Whipworms are intestinal parasites that are relatively common in dogs but only occasionally seen in cats. The medical term for a whipworm infestation is trichuriasis. They are named after the variety of Trichuris species that affect various host species. The Trichuris vulpis parasite is often transmitted to dogs after they ingest infected food or other matter.
Whipworms are small worms, reaching a maximum size of two to three inches. They have a thin, whip-like front end and a thicker back end. The whipworms attach themselves to the walls of the large intestine, feeding on blood. Intense whipworm infections can cause chronic health problems in dogs.
The Whipworm Life Cycle
Whipworms have a simple life cycle; their eggs are passed in their feces, and under ideal conditions, they can cause whipworm infections after about two to four weeks in the environment. The eggs are then ingested (for example, when a dog is grooming itself or eating things off the ground) and hatch in the small intestine.
Eventually, the larvae move to the large intestine, taking about 11 weeks to become mature and capable of producing more eggs, which then pass to the environment. The eggs can survive for years in the environment. Whipworms are more common in older dogs than puppies, but they can infect dogs of any age.
Signs and Symptoms
In dogs with light infections, there are usually no symptoms. As an infection intensifies, inflammation of the large intestine can result, and any of the following symptoms may appear:
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Mucus or blood in the stool
- Anemia (pale gums, weakness) can be seen with chronic, heavy infections
Rarely, whipworm infections cause a syndrome similar to Addison's disease with periodic episodes of weakness and electrolyte imbalance, though the mechanism of this effect is poorly understood. Also, it's important to note that the symptoms of the infection may be present before there is any visual evidence of the whipworm eggs.
Diagnosis
The eggs of whipworms can be detected in a stool sample under the microscope. The test process is called fecal flotation. Unlike roundworms and hookworms, female whipworms only produce eggs intermittently, so the eggs can be difficult to catch on fecal tests. Repeated tests may be necessary, and if a whipworm infection is suspected, it is common to treat for whipworms even if eggs are not found.
Whipworm Treatment
Many medications can be used to treat whipworms, and your vet can help you pick the right one. Whipworms are often resistant to some common dewormers, so the treatment may be a prescription that is new to you. Repeated treatments are usually recommended for best results (for example, after three weeks and three months). If your dog is already taking a prescription heartworm medication, make sure you inform your veterinarian. They will need to align medications before starting on a course of another dewormer.
Since the eggs survive for a long time, the potential for reinfection from eggs that are left in the intestinal environment is significant and quite high. Your vet may recommend a monthly parasite preventative that is effective for whipworms to prevent whipworm infections on an ongoing basis. It is important to promptly and sanitarily remove pet waste to help prevent infections with whipworms.
If your dog has been diagnosed with whipworms, take care to clean any surfaces that may be infected. Use household bleach and other disinfectant cleaners. If your dog frequently defecates in a certain area in your yard, it may be beneficial to replace the gravel, woodchips, or other material in the area that is hard to clean.
Human Infection From Dog Whipworms
There have been rare and controversial reports of people being infected with canine whipworms. However, animal whipworms are not considered a significant human health risk. Humans have a species of whipworm: Trichuris trichuria.