The Effects of Whipworms in Canines

Whipworms, internal parasites that embed themselves in the walls of a dog's large intestine, thrive by ingesting the dog's blood and tissue. Left unchecked, whipworms continue to reproduce inside the dog, resulting in an infestation that can last years without treatment. Though a small infestation causes few side effects, a large one can lead to severe dehydration and anemia, both potentially life-threatening conditions.

  1. Identification

    • Whipworms, usually less than 2 inches long, are the smallest of the four major types of gastrointestinal parasites that affect dogs. The worm is so named because of its whiplike shape, with a narrow head and wider tail. The most common type of canine whipworm is Trichuris vulpis. After a dog comes into contact with soil contaminated with the eggs of a whipworm, he may groom himself, ingesting the eggs, which then hatch in the small intestine. About a week later, the worms travel down to the large intestine, where they attach their heads to the wall of the intestine to ingest blood and nutrients from the dog.

    Effects

    • Once attached to the large intestine, whipworms cause inflammation and blood loss. A large infestation leads to chronic bloody diarrhea, which can bring on anemia and dehydration. Whipworm infestations also can mimic Addison's disease, a condition that prevents the body from conserving salt, leading to dehydration that requires hospitalization for intravenous fluids. Eradicating the worms reverses this condition. Because the worms deprive the dog of nutrients, other side effects include weight loss and poor coat condition. In some cases, worms will break through the wall of the intestine, resulting in severe inflammation.

    Treatment

    • If you suspect your dog has a whipworm infestation, take him to an experienced veterinarian for a diagnosis. A fecal sample may or may not detect the presence of the worms, because they do not shed eggs continuously. A second test may be necessary if eggs are not detected in the first, but if the symptoms are consistent with whipworms, the veterinarian may recommend treating for them right away, without waiting for confirmation. Depending on the condition of the dog, the vet may recommend either hospitalization or medication to treat the worms.

    Prevention

    • Whipworms survive in the environment for up to five years and come from soil that has been exposed to the feces of infected dogs. Keeping your dog away from outdoor locations with soil and multiple dogs can help prevent infection. Administer preventative medications as recommended by your veterinarian to ward off both whipworm and heartworm. Clean your dog's outdoor environment of feces and bathe your dog after outdoor play to keep his fur free of whipworm eggs.