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"Dog Parasites (flea, Tick, Worms, Etc.)"
Dog Parasites (Flea, Tick, Worms, etc.): Page 26
of 26
Treating your dog for “whipworms”
When it comes to making sure that your loving dog is healthy, both
inside and out, then it is important to understand how dangerous dog
parasites can be. And in order to understand this topic of being a
dog owner, then you must be educated in the many different types of
parasites that are out there just waiting to use your dog as a host
for its feeding.
Today's article we are going to cover a particular parasite that you
may not have heard of, but one that is definitely a danger to your pet
dogs. They are called “whipworms”. Whipworms are such hearty
organisms that they can survive outdoors for very long stretches at a
time. The reason why they are called whipworms is because they
actually resemble a whip in that they are thin on one end and thicker
on the other end.
Like other internal worm feeders, they get into the dog's body when
the dog ingests the eggs or the immature form of the whipworm. The
whipworm then reaches maturity as it moves through your dog's
digestive system.
The adult worms will fasten themselves and draw blood from the cecum,
which is a pocket between the small and large intestines. The mature
female lays her eggs inside of the host. The eggs are then excreted
through the feces.
Typical symptoms that your dog may show signs of if being a host to
whipworms include loose and bloody stool, a dull coat, severe weight
loss, vomiting yellow-green, and anemia.
Treatment for your dog to get rid of whipworms should always start at
your veterinarian's office. Your veterinarian will be able to
determine the presence of whipworms by examining your dog's stool
specimens. Of course several attempts may be necessary because
whipworms are sometimes very difficult to detect.
Afterwards, your veterinarian will administer a potent deworming
agent. Also, since you may be combating worms around the house then
ask your vet for a product that will help you aid in these household
whipworm problems
As a preventative measure against whipworms, if your dog is an outdoor
dog, then be sure to keep him in dry quarters that are regularly
exposed to the sun. The reason for this is because whipworms require
moisture in order to survive.
Copyright 2006 by Jay Jennings. All rights reserved.
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