Dog Health
Issues - Description of Whipworms ( Trichuris vulpis )
It is not surprising that Whipworms are often referred to in two
separate words as in Whip Worms because the description of these
parasites is that they look like a stock whip. These types of worms are called
Trichuris vulpis. Whipworms measure between 1.75 to 3 inches long
and live in the dog's large intestine and lives off the blood of
the dog. There are many different types of dog and puppy parasites
and most puppies are born infested with the 'worms'. The generic
term "worms" is usually used to describe Roundworms - the most
common of all the canine worms.
Internal
Worms - live off the dogs
Worms, including the Whipworm are the common name for Canine parasites which exist
internally and externally. As internal parasites
they live off the puppy or dog robbing them of vital nutrients
needed to stay healthy. Left untreated, intestinal parasites will
stunt the growth and weaken young puppies.
External parasites eggs or larvae are shed into the environment via feces and
infect other dogs.
Dog Health
Problems - Transmission of Worms
including Whipworms
There are several species of whipworms and they are transmitted eating infective eggs or larvae which live in the soil or in small
rodents. They can only be detected by investigating a stool
sample.
Dog Health
Problems - Symptoms of Whipworms
The symptoms of Whipworms are not
always apparent but can include the following:
Anaemia
Weight loss
Apathy
Dehydration
Diarrhea
Dog Health
Questions - Dogs susceptible to
Whipworms
Dogs are susceptible to worms, including Whipworms, at
all ages of dogs but the greatest frequency is found in puppies. These
particularly refer to the Tapeworms and the Roundworms. Worms are
typically found in babies and puppies, whilst tapeworms are more
common in older dogs.
Dog Health
Issues - Different Types of
Worms
There are several types of parasites, or worms, which affect pets
and are as follows:
Roundworms also referred to as
Round worms - (Called Ascarids)
Tapeworms also referred to as
Tape worms (Dipylidium caninum)
Hookworms also referred to as
Hook worms (Ancylostoma caninum)
Dog Health
Advice
We hope that the canine health information and dog health advice
has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are
in doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Health
Specialist.
Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
The sole purpose of the Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems is as a reference
manual to provide useful information to dog and puppy owners. It
is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a
substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please
remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health
please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately.
