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Whipworms and Hookworms

Whipworms and Hookworms: Two intestinal parasites that can infect your cats and dogs

When we talk about intestinal parasites in cats and dogs, we usually think worms… Yet there are several types of intestinal worms: roundworms, flatworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Let’s learn more about the hookworms and whipworms that often infect cats and dogs.

Whipworms

Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) are intestinal parasites that we often find in dogs. They are shaped like a whip and they are typically 5 to 7 cm long. They live and reproduce in the dog’s large intestine and in the caecum. Females lay microscopic eggs that are released through the stools and contaminate the soil. Dogs usually get infected when they swallow the eggs from the ground.

How do whipworms affect your dog? If your dog has a good immune system and only has a few worms he may present very little symptoms. On the other hand, if the dog is highly infected, there could be diarrhea with blood in it. Young dogs are also more vulnerable.

A fecal analysis is a test that veterinarians recommend on a regular basis and will confirm such an infection. Whipworms are a parasite that are easy to treat with a basic deworming treatment. Your family veterinarian can discuss options and make recommendations.

Hookworms

Hookworms are also worms that live and reproduce in the intestines. They get their name from their hook-like shape. They are Ancylostomatidae. and do not only affect dogs: we also find them in cats as well as humans. This makes it a zoonotic disease.

Females lay microscopic eggs that are evacuated through stools into the soil. The eggs hatch in the environment creating tiny larvae that can hang on and penetrate the skin. Once in the skin, it will make its way to the intestines. Pets will get infected by simply walking on contaminated soil, through skin contact with larvae, by eating soil, grass, or contaminated food. Kittens can get infected by drinking maternal milk when the queen has hookworm.

Symptoms may vary according to the number of worms in the intestines. We usually see diarrhea (with or without blood) and moderate to severe weight loss. Hookworms hold on to the intestinal wall and drink their host’s blood. They can also cause anemia and even death, especially in kittens and puppies.

Hookworms can be transmitted to humans. Infection happens by direct contact of the skin with the larvae. They can cause rashes and discomfort because they enter and migrate in the skin. We can even see the canals – little red lines – made by the migration under human skin. Luckily, this condition is easy to treat once diagnosed, but it is always best to choose prevention. That is why your family veterinarian recommends a routine deworming protocol. Feel free to ask for advice.

Have more questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact the Passionimo veterinary clinic near you.