Dog’s whip-worms, scientifically known as Trichuris vulpis, are blood-sucking internal parasites, about 2 inches long in size and whip-shaped. They live in the dog’s small and large intestine, where they attach to the mucosal lining. How do dogs get whipworms?
How Do Dogs Get Whip-worm?
Worms’ eggs need to develop outside in the soil before being transmitted to a new host. Dogs become infected with whip-worms by swallowing whip-worm eggs in soil or other substances that may contain dog feces.
Whip worm Life cycle in dogs
Pet parents can prevent and treat their pooch from intestinal parasites like whipworms by learning about the whipworm’s life cycle.
While not exactly pleasant to think about, understanding a parasite’s life cycle helps us break up the life cycle to treat infestations better and allows us to choose the appropriate preventatives.
There are three stages of the whip-worm life cycle:
- Egg
- Larvae
- Adult
Adult whip-worms lay their eggs in the large intestine, where they are then passed into the dog’s stool to infect the environment.
The eggs mature to an infective state, or embryonated, in the environment, and are ready to re-infect the host or infect a new host in 10-to-60 days.
Once ingested, they hatch and mature in the lower intestinal tract, where they attach to feed and lay more eggs, continuing the cycle.
Symptoms of Whipworms in Dogs
The sign and symptoms of whipworms didn’t show in the early stages. However, the below sign and symptoms may develop later on.
- Irritation
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stools
- Anemia
If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately, as it could be a sign of a potentially fatal infection or other severe diseases.
Diagnosing Whipworms in Dogs:
Whipworms are diagnosed by taking a stool sample and examining it under a microscope.
The stool sample may take several times. The reason for this examination is that Adult whipworms pass eggs irregularly, so take several stool samples may take for an accurate diagnosis.
How to Treat and prevent whipworms in dogs?
Whipworms are treatable, so If you notice the above sign and symptoms in your pup, contact your vet immediately to diagnose the cause of the symptoms.
Remember that regular testing for internal parasites can help to diagnose the cause quickly.
If the whipworms are diagnosed, Your veterinarian may prescribe an anti-worm medication to kill the internal parasites.
Below are some of the common anti-worm medications used for whipworm in dogs.
- Milbemycin
- Milbemycin/lufenuron
- Milbemycin/spinosad
- Milbemycin/praziquantel
- Moxidectin/imidacloprid
- Febantel
- Fenbendazole
- Moxidectin/ imidacloprid
- Oxantel.