External Parasites: Everything A Dog Parent Needs to Know!

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As a dog parent, keeping your dog healthy is always a priority. But with parasites and year-round infestations, dog parents are always concerned. These pests not only cause discomfort but can also lead to severe health issues if left unattended.

In this blog, we will look at some of the external parasites and how we can effectively protect our beloved dogs against these parasites.

Let’s get started!

What Are External Parasites?

External parasites are tiny organisms that live on your dog’s skin or fur, feeding on their blood or other body fluids..  Common external parasites include fleas, ticks, mites, lice, and biting flies.

Types of External Parasites

Here are the various types of external parasites that affect pets:

Fleas

Fleas are tiny, wingless ectoparasites (parasites that live on the external surface of hosts) that live in a dog’s fur, feeding on their blood. They have flattened side to side bodies which makes it easy for them to move. Fleas can cause

  • itching and inflammation due to flea bites
  • flea allergy dermatitis, a skin condition in some dogs
  • disease transmission, like tapeworms

Ticks

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites and are larger than fleas in size. They are found in grassy or wooded areas, latching onto dogs as they walk by. Ticks can

  • causes irritation and infection with their bites.
  • transmit diseases like Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis to both dogs and humans.
  • cause deadly tick paralysis

Mites

Mites are microscopic parasites that cause various skin conditions in dogs. Here are some types of mites that may affect your dog:

  • Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies): Causes intense itching, redness, and hair loss. It’s highly contagious.
  • Demodectic Mange (Demodicosis): Affects dogs with weak immune systems, leading to inflammation and secondary infections.
  • Ear Mites: Affects the ear canal, causing itching, discharge, and ear infections.

Lice

Lice are small insects that stick to a dog’s fur. Unlike fleas or ticks, they are species-specific, meaning dog lice only affect dogs. There are two types:

  • Chewing lice: Feed on skin debris and hair.
  • Sucking lice: Feed on blood, potentially causing anemia in severe cases.

Flies

Some flies bite and feed on a dog’s blood, causing irritation. Common biting flies include:

  • Stable Flies: Bite the dog’s ears and cause painful wounds.
  • Black Flies: Their bites may cause allergic reactions.
  • Sand Flies: Found in warm regions, they spread a disease called Leishmaniasis.
  • Deer Flies: Cause painful bites in dogs, leading to itching, redness, and swelling.
  • Flies may also lay eggs in wounds, leading to maggot infestations.

Symptoms of External Parasites in Dogs

Here are the signs of external parasites in dogs:

  • Itching
  • Scratching
  • Hair loss
  • Inflammation
  • Rashes and Sores
  • Flea dirt
  • Anemia
  • Anxiety
  • Skin redness

Treatment for External Parasites in Dogs

Take a look at the treatments for external parasites in dogs:

Topical or Spot-on Treatment

Topical or spot-on treatments are applied directly to the pet’s skin to guard against parasites like fleas and ticks. Here is the most popular topical or spot-on treatments:

  • Frontline Plus

Frontline Plus is a topical treatment for dogs (from 8 weeks and 5 lbs) and cats (1.5 lbs) that contains fipronil and (s)-methoprene. It kills fleas, ticks, and chewing lice, while preventing their life stages and controlling sarcoptic mange. This formula targets various ticks, including those that may transmit Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi).

Chewables or Oral Treatments

Chewable tablets or pills for pets are tasty and easy to administer. Here is the popular chewable option for your dog:

  • Bravecto Chewables

Bravecto Chews is a flavored chewable treatment for dogs 6 months and older, weighing at least 4.4 pounds. It kills adult fleas and treats and prevents flea infestations for 12 weeks. It also treats and controls black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and Asian longhorned ticks for 12 weeks & lone-star ticks for 8 weeks.

Collars

Flea and tick collars protect pets from infestations and the diseases they carry. Here is the popular collar for your dog:

  • Seresto Collar

Seresto Collar is an odorless and non-greasy collar for dogs and cats. It repels and kills fleas and ticks for up to 8 months and prevents fleas from laying eggs, ensuring long-term protection for your pet. This collar also protects against deer ticks (carriers of Lyme disease), American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and lone star ticks.

Conclusion

External parasites can make your dog uncomfortable and lead to serious health problems. Regular grooming, good hygiene, and vet-recommended treatments can help protect your furry friend. If you notice signs of parasites, consult your vet promptly for the best care.

You can also find the products mentioned in this blog on DiscountPetCare at affordable prices. Check now!