever walk barefoot where a dog might have stooled. “Transmission, especially to children, is often caused when whipworm larvae burrow through the skin on the bottoms of their feet,” explains Dr. Bennett, who stresses the potential severity in humans, who can go blind from the disease if left untreated.
How Do You Prevent Whipworms Completely?
“The best way to prevent parasitic infection of all kinds, including whipworms, is by keeping your dog’s environment clean and providing monthly worm prevention. Standardly prescribed heartworm pills eliminate whipworms, too,” says Dr. Bennett. If your puppy or dog already has the parasite, your veterinarian will make the diagnosis and prescribe appropriate medication that can eliminate maturing eggs as well as the grown worms.
It’s important not to take a deworming break during cold weather months. “Whether you live in the tropics or the Arctic, monthly deworming is imperative to protect both your pets and yourself. Whipworms are not a seasonal disease,” says Dr. Bennett.
How Do You Get Rid of Whipworms?
Whipworms, once diagnosed, are easily dealt with although any resulting issues from severe infestation, such as anemia, may require longer-term treatment. Dr. Bennett stresses that if your dog receives regular veterinary care, there’s nothing to worry about. Otherwise, there could be a real danger to your entire family.
Other parasites, such as tapeworms, can be transmitted through flea bites. Learn more with How to Protect Your Pet From Fleas and Ticks.
Corey Kagan is a freelance writer (and animal lover) living in New York.
* This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be providing medical advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The reader should always consult a health care provider concerning any medical condition or treatment plan. Neither Care.com nor the author assumes any responsibility or liability with respect to use of any information contained herein.
