How to Prevent Whipworms in Cats and Dogs 

Throughout the United States, thousands of canines (especially adult dogs) will become infected with the whipworm, a parasite that attacks the intestinal system. Usually, dogs come in contact with the parasite by eating the eggs of the whipworm. Once infected, larvae hatch within the stomach and strike the wall of the small intestine, eventually becoming larger and much more menacing. As the whipworm grows, it will dig deeper into surrounding tissues, sucking block and laying more eggs. It is better to prevent worms in dogs and cats rather than deal with the damaging effects when an infestation goes undetected.

Worm Prevention in Dogs and Cats

With young dogs, puppies should be tested as early as three weeks after birth for the detection of whipworm and other parasites. A worm infestation is quite common in puppies, especially when they have come from a large litter, kettle, or dog shelter. Annual exams help prevent whipworms in dogs and cats, as a veterinarian can recommend the best products to match your pet. Usually, a fecal sample will alert a veterinarian to the presence of worms in a dog or cat. Each year, new products are designed to provide a stronger defense against worms.

The contact your pet has with stray animals and other wildlife should be limited, as they often carry parasites that may affect your dog or cat. This is especially seen in dog parks, which serve as a common location for parasites. Many dog and cat breeds harbor natural hunting instincts or curiously eat dead animals (including birds, rodents, and rabbits). These carcasses are known to support immature worms, which can develop in the stomach of your pet if ingested. Cats are especially notorious for catching and eating birds and rodents, which in the wild often contain intestinal parasites in the egg and larvae stage.

It is also important to prevent your pet (especially dogs) from eating his own or the feces of other animals. The contact with this type of waste is one of the most frequent ways that a dog may contact intestinal parasites. This means you should clean up any waste within your pet's reach and make sure yard waste is immediately cleaned up. When walking your dog, you must keep an eye on their habits, as they may quickly ingest both feces and dead animal material. It is also suggested to limit the amount of contact your pet has with soil or dirt, as this is where worms in the larval or egg phase often dwell.

When looking for heartworm medication that also treats whipworm, products such as Drontal Plus, Sentinel , and Interceptor are known to combat this condition. While Interceptor dogs medication works against adult roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms – Interceptor for cats concentrates on preventing and removing adult hookworms and roundworms. Overall, the cat whipworm is a rare parasite.

When shopping for whipworm prevention, it is important to remember that the popular Heartgard line of deworming products focuses on treating roundworms, hookworms, and heartworm, but not the whipworm. While paying a visit to your veterinarian or local pet shop will bring you closer to effective products, the Internet is also filled with well-liked and effective medications, including sites such as 1-800-PetMeds.