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Whipworms are pesky parasites that can cause varying degrees of diarrhea often containing mucous and/or blood. These worms typically reside in the colon of dogs, and while some dogs can have no clinical signs, the most frustrating aspect of whipworm infections is that diagnosis is usually difficult because they have a life-cycle that makes detecting eggs in the feces difficult. |
In fact, many veterinarians will treat dogs for a presumptive diagnosis of whipworms if a history of mucoid and/or bloody diarrhea exists and no other causes have been found. Another frustrating aspect of whipworm infection is how resistant they are to being eliminated in the home environment of the dog. It is often necessary to use dilute preparations of bleach in the yard to try and cut down on whipworm eggs in the environment. Treatment for whipworms typically consists of a worming medication known as Panacur C for a period of 3 days.
Fortunately monthly heartworm preventative medication such as Interceptor not only prevents heartworms, but also controls and prevents whipworms. Therefore, I always use Interceptor as my heartworm preventative medication of choice whenever whipworms are diagnosed in dogs.
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