What are whipworms?

According to animal experts, whipworms are treatable parasites, so you can prevent them as well. These whipworms are scientifically called Trichuris vulpis and are some of the most common intestinal parasites that can live in the dog’s intestines. Whipworms live in the cecum and colon (large intestine) and can lead to serious complications if left untreated. These parasites get their name from their shape. 

There are three stages of the whipworm life cycle, namely egg, larvae and the adult stage. The adult will lay eggs in your dog’s large intestine, and then they are passed into the feces, infecting the waste. In this environment, eggs will transform into larvae and are ready to re-infect your dog – or other dogs if they are ingested. According to experts, whipworms eggs can live in dog feces for many years, waiting for a new host.

“Once in the environment, the eggs are very resistant to drying, temperature extremes and ultraviolet radiation,” Dr. Marrinson says. “They can remain viable in the environment for years. Animals are exposed when they ingest the eggs from the ground and soil or from eating the stool of an infected animal.”

These parasites can only be found in dogs, foxes and coyotes, so don’t worry, because you are safe. “Many mammals, including humans, have their own species of whipworm,” Dr. Marrinson says. “The whipworm found in dogs is thought to rarely if ever, infect humans.”