Whipworms are intestinal parasites that infect dogs throughout the
United States. Cats are not at risk. Whipworms are approximately
a
quarter-inch in length-much smaller than tapeworms, roundworms, or
hookworms-and they are rarely seen alive.
Whipworm Life Cycle
Whipworms, which get their
name from the whip-like shape of adult worms, live in the colon or
large intestine of dogs. They bite
the tissue and embed their heads, which allows them to suck blood
and irritate the intestine walls. When whipworms lay eggs,
the eggs are deposited into the stool and passed out of the
body.
Two to 4 weeks after the eggs leave the body, they enter the soil
and become capable of infecting another animal. Infection
occurs
when the eggs are swallowed after a dog walks over them and then
licks his paws, or when egg-infested soil gets on toys or food
or water dishes. The ingested eggs then hatch in the small
intestine of the newly infected animal. The hatched worms grow
into the larval stage and enter the large intestine, where they
finish maturing. The cycle then repeats.
Moist soil contaminated with whipworms can remain infested for
years. Fortunately, whipworms don't pose a health risk to
humans.
Whipworm Dangers
In small numbers, whipworms are not hazardous to your dog. If there
is a large quantity, however, inflammation caused by their bites
can lead to bloody diarrhea. The blood loss isn't enough to be
dangerous, but the diarrhea is hard to control. Affected dogs may
also lose weight.
Detection of whipworm infection is tricky because tests will be
positive only when eggs are seen in the stool. However, unlike
other common intestinal parasites in dogs, whipworms do not
continually lay eggs, so eggs are not always present in the feces.
Your veterinarian may, therefore, order deworming even if the test
is negative. It often takes several rounds of deworming before all
the worms are gone from your dog's system.
Prevention
To prevent potential exposure to whipworms, any feces in your yard
should be picked up daily. In addition, many heartworm preventives
also control whipworms. Discuss products with your veterinarian to
make sure you select the right one for your dog.
It often takes several rounds of deworming before all the worms are
gone from your dog's system.
Pet Care
