Whipworms are parasites that can infect a dog or cat’s intestinal tract and feed on the pet’s blood, ultimately causing dehydration, and anemia, and if left untreated, can lead to death.
Testing
Whipworm eggs will come out in your pet’s stool, but if there are only a few adult parasites present, not all of your pet’s feces will contain the eggs. For this reason, your vet may need to test your pet’s stool several times in order to identify whipworms positively.
Deworming Medication
Your pet will need a dewormer solution if they’ve been infected with whipworms. Be sure to find one that includes whipworms in its specific target. Some heartworm medications and other parasite dewormers will work against several types of parasites. If your dog or cat is already on heartworm medication, though, ask your veterinarian before starting a separate whipworm dewormer.
How the Medication Works
Deworming medicines target the adult whipworms that have attached to the intestinal wall in the cecum, which is a part of the intestine where the small and large intestine meet. Dewormers attack the worms’ nervous system, so they release their bite on the intestines and pass out of the body through the stool. The medications cause hyperpolarization of the worm’s cells, which results in the worms losing their ability to move and bite.
Once in the outside environment, the worm dies. Because some worms may be in different life stages at the time of treatment, deworming medicines may have to be administered several times to be fully effective. Worms that aren’t yet adults won’t be affected by the medication, so you’ll have to catch them again as they reach the adult life stage.
Common Types of Dewormers
- Febantel (in Drontal Plus)
- Pyrantel pamoate (in Drontal, Drontal Plus, Strongid, Nemex, Heartgard Plus, Iverhart Plus, and Iverhart Max)
- Praziquantel (in Drontal, Drontal Plus, and Iverhart Max)
- Ivermectin (in Heartgard Plus, Iverhart Plus, and Iverhart Max)
- Piperazine (in many over-the-counter products)
- Fenbendazole (in Panacur)
- Milbemycin oxime (in Trifexis)
- Moxidectin (in AdvantageMulti for Dogs and AdvantageMulti for Cats)
Prevention
Since whipworms can be common in dogs, especially puppies, it’s essential to get your new pup checked immediately. Cats are less likely to be infected with whipworms, but if you notice any symptoms, take your pet to the veterinarian.
Your vet may recommend a year-round preventative deworming medication if your pet is at a high risk of infection or has had recurring infections.
To reduce the risk of your pet getting whipworms, clean the litterbox or the place in the yard where your dog eliminates on a regular basis so any eggs present can’t mature and become infective. Don’t let your dog sniff or eat the stool of another animal anywhere, like in a park or along your walking route.
Cleaning Infected Surfaces
If you can clean a surface you think may be infected with whipworm eggs, use household bleach and water in a 1:32 parts solution. If a large number of eggs have already spread in your yard, you may need to replace gravel, woodchips, or other un-cleanable surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a dog to recover from whipworms?
Treatment for whipworms typically lasts for three months, with regular fecal exams to monitor progress. After completing the treatment and confirming that your pet no longer has whipworms through fecal exams, your pet should be considered recovered from the infection. However, it's necessary to continue monitoring your pet for any signs of re-infestation and to follow preventative measures to reduce the risk of future infections.
Is whipworm serious in dogs?
Whipworms can be a serious health issue for dogs, especially if left untreated. Whipworms are a type of intestinal parasite that lives in the large intestine of dogs and can cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia. In severe cases, whipworms can cause significant damage to the intestinal lining, leading to chronic diarrhea, malnutrition, and even death. Whipworms can also be challenging to diagnose because they produce fewer eggs compared to other intestinal parasites, making them difficult to detect in fecal exams. Fortunately, whipworms can be effectively treated with medications prescribed by a veterinarian. It's also essential to follow preventative measures, such as practicing good hygiene, regular deworming, and maintaining a clean living environment to reduce the risk of future infections.
Can you see whipworms in dog poop?
Whipworms are small, thread-like worms that are about 1 to 3 centimeters long and have a distinctive shape. They have a thicker, rounded end (known as the "whip") and a thinner, thread-like tail. When viewed under a microscope, whipworms look like tiny pieces of thread that are enlarged on one end, giving them their characteristic whip-like shape. It is also possible to see whipworm eggs in dog poop under a microscope during a fecal examination. Whipworm eggs are oval-shaped and have a characteristic brownish color, and can often be identified by a trained veterinary professional. While whipworms may not always be visible in dog poop with the naked eye, you may occasionally notice small, white, or off-white threads in your dog's stool, which could be an indication of a whipworm infection.
What kills whipworms in dogs?
There are several medications that can effectively kill whipworms in dogs. These medications include fenbendazole, febantel, milbemycin oxime, and moxidectin. Your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate medication for your dog's individual case. The medication is typically administered orally and is usually given over a period of several days or weeks, depending on the severity of the infection. In some cases, repeat treatments may be necessary to ensure that all the worms have been eliminated. In addition to medication, your veterinarian may also recommend dietary changes and other measures to help support your dog's recovery and prevent re-infection.
What prevents whipworms?
Your veterinarian can recommend a deworming schedule that is appropriate for your dog's age, lifestyle, and level of exposure to parasites. Deworming medications can help eliminate and prevent the spread of whipworms and other intestinal parasites. Practicing good hygiene can help reduce the risk of exposure to parasites. This includes washing your hands thoroughly after handling dogs or their feces, cleaning up after your dog promptly, and maintaining a clean living environment. Whipworm eggs can survive in the soil for several years, so it's important to avoid areas that are heavily contaminated with feces, such as dog parks or other public areas where dogs are allowed to roam freely. Regular fecal exams can help detect whipworms and other parasites early before they cause significant health problems. Your veterinarian can recommend a fecal exam schedule that is appropriate for your dog's individual needs.
More Ways to Prevent Disease in Pets
How a Healthy Weight Can Prevent Disease in Your Dog
Vitamins and Supplements for Dogs and Cats
This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
