Parasites can be a serious health risk to dogs because they affect their health and quality of life. These pests can cause discomfort and lead to severe health issues if left untreated.
Learn about common internal and external parasites in dogs, their symptoms, and effective prevention methods to keep your pet healthy. This guide will help you identify the signs of infestation and take the right steps to protect your pet from these unwelcome guests.
Categories of Parasites in Dogs
Parasites in dogs can be divided into two main categories: internal parasites, which live inside a dog’s body, and external parasites, which live on their skin or fur. Both types can harm your dog’s health, so it’s important to understand the differences and how to protect your pet.
I. Internal Parasites (Endoparasites)
Internal parasites, also known as endoparasites, live inside a dog’s body, often in their intestines, stomach, or other organs. Common internal parasites include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, and heartworms. These parasites can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and in serious cases, life-threatening health problems.
II. External Parasites (Ectoparasites)
External parasites, or ectoparasites, live on the outside of a dog’s body, such as their skin or fur. Examples include fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. These pests can cause itching, skin irritation, hair loss, and can transmit diseases. Regular grooming and parasite prevention can help keep your dog free from these pests.
Common Internal Parasites
Internal parasites can affect your dog’s health in different ways, depending on the type of parasite and the severity of the infestation. Below are some of the most common internal parasites found in dogs and how they impact your pet.
1. Roundworms
Roundworms are long, spaghetti-like parasites that live in dog’s intestines. They are usually found in puppies because they can be passed from the mother to her litter through milk or even before birth. Dogs can get infected by eating roundworm eggs found in contaminated soil, food, or feces. Symptoms include a pot-bellied appearance, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and worms in the stool or vomit. If untreated, roundworms can affect nutrient absorption and lead to serious health problems.
2. Hookworms
Hookworms are very small, thin worms that attach to the intestinal lining and feed on blood. Dogs can get infected by swallowing larvae from contaminated environments, through skin contact (larvae burrow through the skin), or even from their mother’s milk. Hookworm infections are particularly dangerous for puppies, as they can cause severe anemia and even death in extreme cases. Symptoms include pale gums, weakness, weight loss, bloody or tarry stools, and itching or irritation on the skin where larvae may have entered.
3. Tapeworms
Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that anchor themselves to the intestinal wall. Dogs typically become infected by swallowing fleas carrying tapeworm larvae or by eating infected prey, such as rodents. Each segment of the tapeworm contains eggs, which can often be seen as small, rice-like particles around the dog’s anus or in their stool. Even though tapeworms rarely cause major harm, they can lead to weight loss, mild stomach discomfort, and scooting behavior because of irritation around the anus.
4. Whipworms
Whipworms are small, whip-shaped parasites that live in the large intestine. Dogs can become infected by swallowing whipworm eggs found in contaminated soil, food, or water. Symptoms can include chronic diarrhea, weight loss, bloody stools, dehydration, and overall weakness. Whipworm infections often go undetected for long periods, because the symptoms can be mild or sporadic, but untreated infections can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues.
5. Heartworms
Heartworms are one of the most dangerous internal parasites for dogs. They are transmitted through mosquito bites, and they travel through the bloodstream and grow into adults in the heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels. It can take months for symptoms to appear, but early signs include coughing, fatigue, reduced appetite, and difficulty breathing. In advanced cases, heartworms can cause heart failure, organ damage, and even death. Prevention is very important because the treatment is expensive and can be risky for the dog.
6. Giardia
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that infects the intestines and spreads through contaminated water, food, or feces. It’s especially common in areas with poor sanitation or stagnant water sources. Dogs with giardia can have diarrhea that is often foul-smelling or greasy, dehydration, weight loss, and lethargy. Even though some dogs may not show symptoms, they can still spread the parasite to others.
Common External Parasites
External parasites live on a dog’s skin or coat, causing discomfort and sometimes serious health issues. Below are the most common external parasites found in dogs, how they affect them, and what to watch out for.
1. Fleas
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that live on your dog’s skin and drink their blood. They cause itching, scratching, and skin irritation. If there are a lot of fleas, they can make your dog anemic, which means they don’t have enough red blood cells. Fleas can also spread tapeworms and other diseases. To prevent fleas, use flea treatments recommended by your vet, like special shampoos, pills, or collars. You should also keep your home clean by washing your dog’s bedding and vacuuming carpets.
2. Ticks
Ticks are small, they have eight legs and they attach to your dog’s skin and suck their blood. They can be brown, black, or reddish in color. Ticks can spread serious diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis. After your dog spends time outside, especially in grassy or wooded areas, check their skin carefully for ticks, especially around the ears, neck, and between the toes. If you find a tick, remove it carefully to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
3. Mites
Mites are tiny, often microscopic creatures that can live on your dog’s skin or in their ears. Different types of mites can cause problems. Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies) is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite and leads to intense itching, hair loss, and skin inflammation. It’s highly contagious and can spread to humans, while demodectic mange is caused by the Demodex canis mite, and it usually causes hair loss and skin irritation. It’s more common in puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems. There are also ear mites, that live in the ears and cause itching, redness, and dark debris in the ear canal. To prevent mite infestations, keep your dog’s living area clean and talk to your vet for appropriate treatments.
4. Lice
Lice are small, wingless insects that live on your dog’s skin and fur. There are two types. One is a chewing lice that feeds on skin flakes and debris, and the other one is a sucking lice that feeds on your dog’s blood. Lice can cause itching, hair loss, and, in serious cases, anemia. They spread through direct contact with an infected animal or contaminated grooming tools and bedding. Regular grooming and keeping the area clean can help prevent lice infestations. Treatment involves using appropriate insecticidal shampoos or topical treatments, and, as we mentioned before, cleaning the dog’s environment and belongings.
Symptoms of Parasitic Infections
Parasitic infections in dogs can manifest through a variety of symptoms, which may vary depending on the type of parasite involved. Recognizing these signs early is crucial for prompt treatment and maintaining your dog’s health.
Common Symptoms of Internal Parasites:
- Diarrhea or Loose Stools: Frequent, watery bowel movements, sometimes containing blood or mucus.
- Vomiting: Episodes of throwing up, in which you can, occasionally see worms.
- Weight Loss: Noticeable weight loss, even though your dog eats the same amount of food as before, or even more
- Distended Abdomen: A swollen or bloated belly, particularly visible in puppies.
- Visible Worms: Worms or worm segments in your dog’s feces or around the anal area.
- Lethargy: Unusual tiredness or lack of energy.
- Dull Coat: A dull or messy-looking coat.
Common Symptoms of External Parasites:
- Intense Scratching or Biting: Frequent itching or gnawing at the skin because of irritation.
- Red or Inflamed Skin: Areas of redness, swelling, or rash.
- Hair Loss: Patches of missing fur, often resulting from excessive scratching.
- Scabs or Crusts: Rough, crusty lesions on the skin.
- Ear Discharge or Odor: Signs of ear mites include dark debris in the ears and a noticeable smell.
- Visible Parasites: Seeing fleas, ticks, or lice on your dog’s skin or fur.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of parasitic infections in dogs are essential for their health and well-being. Let’s see how dogs get diagnosed and what the treatment options are:
Veterinary Consultation
If you notice any signs of parasitic infection in your dog, it’s important to call your vet quickly. They will perform a thorough examination and gather your dog’s health history to assess the situation.
Diagnostic Tests
To see which parasite is causing the infection, your vet may do various diagnostic tests, such as fecal examination, where they will analyze a stool sample under a microscope to find parasite eggs or larvae. They can also do blood tests, which can detect parasites like heartworms that circulate in the bloodstream, or they might do skin scraping, which means collecting skin samples to identify external parasites like mites.
Treatment Options
Based on the diagnosis, your vet will recommend appropriate treatments, which may include deworming medications. Those are oral or injectable drugs to eliminate internal parasites. Topical Treatments are also an option. Those are medications applied to the skin to target external parasites. Other treatment options include preventive measures, such as giving regular medications to prevent future infestations.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing parasitic infections in dogs is important for their health and well-being. Let’s see how to prevent these parasites from attacking our pets:
1. Regular Preventive Medications
Giving monthly or quarterly preventive treatments is the most effective way to protect your dog from parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms. These medications are available in various forms, including oral tablets, topical applications, and collars. Talk to your vet to find the best preventive plan for your dog.
2. Maintain Hygiene
Good hygiene is crucial in preventing parasite infestations. Regularly clean your dog’s bedding, toys, and living areas to eliminate potential parasite habitats. Make sure to clean up and dispose of your dog’s feces properly to avoid contaminating the soil, which can contain parasite eggs or larvae. Regular grooming and bathing also help spot and remove external parasites early.
3. Control Exposure
Reducing your dog’s exposure to areas where parasites are common helps lower the risk of infestation. Keep your dog away from places with tall grass, thick vegetation, or standing water, because these are popular spots for ticks and mosquitoes. Also, prevent your dog from playing with stray or wild animals that might carry parasites. When traveling to areas known for specific parasites, follow your vet’s advice for extra protection.
4. Routine Veterinary Care
Regular vet check-ups are essential for early detection and prevention of parasitic infections. During these visits, your veterinarian can do diagnostic tests, give necessary vaccinations, and offer advice on effective parasite control methods suited to your dog’s needs. Keeping up with vaccinations and preventive care helps ensure your dog stays safe from different parasites.
Zoonotic Risks
Some parasites found in dogs can be transmitted to humans, posing health risks. Understanding these zoonotic parasites is crucial for prevention. Here are some parasites that can be transmitted to us:
- Roundworms (Toxocara canis): Dogs infected with roundworms can shed eggs in their feces. Humans, especially children, may ingest these microscopic eggs from contaminated soil or surfaces, which leads to a condition called toxocariasis. This can cause fever, fatigue, coughing, wheezing, or abdominal pain.
- Hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum): Dog hookworms can penetrate human skin, typically through contact with contaminated soil, causing a skin condition known as cutaneous larva migrans. This means the person will get an itchy, winding rash as the larvae migrate beneath the skin.
- Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum): Humans can become infected with tapeworms by accidentally ingesting infected fleas from dogs. Even though this is rare, it can lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies): It is highly contagious between dogs and can be transmitted to humans through direct contact. In humans, it leads to intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash.
- Giardia: It can be passed to humans through contact with contaminated water, food, or surfaces. In humans, giardiasis can cause diarrhea, cramps, and nausea.
To minimize the risk of zoonotic parasite transmission, practice good hygiene, such as regular handwashing, promptly cleaning up dog feces, and making sure your dog gets routine veterinary care and parasite prevention treatments.
Conclusion
Parasites can cause serious health problems for dogs and can also spread to humans. By understanding the types of parasites, recognizing their symptoms, and following prevention strategies, you can help keep your dog healthy and protect your family. Regular vet visits, good hygiene, and preventive treatments are key to managing and preventing parasite infections.
Related article: How to Remove Ticks From Dogs