Ticks, Parasites, and Dogs

Walking your dog may very well be the best part of your day. Having a loyal and funny four-legged friend is a blessing, so you must make sure your dog stays sound and healthy.

On busy streets, they get exposed to different parasites making them sick immediately. Being a responsible dog owner, you must know about the parasites that love to reside inside his body.

Every dog exhibits the chance of getting a parasite invasion, so protect them from any possible danger. There are two types of parasites that can attack your dog and cause severe health implications;

External Parasites

External parasites live outside the body of a dog and affect mainly skin and coat.

Internal Parasite

Such parasites like to reside inside the dog’s body and cause damage to internal body organs, such as the heart, brain, lungs, blood vessels, etc.

Parasites Are A Matter Of Concern

If your furry friend is preoccupied with health issues, parasites will act more severely and promptly. A sick dog has more chances to catch a parasite, so you have to take extra care in such situations.

 Some parasites can even transfer from dogs to humans. Many deadly pandemics in the past are the result of animal to human transferred diseases.

If your dog has developed a disease that is indicating a major outbreak such as rabies, then dog euthanasia is the only option.

If worse comes to worse, you can find no-cost pet euthanasia in your area to carry out this procedure. It can be heartbreaking, but it may be necessary in some scenarioes.

Common Parasites in Dogs

To protect your dog from deadly parasites, you must learn about them in the first place. Here are 6 most common parasites that can reach out to your canine;

Fleas:

A small insect without wings and having a hard body, fleas are one of the most common occupants of your dog. Fleas are external parasites with strong legs able to jump and narrow bodies to freely navigate in the coat.

They love to drink your dog’s blood, making them sick. It is difficult to get rid of fleas because of their complex life cycle.

You would think you have wiped them out but there will still be some larvae out of your sight.

Symptoms

·      Scratching

·      Itching

·      Increased shedding

·      Flea feces or dirt

·      Dermatitis

·      Anemia

Treatment

Flea prevention is way better than treatment. But if your dog is exhibiting them, oral and topical medicines are mostly preferred to eliminate fleas. Shampoos, flea powder, and sprays are also recommended as effective options against fleas.

Mites

Scabies and Demodex are some of the mites that will induce hair loss and skin irritation in your dog. Mostly mites calmly reside in your dog’s body without disturbing them, but sometimes Demodex multiplies uncontrolled, leading to Demodicosis.

But most young dogs can get rid of mites on their own, you don’t need any robust medication to get them out. Similarly, another mite culprit for dog infections is Scabies. Unlike demadox, it is a contagious mite that burrows into the dogs' skin. It requires long-term treatment.

Symptoms:

·      Hair loss

·      Loss of fur

·      Emaciation

·      Scabs

·      Severe itching

Treatment:

Type of mite that invaded your dog will influence the mode and range of treatment. Demodicosis need not be treated because a dog’s immune system is enough to tackle this pest. Scabies requires topical and oral medication. Fur clipping and medicated bath are often recommended as well.

Heartworms

Heartworm is the most common internal parasite in dogs and cats. They are also the most lethal one. Their favorite organ is the lungs of your dog.

Unparalleled to its name, heartworm has no effect on the heart of its host. They have immense and long-term effects on the dogs because of their prompt breeding cycle.

The major health concern is cascading infection of this parasite as the larvae touch the mature phase. The organs of dogs get damaged and only the lucky ones can survive.

Symptoms:

·      Loss of appetite

·      Persistent cough

·      Fatigue

Treatment:

Topical and periodic pills are the best options against internal parasites. In severe cases, surgical intervention is executed as well.

Tapeworms:

The intestines of your dogs serve as a restroom for tapeworms. They are a major threat to your dog’s health.

If your dog is drinking water from the contaminated pool, he has more chances to get this parasite. But dogs can also receive tapeworms from land.

Diagnosis is quite difficult as bodies react differently after receiving the same parasite. Healthy dogs may overcome the symptoms but can’t resist the subsequent infection.

Symptoms:

·      Weakness

·      Nausea

·      Diarrhea

·      Weight loss

·      Dizziness

Tapeworms can make it to your dog’s tissues and damage his vital organs. This phenomenon is termed as “invasive infection”. Common symptoms in case of invasive infection are headache, seizures, allergy, and cystic lumps.

Treatment:

Deworming is the most effective treatment for all intestinal parasites. Chewable drugs are also recommended in case of tapeworm infection.

Ticks

If your dog spends a big chunk of time outdoors, ticks are not going to spare him. Although ticks are active throughout the year, they get way more enthusiastic in the summer season.

Tick infection is similar to that of fleas but the former has more severity. If they remain undiagnosed for a while, these little vamps can cause severe illnesses such as Ehrlichiosis, Canine Bartonellosis, and Rickettsial disease.

Symptoms:

·      Scabs

·      Bumps

·      Abnormal head shaking

·      Fever

·      Reduced appetite

·      Vomiting

·      Impaired hind legs coordination

Treatment:

Topical medication, medicated shampoos, sprays, and powders are recommended for tick infection.

However, prevention is the best option to avoid mites, ticks, and fleas.

Conclusion

We hope after learning this guide, you can protect your dog from these little invaders. If your dog is showing symptoms of such infections, it is better to consult your vet and get the best medication that has no or low side effects.

Don’t brush aside when it comes to your dog’s health. You may end up having a miserable furry companion no longer able to play and have fun with you.