There are a large variety of parasites, both internal and external that at some point could affect your dog and if not treated promptly and effectively also spread and transmit diseases to you and your family.

Parasites can affect your dog in a variety of ways from slight skin irritation to causing life threatening diseases and illnesses.

Below is an insight into some of the most common parasites and information on how to spot and treat if the situation should arise.

Fleas

Scratching and chewing are both obvious signs of skin irritation caused by fleas. Excessive scratching may lead to hair loss and inflamed/sore skin. You may also notice fleas moving through your dogs coat. Fleas can cause/aggravate other skin conditions as well as transmit parasites such as Tapeworm.

Although your dog may be infected with fleas it is not always possible for you to spot them, the best way to determine whether or not there is an infestation is to comb the coat backwards over a damp white piece of paper. If any fleas are present, small black flecks that gradually turn red will be visible on the paper – this is flea faeces, the red colour is a result of the flea feeding on the blood of your dog.

If the problem should arise, all pets should be treated, as well as pet bedding and also furniture if necessary – a vast range of products is readily available.

Ticks

Ticks are Ectoparasites – meaning they live on the outside of their host and are fairly common in dogs.

Ticks attach themselves to your dog by inserting their mouth’s into the dogs skin. Once attached, they begin feeding on the dogs blood which generally causes the surrounding area to become sore and irritated. More seriously they can cause a variety of problems such as anaemia and paralysis. They are also responsible for spreading serious diseases such as Lyme disease that can also be contracted by humans.

It is difficult to prevent exposure to ticks as they can attach to your dog during any outdoor activity, as a preventative tick control products can be supplied by your veterinary surgeon.

Ear Mites

Ear mites are tiny mites that are barely visible to the human eye, they live on the surface of the skin of the dogs ear canal. An infestation can be detected by the dog excessively scratching at the ear upon inspection tiny black specks maybe visible inside of your dogs ear.

Ear mites multiply quickly and are transmitted through interaction with infected animals so it is advisable to check your dog regularly. Treatments are available from pet shops and your vets, all pets within the household should be treated if an infestation is found in any animal.

Mange

Mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites. There are two forms of Mange that cause skin disease in dogs, Sarcoptic Mange and Demodectic Mange, the latter being the most commonly found. Both mites share some similar characteristics, although there are also important differences. It is important not to confuse the two types of mange as they have different causes and treatments.

Demodectic Mange is caused by a parasite which lives in the hair follicles of the infected animal. All dogs and many humans have some of these mites on their skin however they cause no harm is the immune system is functioning properly and so the condition is not contagious.

Demodectic Mange primarily occurs in dogs less than 18 months old as a result of the dog’s immature immune system which allows the mites to rapidly grow, it can also be seen in animals with a defective immune system such as dogs suffering from other illnesses or old dogs whose immune system as the immune system is likely to decline with age.

The condition causes loss of hair in patches however does not cause severe itching, the hair loss usually begins on the face.

Treatment differs depending on the severity, topical medication, shampooing and insecticidal treatments are used however secondary skin infections may need antibiotic treatment.

It is possible for the dog to suffer relapses until it’s immune system is operating correctly, it is important for re-treatment to begin promptly.

Sarcoptic Mange is caused by a mite that burrows beneath the surface of the skin, It also crawls around on the skin surface feeding on materials in and on the skin. Sarcoptic Mange, also known as scabies, is highly contagious to dogs, the mites can also be passed to humans.

This form of Mange causes severe itching, an infected dog will chew and scratch its skin constantly leading to large amounts of hair loss. Eventually the skin will become thickened and darkened.

Although most common in puppies, it affects dogs of all ages, a skin scraping can generally confirm diagnosis however only a small number of mites, if any, may appear.

Treatment from a vet is highly recommended, they may prescribe a topical ointment/skin dip or an oral insecticide.

Worms

Worms are parasites that exist internally, they absorb valuable nutrients from their host. There are several types of worms which can infect your pet such as Roundworms, Hookworms, Tapeworms, Whipworms and Heartworms.

All dogs are likely candidates for worms, which pass easily from animal to animal and also on to humans.

Symptoms of worm infestation are:

Anaemia
Dry Coat
Poor Weight Gain
Apathy
Diarrhoea
Bloated Abdomen (especially in puppies)

If left untreated worms can have long lasting affects on your dog. Administering worming tablets on a regular basis (preferably every 3 months) is recommended as a preventative and/or to kill any existing worms.