Intestinal parasites are one of the most common health issues found among dogs. Whipworms, along with roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms, are considered to be the “big four” intestinal parasites that infect our four-legged canine friends.
Whipworms are so named because of the fact that the adult worms have a whip-like shape. The front portion of the worm is very thin and resembles the whip. The posterior end of the worm is thick and looks like the whip handle.
Whipworms live in the large intestine and cecum, which is the small portion of the intestine that is found at the junction of the small and large intestines.
Dogs become infected by whipworms by ingesting food or water that is contaminated with whipworm eggs. The dog swallows the eggs and they hatch. Within a little less than three months time, the larvae mature into adults in the cecum and large intestine where they feed on blood by burrowing their mouths into the intestinal wall. Adults go on to lay eggs that are passed from the dog’s body through its feces. After a month in the soil, the eggs mature and are capable of causing infection.
Know the territory in which you allow your dog to run. Dog parks and sites where dogs frequently do their bathroom business should be avoided to lessen the chances of becoming infected by whipworms.
A whipworm infestation has to be diagnosed by the dog’s vet, who will examine the feces for signs of the eggs. Since the egg numbers are usually small, repeat fecal examinations may be necessary to pinpoint the existence of the parasites.
If your dog is infected with just a few of these worms, there may not be any obvious signs of a parasite infection. In more severe cases, you may see bloody diarrhea that is accompanied by mucous that is produced from the inflamed intestine, which can hemorrhage. Anemia can result from a severe whipworm infection.
It is important to treat whipworms immediately. If left untreated, a whipworm infection can be fatal. That is why is it is very important to have your dog’s feces checked for parasites at least once or twice a year.
There are several good wormers on the market that are quite effective when it comes to ridding your dog of whipworms. The dog’s veterinarian will make a decision on which is best for your dog.
Although it is possible for whipworms to be transmitted to humans, it is an uncommon occurrence. Pet owners should take precautions by wearing gloves and thoroughly washing their hands after cleaning up after their dogs.
Whipworms are very resistant have been known to live for years in soil. Freezing temperatures seem to have little or no effect on the eggs. In order to avoid having whipworm eggs take over your soil, clean up feces every day. There is no known method that effectively works to kill whipworm eggs in the soil.
If you have a kennel or dog run, they must be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis. Impervious surfaces make the job a lot easier.
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