WHIP WORMS in pets

Whipworms - Trichuris trichiura

Whipworms are extremely small worms that live in the cecum (the gut) and colon of your pet where they cause severe irritation. The adult lays eggs intermittently and it can take up to 12 weeks after maturing for the adult to begin laying eggs which are passed out in the faeces.

How does my pet get infected?

  • by eating infected matter
  • contact with infected animals
  • whipworm can live in the environment for years and be present in the soil, water, food, faeces, and animal flesh

What are the symptoms?

Whipworms can affect dogs and cats of any age and can cause serious disease.

  • weight loss
  • water, bloody diarrhoea
  • general debilitation

Are Humans At risk?   No.

How should I treat my pet?

Visit your veterinarian who can do a thorough examination. It may take several microscopic examinations over a period of time to diagnose whipworm, as eggs are not always present in the affected animal’s faeces. There are excellent treatments for whipworm available from your veterinarian.

When deworming your pet it is advisable to visit your vet clinic or vet shop and purchase a good quality product. Here you will be able to receive informed advice and instructions. Try to avoid buying dewormers from the supermarket or pet shops. Many of these products have been on the market for years and contain outdated active ingredients that can have side effects such as vomiting or diarrhoea. When in doubt ask your Vet..... That is what we are here for.

The four most common types of worms that affect our domestic pets are:

HOOK WORMS ROUND WORMS
TAPE WORMS WHIP WORMS

 

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