Whipworms are one of several internal parasites that commonly live in the large intestines of dogs–and only rarely in cats. They get their name from the whip-like shape of the adult worms; the front portion of the worm is very thin, while the back end is thick. Female whipworms can grow to three inches in length and produce up to 2,000 eggs per day!
– Whipworms pass microscopic eggs in the stool, which are very resistant to drying and heat, so they can remain alive in the environment for up to five years. Pets catch the disease by ingesting eggs from the environment, often during grooming or ingesting infected food or water.
– Whipworm infection results in watery, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, dehydration and anemia.
– Whipworms are diagnosed by finding eggs during a microscopic examination of the stool.
– Several drugs are effective in the treatment of whipworms, but the simplest way to prevent the disease in canines is to use a heartworm preventive that contains a whipworm medication. Cats should not be placed in closed or crowded quarters with other animals.
Whipworms don’t have to get your pet down. You can deter them through proper preventive care.