Whipworms are parasites that are found in dogs.It causes a lot of irritation in the lining of the gut wall.Poor coat condition, weight loss, and poor health are caused by this over time.If you own a dog, you need to know how to spot and treat the infection.
Step 1: Keep an eye out for bouts of vomiting.
Any dog that has frequent episodes of watery, bloody diarrhea should be suspected of having whipworm.A lack of energy and pale gums are signs that the dog is going to become anemic if the bloody diarrhea continues.
Step 2: There are signs of poor health.
The pale gums and lack of energy are caused by the whipworms.A lack of nutrition can cause a dog to lose weight due to an inability to digest its food normally.
Step 3: Take your dog to the doctor.
Any dog with bloody diarrhea should see a vet.Tell your veterinary office about the symptoms.They will give you an appointment to get your dog checked out if you bring it in right away.If you notice a problem at a time when your veterinary office is not open, you will need to make a decision on whether to take your dog to an emergency veterinary hospital.During an emergency, your veterinary office may have a number you can call.
Step 4: Bring a sample of your dog's feces to the veterinary office.
The vet will suggest a fecal flotation test if your dog has a history of bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and poor coat.They have to submit a sample of feces to the lab for suspension.Eggs can be captured and smeared onto a microscope slide for identification if they float to the top.The lemon shaped egg of trichuris was identified by the pathologist.
Step 5: If the tests come back negative, don't assume your dog is disease free.
The only diagnostic test that comes up with a false negative is for whipworms.There are signs of illness that can be seen before adult worms start to shed eggs.fecal sample tests can be false if adult worms are present, but they aren't yet at a stage in their life cycle where they produce eggs.It takes around 11 weeks from a dog getting whipworm eggs to hatch and produce adults that produce eggs.The worms are damaging the wall of the bowel prior to this.The female adult worms don't shed eggs all the time, but intermittently.There is an element of luck if you have reproductively-mature female worms present.
Step 6: Follow your doctor's suggestions.
False negative results are not uncommon on a fecal flotation test.If the dog's symptoms get better then the case will be proven.Not all anthelmintics kill whipworm, so double check the product you use to make sure trichuris is within its spectrum of activity.Most of the prescription products are supplied by your vet.
Step 7: preventative treatments should be given regularly.
It's important to keep your dog protected because of the high risk of infections from eggs.Repeated treatments are given every 3-4 months.There are many preventatives that are effective against whipworm.Fenbendazole is one of the drugs that are effective against trichuris.
Step 8: Dog feces can be cleaned up in your yard or in areas your dog frequents.
Good hygiene in your home and yard can help limit your dog's exposure to this disease.It's important to remove the feces of other dogs in areas your dog frequents.The disease can easily be passed from dog to dog through the ingestion of feces.
Step 9: Reinfection is a bad idea.
Even though your dog has been treated for an illness, it doesn't mean it's impossible to re-invade it.The eggs are hardy and can survive for up to 5 years in the environment, making it difficult to deal with whipworm infections.After your dog has been diagnosed, you should clean your home and yard.Don't leave feces in your yard.All solid outdoor areas should be washed with bleach water.