My barber, Andrea, has a big dog. Recently, she and her husband took their dog to their trailer near the Wisconsin Dells for an extended weekend. After a day or two, their big dog started vomiting and having diarrhea. Lots of it. So they took him to an emergency room of the local animal hospital for observation and treatment. Their dog was admitted for several days stay at the hospital. Expensive! To the tune of about $1,800.  What was wrong with the dog? It had whipworms. And what's worse, their vet did not recommend the right kind of heartworm medicine that treats whipworms.

A case of whipworms is flat out and point blank nasty. Generally speaking, worm in cats and worms in dogs often lead to either immediate health problems or chronic health problems, and the only real preventative measures against this parasitic worm and its intrusion on your best pal’s life is the annual check up.

Dogs and cats who spend a great deal of time outside in enclosed areas are the most at risk for attracting these nasty little worms. Often dogs in particular are phenomenal at re-infesting themselves. If your dog has been treated for any type of parasitic worm, but still roams freely in the area that he uses for his toileting, chances are excellent that he will pick up another case.

Most dogs and cats that spend a least part of their time outdoors are tested for whipworms during their annual check-up. Testing for whipworms is usually part of this process. Stool tests can detect any number of parasitic worms that may have died in the intestinal tract or were excreted prior to being able to latch onto the intestinal wall. Blood tests can also determine whipworms, as well as other types of worms during the once a year check under the hood routine.

What are the symptoms of whipworms? When pets get any type of parasitic worm, they often experience upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea. Diarrhea in dogs can be associated with a wide variety of possibilities, and dog owners often overlook the potential for serious dog health problems. Cats, as well experience vomiting and diarrhea, which is often mistaken for hairballs. Diarrhea in cats generally does not represent a hairball problem, but a more serious cat health complication.

What is the best way for treating whipworms? When paying a visit to the veterinarian, he or she will recommend several worms treatment options that typically include the following ingredients: fenbendazole, milbemycin oxime and febantel. These types of treatments are quite effective in treating a whipworm infestation without producing many side effects. A veterinarian will generally suggest to space out treatments every two to three months throughout the year to decrease the risk of reinfection since whipworm eggs may remain active for five years

Preventing whipworms is something every pet owner can do. Make sure to read this article and gain insights on what remedies and preventive medicine are most effective.