Pet Threat: Yes | Human Threat: Very Rarely
Parasite Profile
Whipworms get their name from their thin, whip-like shape. As far as health risks go, they are not generally considered to be in the same league as heartworms, hookworms and roundworms. Heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms can cause serious harm and even death in dogs, and in the case of hookworms and roundworms, may be passed on to humans. Whipworms are a less destructive nuisance.
Targets
Like roundworms, whipworm eggs live in the soil and infiltrate a host through accidental consumption. Unlike roundworms, which can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs,3 whipworms don't lay many eggs, although the few they do produce can survive in the soil for long periods of time. Dogs, particularly outdoor dogs, are vulnerable to whipworms.
In general, canine whipworms are not considered a threat to humans.5
Treatment
A medication called fenbendazole is usually used to take care of whipworms.
3Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases. Guidelines for veterinarians: prevention of zoonotic transmission of ascarids and hookworms of dogs and cats. Available at: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/ascaris/prevention.htm
5Little SE, Johnson EM, Lewis D, et al. Prevalence of intestinal parasites in pet dogs in the United States. Veterinary Parasitology 2009;166:144–152.