Definition
Canine whipworms, Trichuris vulpis and Trichuris campanula, are common intestinal parasites which embed themselves within the sensitive lining of a dog’s large intestine and feed on nutrients in the blood.
How Whipworms Affect Dogs
There is no particular gender, breed or age predisposition for whipworm infection in dogs. As adults, these are 3-8 centimeter parasites that primarily live in the dog’s lower gastrointestinal tract. They burrow into the lining of the large intestinal wall, causing a number of signs of large bowel inflammation including severe bloody diarrhea (which may contain mucous), vomiting, weakness, dehydration and malnutrition, among others.
Causes of Whipworm Infection in Dogs
Whipworm eggs contaminate the soil when a dog already infected with the adult parasites passes eggs through its feces. Infection of another dog occurs when it ingests those whipworm eggs. Dogs can pick up contaminated soil on their paws and can lick eggs from contaminated feces during self-grooming. Dogs can self-infect by passing eggs in their stool and re-ingesting them. When a dog ingests contaminated feces, the whipworm eggs settle in its digestive tract. The larvae go through several growth stages over a period of months and eventually mature. Adult females in the host dog’s large bowel lay thousands of eggs per day, which move through the dog’s digestive tract and are eliminated in its feces. Then, the cycle repeats. Whipworm eggs are extremely resistant to environmental conditions and can remain infective for many years.
Preventing Whipworm Infection
Most over-the-counter de-worming medications do not prevent or resolve whipworm infection. Prescription de-wormers or heartworm preventives are the best methods of preventing and controlling whipworm infection. Since whipworm eggs can contaminate the environment for years, regular de-worming protocols should be followed. Good environmental hygiene is also important; kennels, runs, yards or any areas where dogs defecate regularly should be cleaned regularly as well. Owners should avoid taking their unprotected dogs to areas frequented by dogs with unknown health status, particularly areas with obvious fecal contamination.
Special Notes
There are several good medical treatments for dogs diagnosed with whipworms, some of which are not appropriate for use in pregnant animals. Any medical treatment of an infected dog should be accompanied by nurturing supportive care. If your dog has been diagnosed with whipworms, it is important to follow the de-worming schedule that your veterinarian gives you.