whipworms in dogs

Bloody diarrhea is one of the clinical signs of whipworm infection in dogs. Here’s what to know and how to help your pet.

Whipworms are a common parasite that can sicken pets of all ages. Untreated infestations can lead to a number of serious health problems like chronic inflammation, dehydration, and blood loss.

What to know about whipworm and the whipworm life cycle

Pets and people contract whipworm by accidentally eating microscopic whipworm eggs remaining in the soil from previously contaminated poop.

Whipworms are a common parasite, especially in dogs

Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis and Trichuriasis serrata) are a kind of parasitic worm. All varieties live in the large intestine and the cecum, the area where the small intestine and large intestine attach, to drain out nutrition from their host.

Each threadlike whipworm grows to be roughly ¼ inch long. They’re named for their long, whiplike tail, which tangles itself into the intestinal lining so the worm can bite into the intestine and feed.

Whipworm infestations, or trichuriasis, cause nutrient loss and unhealthy internal inflammation that leads to diarrhea, weight loss, and a general failure to thrive.

Whipworms lay eggs that spread through contaminated stool

Whipworms spread when their host ingests (eats) their tiny eggs, which are often found in feces-contaminated soil. Whipworm eggs are incredibly hard to kill and can last in soil for years, even through heat and drought. 

Once a pet eats a whipworm egg, the egg will hatch into a worm, which is carried to the cecum or the large intestine as food is digested. There it will attach, feed, and mature. At around 70–80 days old, it’s able to send out eggs in the host’s contaminated poo.

Whipworm affects both the small and large intestine

Whipworms are a disease of the digestive system. Their eggs hatch in the small intestine, then travel to the cecum and the large intestine to attach to the intestinal wall.

The most common symptom of whipworm in pets is watery or bloody diarrhea, which can cause life-threatening dehydration. Your pet may also lose weight, be lethargic, and generally look unwell.

Whipworm is less common in cats than in dogs, and cats may show fewer severe symptoms. However, be aware that pets with whipworm can pass contagious whipworm eggs in their stool before showing any signs of having a parasite.

If I don’t see eggs in a stool sample, does my pet still have worms?

You are unlikely to see tiny whipworms or their eggs in pet poop with your naked eye since they’re microscopic. Because of the whipworm life cycle, your pet can spread contagious eggs even when they don’t show symptoms — or they may have active symptoms with no worms or eggs in their stool.

An untreated whipworm infestation can cause chronic health and digestive issues for your pet. It can also lead to life-threatening dehydration from fluid loss due to diarrhea.

Without veterinary care, whipworms could decrease your pet’s quality of life. Worms will continue to feed on the blood and tissue of your pet’s intestines, cause inflammation and digestive upset, and shed contagious eggs into their poop.

Can I treat whipworm in my pet without a vet?

Despite claims about natural “cures” like papaya seeds and cucumber, there is no proof that any of these home remedies can treat whipworm in people or pets. Consulting your veterinary team is the safest, most effective way to both help treat your pet and to help stop the spread of whipworm eggs.

Due to the whipworm lifecycle, pets typically need more than one course of anti-parasitic medication to help beat the infection. Follow all directions from your veterinary team — you want to make sure to eliminate mature worms plus any new worms that may hatch and grow.

How can I help my pet avoid getting whipworms?

Some parasite prevention medications can help protect against a range of worms, including whipworm. Reach out to your veterinary team to find out what we recommend for your pet’s location and lifestyle.

You can also help with good pet care and proper hygiene:

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