Most dog owners are aware that excessive scratching could mean fleas, but are you aware of the other parasites that could infect your dog? And that it's possible for you to catch certain parasites from your dog!

This guide covers the most common dog parasites, symptoms in dogs, parasite treatment and how to prevent parasite infections in dogs.

There are different types of parasites in dogs. Generally, these can split out by whether they are external or internal infections. Let's take a closer look at those types of parasites now.

External Dog Parasites

You're most probably already aware of the common external parasites that could bother your pooch. From fleas to ticks and more, let's find out more about them.

Fleas and Lice

Fleas and lice are small wingless parasites that live on the skin of your dog. Fleas and sucking lice feed on the dog's blood, whereas chewing lice feed on skin cells. If your dog has fleas, you'll notice flea dirt in their coat, which looks like little black dots. Fleas and lice can be caught from an infested animal or environment.

Mites in Dogs

Ear mites live in the canal and cause itchy, red and waxy ears. This can lead to ear infections. Ear mites are most common in puppies and can spread when the dog scratches their ears and shakes their head, causing the mites to be thrown onto other dogs or into the environment.

Demodex mites are tiny dog skin parasites that live in the hair follicles. All dogs have a small number of demodex mites living on them without it causing any problems. If this number grows rapidly and leads to an infestation, it can cause hair loss and scaly, crusty, red skin. Puppies and dogs with a weakened immune system are most at risk because they're unable to control the number of mites.

Sarcoptes mites (mange) burrow into the skin of healthy adult dogs and puppies. They cause intensely itchy, crusty skin and hair loss. They are most often found around the ears, elbows, belly and legs. The mites are transferred through direct contact with an infected animal or human.

Dog Ticks

Ticks are small, round parasites which are usually grey, purple, black or pink. Ticks attach to the skin of the dog and feed on their blood. You may mistake them for small skin tags or lumps. There are many different types of ticks, and some carry diseases. Ticks are found in long grass and woodlands and will latch onto dogs as they pass.

Internal Parasites in Dogs

There are several common internal parasites in dogs to watch out for, from single-celled coccidia through to various types of worms.

Giardia Parasites

Just the same as Giardia in cats, the Giardia parasite in dogs is transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or water. They're common intestinal parasites that can also affect humans. They attack the intestinal lining, which causes severe, watery diarrhoea.

Hookworms

Hookworm infections can be passed through the mother's placenta before birth, through the mother's milk, through the skin or by oral ingestion. The worms attach to the lining of the small intestines to feed on tissue fluids and blood, while injecting a substance that prevents the blood from clotting. This can lead to internal blood loss and anaemia.

Lungworms

Lungworms live in the lungs, heart and blood vessels. They can cause serious heart problems, breathing issues and pneumonia. Haemorrhages are also possible, which can be life-threatening. Lungworms are usually picked up from dogs eating infected snails, slugs and grass.

Roundworms

Roundworms in dogs (Toxascaris leonina and Toxocara canis) live in the intestines and damage the gut lining, which can cause weight loss, vomiting and diarrhoea.

These gastrointestinal worms are common in dogs and can be transmitted to people. The larval stages can cause serious disease and even blindness. Affected puppies often have a 'pot-bellied' appearance.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are a type of intestinal worm that can be contracted by eating infected fleas, birds or rodents. When the eggs have hatched, the tapeworm will attach itself to the dog's intestinal lining.

Whipworms

Whipworms are small parasites that live in the large intestine. They cause irritation and inflammation that can lead to chronic watery or bloody diarrhoea and weight loss. A dog can get whipworms by eating infected poo or soil.

Signs of Parasites in Dogs

Most symptoms of external parasites are visible to the naked eye, including:

• Excessive scratching and chewing
• Hair loss
• Large amounts of debris around the ears
• Red, inflamed skin
• Restless behaviour
• Visible parasites like fleas and ticks

Signs of Intestinal Parasites in Dogs

Intestinal parasites tend not to cause symptoms until the infestation is severe. Symptoms include:

• Bloated stomach
• Loose stools or diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Malnutrition
• Respiratory issues
• Visible worms in dog poo
• An itchy bottom
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

Some parasites cause more serious problems than others. Lungworm can lead to seizures, excessive bleeding, bruising, pale gums or nosebleeds.

Speak to your vet if you notice any symptoms of parasites in dogs. Early intervention will help prevent other health problems from developing. Your vet will examine your dog and run some tests to find the cause of their symptoms. This may include blood tests, skin scrapes, and poo analysis.

Can Parasites in Dogs Cause Other Health Issues?

Other diseases transmitted by ticks, or other insect vectors, include:

• Anaplasmosis
• Ehrlichiosis
• Hepatozoonosis
• Tick-borne encephalitis
• Tularaemia

Babesiosis

Some diseases can be transmitted by parasites, especially by ticks. Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease that incubates in the host before causing issues like:

• Lethargy
• Poor appetite
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Pale gums
• Red urine

Contact your vet immediately if your dog shows any of these signs.

The parasite causes damage to the red blood cells, which leads to the immune system attempting to destroy the parasite. The dog can become severely anaemic and may need a blood transfusion. A blood test is required to detect babesiosis parasites.

Lyme Disease (Borreliosis)

Borreliosis, also known as Lyme disease, is a bacterial infection transmitted by the Ixodes tick. It can affect dogs and humans. The first symptoms in dogs are lethargy, anorexia and lameness. People get a red rash, flu-like symptoms and arthritis.

How Do You Get Rid of Parasites in Dogs?

It's vital to check regularly for dog parasites as they can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Contact your vet for advice, as the medication needed depends on factors like your dog's age, breed, concurrent medical conditions and whether they're on certain medications already.

How to Remove a Tick From a Dog

Ticks can be removed at home with a tick removal tool. Slide the tool between your dog's skin and the tick's body and then gently twist in the same direction until the tick releases.

Check that all body parts are still attached and that none are left in your dog's skin. It's vital you remove all parts of the tick; otherwise, it can cause further problems. It can help to dab the tick with Vaseline or surgical spirit before you start, as this can help to release the mouth parts, making it less likely they'll be left behind.

Ask your vet or vet nurse to show you how to remove a tick if you need guidance.

Speak to your vet about a parasite control programme for your dog. To minimise the risks in your home, wash your dog's bedding, toys and bowls regularly (at 40°C+), and pick up dog faeces from your garden promptly. Always wash your hands after handling dog poo.

How to Prevent Parasites in Dogs?

Parasitic infections are common and can, unfortunately, lead to some serious health problems. Fortunately, there are several ways you can reduce the risk of infection.

Prevention is key when it comes to dogs and parasites. Check your dog regularly for signs of parasites, keep your home and garden clean, and make sure your dog is protected with preventative treatment from your vet. 

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis – www.vetlexicon.com/canis

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