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DOG PARASITES

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DOG PARASITES

22 Dog Parasites
Internal Dog Parasites List
External Dog Parasites List
How do I tell if my dog has a parasite?
What is the most common dog parasite?
What kills parasites on dogs?
Can humans get parasites from dogs?
Dog Parasites Symptoms
Dog Parasites Treatment
Internal Dog Parasites Treatment
External Dog Parasites Treatment
Dog Parasites in Humans
Dog Parasites Medicine
Zoonotic Parasites




Roundworms are the most common type of parasitic worm found inside of pets. They live in the intestines. Dogs get infested by swallowing roundworm eggs when they sniff or lick contaminated soil, by eating infested raw meat, or through transmission from mother to pup.






DOG PARASITES SYMPTOMS
DOG PARASITES SYMPTOMS
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At some point in their life, your dog may experience the discomfort caused by parasites. Some parasites such as ticks and fleas are fairly easy to spot, but what about those that are internal and not so easy to diagnose? It is important to know about these parasites and check for them regularly as they can become incredibly irritating to your dog and may cause serious health problems further down the line.

Some parasites are also zoonotic (meaning that they can be passed on to humans), therefore should be kept on top of in order to keep the whole family healthy. Symptoms of parasites will vary by type, and will also vary in severity. Whilst some symptoms are not visible to the naked eye, it is important to routinely check for signs of discomfort and distress. If you have any concerns, contact your veterinarian immediately. There are two main categories of parasites in dogs that pet parents should be aware of:

Internal parasites, such as intestinal worms, live inside the body of an animal, can be transferred in various ways, and can affect a number of organs.

External parasites, such as fleas and ticks, live on the body of the host and produce an infestation.


DOG PARASITES SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of INTERNAL parasites in dogs

Internal parasites tend not to show symptoms until the infestation has become severe, but may include:
Loose stools
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Distended abdomen
Visible worms in faeces
Respiratory issues
Distended abdomen (pot-bellied appearance)
Lethargy or Decreased activity
Scooting
Muscle wasting
Weakness
Lethargy
Coughing
Pneumonia
Anemia
Exercise intolerance
Intestinal blockage
Coughing or gagging
Difficulty breathing
Worms found around the rectum
Scooting their bottom on the ground
Slower growth rates in puppies
Pot-bellied appearance or swollen abdomen
Malnutrition and loss of appetite
Worms or segments (tapeworms) visible in the feces





DOG PARASITES SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of EXTERNAL parasites in dogs

Many symptoms of external parasites are clearly visible to the naked eye:
Excessive chewing
Excessive scratching
Behavioral Changes
Restlessness and Anxiety
Red and inflamed skin
Discolored Skin
Hair loss
Anemia
Fleas or Flea Dirt
Visible Parasites
Crusting Skin
Discoloration of Skin
Dry coat
Scaly appearance to fur
Large amounts of black debris in ears








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INTERNAL DOG PARASITES
INTERNAL DOG PARASITES
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INTERNAL DOG PARASITES TREATMENT

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INTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Roundworms

Roundworms are very common in dogs and can be diagnosed with a fecal sample. There are two types of Roundworm; Toxocara Canis, and Toxascaris leonina. The former is more common in puppies and if left untreated, can cause poor growth and can be fatal. It can also be spread to humans. Roundworms are long worms that live in the intestines and absorb nutrients from the food the dog eats, which results in less being available for the dog. Infection can occur after ingesting eggs shed in the stool of other animals. Puppies get roundworms from larvae transmitted during pregnancy or in the mother's milk.

A dog with roundworms may show vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, diarrhea, and a pot belly. A veterinarian can detect roundworm eggs in the stool by using a microscope. Several doses of deworming medication are necessary to clear the roundworms as they mature. A regular deworming protocol is needed to prevent reinfection. Roundworms can be transmitted to humans. They cause inflammation and can migrate to various tissues and organs. Roundworms can be treated with a product containing pyrantel pamoate.


INTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Giardia

Giardia is a common intestinal parasite that affects both cats and dogs, as well as humans. It affects their ability to absorb nutrients, causing diarrhoea and weight loss. Your dog can contract Giardia via ingestion of contaminated water, faeces or eating something that has been contaminated, such as grass. Giardia are single-cell organisms (protozoa) that infect the small intestine.5 Dogs can contract giardia by drinking from streams, puddles, and other contaminated water sources. It can also be acquired through direct contact with the stool of other infected animals.

Giardiasis can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss, but some dogs are asymptomatic at first. Giardia can not usually be detected on a standard fecal test, so your veterinarian may send out a stool sample to a laboratory for specific testing. Treatment for giardia typically involves more than one medication. Many vets will prescribe a specific dewormer along with the antibiotic metronidazole to kill giardia.


INTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are caused by dogs eating infected fleas, or consuming wild animals that have been infected. Once consumed, the tapeworm egg hatches and attaches to the intestinal lining. Tapeworms can occur when a dog eats an infected flea. Tapeworms are flat, ribbon-like parasites that live in the intestines. Happily, they rarely cause serious disease.4 They are usually transmitted by ingesting fleas, but some species can be contracted by eating raw meat.

Tapeworms reproduce by shedding segments in the stool, which can irritate the anus. Dogs may scoot around on the floor or lick their rear ends. Long-term infestation can result in poor nutrition for the dog or, in severe cases, an intestinal blockage. A veterinarian can diagnose tapeworms by examining the area around the anus. Their eggs do not usually show up on microscopic analysis. Medication is needed to clear the infection, accompanied by good flea control and keeping the dog from eating dead prey. Dogs with tapeworms should be treated with praziquantel (available over the counter or from your veterinarian).


INTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Hookworms

Hookworms are intestinal parasites that commonly cause anemia and can be fatal, particularly in puppies, if left untreated. Hookworms are very small, but ingest a large volume of blood when attached to the intestinal wall. Hookworms are small, thin worms that are less than an inch long that live in the intestines and suck the host's blood. Three species of hookworms affect dogs. Some can also affect humans by migrating through the skin and causing infection.

Dogs get hookworms by ingesting larvae in the environment or eating infected animals such as cockroaches. They can also be transmitted to puppies from the mother's milk. Symptoms include diarrhea, loss of appetite, anemia, weight loss, or failure to gain weight. A veterinarian can check for hookworm eggs in the stool. Treatment includes deworming medications that must be used repeatedly to eliminate the larvae as they mature. Regular deworming will help prevent recurrence. Jookworms can be treated with a product containing pyrantel pamoate.


INTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Heartworms

Heartworms are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Heartworm disease is caused by large worms that live mainly in the heart and the blood vessels of the lungs. Mosquitoes can carry and transmit heartworm larvae through their bites.6 While heartworm disease is most prevalent in the southern United States, it has been seen in every state. Your veterinarian typically tests for heartworms during your dog's yearly check-up. A dog with heartworm disease may show no symptoms at first, but as it progresses it can be fatal. Dogs can develop a cough (including coughing up blood), become exhausted from exercise, faint, and have severe weight loss.

Heartworm treatment occurs over several months and involves multiple medications, including to kill the adult heartworms. The dog will need complete rest during the treatment period to prevent dangerous complications from the dying worms. Fortunately, heartworm disease is easy to prevent with proven, safe heartworm preventative. These are usually administered monthly to kill heartworm larvae before they can mature into adults and cause disease. Although rare, heartworms can be transmitted to humans via mosquito bites. In humans, the parasite most often causes lung lesions. Preventing the disease in your pets can help protect you as well.


INTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Whipworms

Whipworms are small worms with thin, whip-like front ends and thicker back ends. They attach themselves to the walls of the large intestine, feeding on blood. Dogs pick up whipworm eggs transmitted through the stool in the environment. A mild infection may have no symptoms, but severe infections can result in weight loss, diarrhea, or anemia. A veterinarian can typically detect the eggs under the microscope during a stool examination. Whipworms are resistant to many of the usual dewormer medications, so a different medication is often used. Keeping the environment clean of feces is the best prevention as the worm eggs take weeks to become infectious. A whipworm infestation may be treated with fenbendazole available from your veterinarian. This dewormer also can be used to treat roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and one species of tapeworm.


INTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Stomach Worm Infection

Physalopterosis is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract, caused by the parasitic organism Physaloptera spp. Typically, only a few worms are present; in fact, single worm infections are common. There is no age, breed, or gender that is more susceptible to acquiring this condition than others. An infection of stomach worms caused by Physaloptera spp. can be asymptomatic, meaning that no obvious outward signs are present, or the infection may be apparent by the presence of gastric symptoms. The primary symptom is vomiting, which can be of the chronic or acute form. In some cases, a worm, or multiple worms, will be found in the vomit contents.


INTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Lungworm

Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) can be fatal to dogs and is now considered endemic in many parts of the UK, with one in five veterinary practices having reported at least one clinical case of angiostrongylosis in a dog. Lungworm it is a killer that can not be ignored. The larvae of the lungworm parasite is carried and shed by slugs, snails, foxes and even frogs. Accidental (or intended) ingestion of slugs or snails, eating of grass, rummaging through undergrowth, drinking from ponds or puddles and contact with infected water bowls or toys are all risks. Once infected dogs too shed this parasite larvae in their poo.

Lungworm infection can affect the respiratory, neurological and coagulation systems. It can manifest in a number of different signs, some of which can easily be overlooked.

Coughing and/or tiring easily

Excessive bleeding, bruising, nose bleeds or pale gums

Vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss or poor appetite

Alterations in behaviour such as lethargy and seizures

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a year-round problem and is easy to prevent with a monthly spot-on treatment available from Knutsford Veterinary Surgery. The risk can also be reduced further by; picking up toys from the garden and regularly cleaning water bowls.


INTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Coccidia

Coccidia, also known as canine Cystoisospora spp. (formerly Isospera), is a protozoan parasite that can infect the gastrointestinal tract of dogs. These tiny-celled parasites live in the wall of the intestine. Dogs can get coccidia by ingesting the oocyst (immature coccidia) from a contaminated environment, such as soil or feces that contains coccidia. Young puppies are more likely to become infected with coccidia when they are exposed to contaminated dog feces due to their underdeveloped immune system. This is why it is so important for puppies to have multiple fecal exams throughout their puppy visits with their veterinarian. Stressful situations (traveling or moving to a new home environment), immunosuppression, or additional chronic diseases can make dogs more susceptible to coccidia infection. Coccidia should be treated with a sulfonamide antibiotic available from your veterinarian.


INTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Flukes

Flukes (also called trematodes) are a class of parasites that can infect dogs and many other types of animals ( see Table: Flukes That Infect Dogs). They have a complex life cycle that can involve multiple intermediate hosts.

Intestinal Flukes - In general, intestinal flukes do not cause illness unless there are large numbers of flukes. Heavy infections can cause intestinal inflammation, especially of the small intestine. Several antiparasitic medications are effective against intestinal flukes. Consult your veterinarian about preventing fluke infections in your pet as the risk of infection varies greatly in different parts of the world.

Liver Flukes - Flukes in the bile ducts and gallbladder cause mild to severe liver disease (fibrosis). Various species of flukes have been reported from the liver of dogs in most parts of the world. Infections are generally uncommon. Mild infections may pass unnoticed. However, in severe infections, dogs may develop progressive weakness, ending in complete exhaustion and death in some cases.


INTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Babesiosis Parasite

One such tick borne disease is babesiosis, a parasite which once transmitted takes time to incubate in the host before causing clinical disease. If clinical signs of the condition are exhibited then you should contact your vets immediately. The parasite infects and replicates within the dogs red blood cells which damages them and causes the immune system to attempt to destroy the parasite. As a result the dog can become quite severely anaemic, sometimes requiring a blood transfusion.

Diagnosis is based on assessing a blood smear for the parasite or performing a PCR test. Treatment can be challenging and depends on the type of Babesia that is diagnosed. Options available include a course of injections lasting 2-3 weeks or tablets, sometimes with the inclusion of anti-malarial drugs. There is currently no vaccination available in the UK for Babesia and tick prevention is the only way to stop disease contraction. Potential signs include:

Lethargy
Poor Appetite
Pale gums
Fever
Red urine
Weight loss


INTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Borreliosis

(Lyme Disease)


Lyme disease, also known by its scientific name borreliosis, is a bacterial infection transmitted by a certain type of tick in the UK โ€“ the ixodes tick. The condition can affect both dogs and human. In people a characteristic red rash appears around the bite which is followed by flu like symptoms and arthritis. Animals do not exhibit the same rash and usually the first signs are lethargy and anorexia, lameness can then occur due to arthritis. Both Babesiosis and Lyme Disease can be managed with antibiotics but prevention is far better.








EXTERNAL DOG PARASITES
EXTERNAL DOG PARASITES
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Remember, prevention always surpasses treatment. Regular preventative treatments recommended by your vet, good hygiene, and grooming can protect your dog from external parasites. Additionally, steering clear of high-risk areas, particularly during peak seasons, can prevent conditions like flea allergy dermatitis. Keeping these factors in mind can help cause your dog remain parasite-free.

INTERNAL DOG PARASITES TREATMENT

Causes of External Parasites in Dogs

Different factors can precipitate a parasitic infection, leading to issues such as external parasites in dogs:
Poor Hygiene and Insufficient Grooming: - Regular grooming and bathing can aid in eliminating and thwarting parasites. Overlooking this routine can heighten the risk of an infestation, such as mites or fleas, which could lead to severe flea infestation if not addressed.

Absence of Preventative Steps: - Dogs are more likely to attract parasites if preventative methods like consistent use of flea and tick deterrents are not applied.

Diminished Immune System: - Dogs suffering from a weakened immune system, possibly due to age, illness, or stress, are more prone to infestations as their bodies are less equipped to repel these pests.

Season and Climate: - Many external parasites flourish in warm, humid environments, causing spring and summer to be prime times for infestations. However, parasites such as adult fleas can pose a year-round issue in some warmer regions or indoor settings.

Environmental Exposure: - Dogs can acquire external parasites from their surroundings. Public areas like parks, kennels, and groomers provide ample opportunities for direct contact between animals, leading to the transfer of parasites. Furthermore, dogs might interact with infested animals in their backyard, including wild creatures and birds. Areas abundant in tall grass, woods, or a significant wildlife population pose an especially high risk.

Interaction with Infested Animals: - Parasites such as fleas, ticks, mites, lice, and intestinal worms can transfer directly from one animal to another. If your dog interacts with another infested pet, they risk contracting the parasites. In addition, specific issues like mite infestations, such as ear mites, can cause significant discomfort for your dog.




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EXTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Fleas

Fleas are very common and can easily be picked up on walks or infected environments. We commonly see them when clients move into new homes that have previously had untreated pets in. Your dogโ€™s skin may appear red and bumpy if it has fleas, especially if it has been scratching more than usual. Fleas are generally caught from other infected animals, however, they can also jump through doors and windows and be brought into the house on a person's pants or shoes. Fleas can make your dog's life miserable because their saliva can induce an allergic skin reaction in many dogs. Fleas progress through several distinct life stages in which the pests transform from eggs into larvae, then into pupae, and then finally into reproducing, blood-sucking adults.

A flea infestation can lead to flea allergy dermatitis, which can cause excessive itching and skin infections.2 Fleas often carry tapeworm larvae, so your dog can get tapeworms after eating a flea. A large infestation with fleas can also lead to anemia. While dog and cat fleas do not prefer humans, flea bites in two-legged family members are possible. The best way to treat dogs with fleas is to use a veterinarian-approved flea control product. These can be given orally or applied topically. It is also important to treat the home environment where eggs, larvae, and pupae may live. While most flies are merely nuisance pests, some species, such as the stable fly and deer fly, can bite and feed on the blood of dogs.

Stable Flies: - Also known as "dog flies," stable flies are similar in appearance to the common house fly but feed on the blood of dogs. They typically target the dog's ears and can cause painful bites.

Deer Flies: - These flies are not as common as stable flies, but their bites are quite painful. They can cause itching, redness, and swelling in dogs.

Black Flies: - Also known as "buffalo gnats," these flies are small, but their bites can cause significant irritation, swelling, and even an allergic reaction in some dogs.

Sand Flies: - Found in tropical and subtropical regions, these flies are vectors for a serious parasitic disease in dogs known as Leishmaniasis.


EXTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Ticks

Ticks are tiny parasites from the arachnid family that latch on to your dog and drink blood. They can vary in size from 1mm up to 1cm and will usually be noticeable by running your hand over your dog's head, neck, ears and feet. A tick bite will feel like a small bump on your dog's skin. Ticks are acquired from traveling through bushes and long grass. Ticks can attach themselves to the skin of dogs as well as to humans. While you might wear protective clothing when in tick-prone areas, your dog is exposed. Early detection and removal of ticks is important as it takes some time for the tick to transmit tick-borne diseases to their hosts. Diseases spread by ticks to dogs include:

Lyme disease
Bartonellosis
Ehrlichiosis
Babesiosis
Anaplasmosis
Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Some species of ticks can also cause tick paralysis, which usually starts at the back end and ascends towards the head.3 This can become fatal if the muscles that control breathing become paralyzed, but the symptoms will go away as long as the tick can be found and removed. The best way to treat and prevent ticks is to use a tick control product recommended by your veterinarian. It is also important to check your dog for ticks regularly, especially after spending time in nature where ticks are found.


EXTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Mites

There are a few different types of mite infestations in dogs, canine scabies, ear mites, Demodex, and Lice (walking dandruff). Such mites are usually not a problem, unless your dog has a compromised immune system. Mites are usually treated with a simple monthly chews. Mites are tiny external parasites that can infest dogs, causing various skin conditions. Several mites can affect dogs, each causing a specific condition with different symptoms. Regular grooming, proper nutrition, and maintaining your dog's health can help prevent mite infestations. If you suspect your dog has a mite problem, consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies): - This condition is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites. These microscopic parasites burrow into the skin, causing intense itching, redness, sores, and hair loss. Scabies is highly contagious among dogs and can also be transmitted to humans.

Demodectic Mange (Demodicosis): - This condition is caused by Demodex mites. These mites live in the hair follicles and are usually harmless. However, in dogs with a compromised immune system, the mites can multiply and cause skin inflammation, hair loss, and secondary skin infections. Unlike scabies, demodicosis is not contagious.

Ear Mites: - Ear mites, most commonly Otodectes cynotis, commonly cause ear infections in dogs. These mites live in the ear canal and cause inflammation, itching, and a dark, coffee-ground-like discharge. Ear mites are highly contagious and can easily spread between dogs and cats.


EXTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Mange Mites

Mange is a condition where tiny mites live in the skin or hair follicles and cause disease. Demodectic mange is the most common type of mange seen in dogs. These mites can live in hair follicles in small numbers without causing problems, but puppies and immune-compromised dogs may not be able to fight them off. Demodicosis causes itching and hair loss. Treatment options include topical applications, medicated baths, and oral drugs.


EXTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Sarcoptic Mange Mites

Sarcoptic mange mites cause sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies. These microscopic mites mostly affect dogs rather than cats. In cats, scabies is rare and usually caused by different (notoedric) mange mites. All ages and sizes of dogs can catch sarcoptic mange, at any time of year. The mites are highly contagious to other dogs and may be spread by close contact with infested animals, bedding, or grooming tools. Sarcoptic mange mites burrow through the top layer of a dog's skin, causing intense itching. Signs include constant scratching and chewing at the skin, hair loss, and thickened skin. Scratching and chewing may lead to bloody sores and skin infections.

People who come in close contact with an affected dog also may develop a skin rash, which may need a doctor's attention. To confirm the presence of sarcoptic mange mites in your dog, your veterinarian will perform a skin scraping of affected areas and examine it under a microscope. If no mites are found but their presence is still strongly suspected, your veterinarian instead may diagnose sarcoptic mange based on the signs your dog is showing. Treatment involves multiple topical and oral medications as well as baths.


EXTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Ear Mites

Ear mites are microscopic mites that can live in dog's ears, where they breed and cause thick black debris and discomfort. Ear mites are highly contagious, and animals become infested by direct contact with another infested animal. Your dog may show head shaking, scratching at the ears, and crusty or waxy discharge that looks like coffee grounds. Your veterinarian can diagnose ear mites by looking at a sample of ear debris under a microscope. Ear mite treatment can require one or more repeated treatments. Fortunately, ear mites do not occur in humans.


EXTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Harvest Mange Mites

These appear as tiny orange specks on the toes or in a tiny fold on the edge of the earflap. They can cause intense irritation and sores. Ask your vet for help. There are other parasites that can affect dogs. If you are contemplating travelling or emigrating abroad, please contact us before you go.


EXTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Cheyletiella

This is a surface running mite that is more commonly seen in rabbits, puppies and kittens. It causes dandruff and irritation. We can take a simple sample to look at under the microscope, and then we can sort out the treatment. This mite can also bite people.

Topical treatments: Products likeselamectin(Revolution),fipronil(Frontline), orivermectinare commonly prescribed by veterinarians to eliminate mites. Oral medications: In some cases, veterinarians may recommend oral medications such as ivermectin or milbemycin.


EXTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Demodex Mites

Demodex mites are tiny skin parasites that cause hair loss and red, crusty, scaly skin. Demodex mites tend to cause most problems around the eyes and feet and are especially common in puppies, and dogs with other illnesses. Demodex infestations tend to focus around the eyes and feet. Demodex mite infestations are most common in dogs less than a year old and those with other illness. Contact your vet if you think your dog might have a Demodex infestation. Demodex mites are a skin parasite that live on nearly all dogs without causing a problem. They only tend to cause issues in dogs that can not defend themselves against parasites, such as young puppies and dogs with other skin problems or illnesses.

This is a mite that lives in the depth of the hair follicles and causes areas of hair loss or sore feet. It is more common in dogs less than a year of age, and in certain breeds such as Chinese Shar-Peis, Bulldogs and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. However, it can affect any breeds and all ages. If it occurs in an adult dog, we usually look for additional problems that underlie the Demodex. Luckily, this mite is not zoonotic so does not affect humans- we have our own version of this mite! There are many, many causes of hair loss, so best to see your vet to sort out which one is affecting your dog and what treatment is needed.


EXTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Dog Lice

Lice are tiny skin parasites that cause itchy, dry, flaky skin. Some lice also suck blood, which can lead to illness and anaemia (especially in very young or small dogs). Lice are uncommon compared to such as other skin parasites, such as fleas, mites and ticks. They tend to only affect vulnerable dogs (young, old or unwell) and those living in dirty, overcrowded conditions. Fortunately, lice only live on one species and very rarely cross over to others. This means it is very difficult for you to catch lice from your dog (or for your dog to catch them from you or other species). Lice are small, wingless insects that infest the hair and skin of dogs.

They are species-specific, meaning dog lice will not infest humans and vice versa. However, lice in dogs can cause severe itching, hair loss, skin inflammation, and in severe cases, anemia due to blood loss. Lice infestations, or pediculosis, are relatively rare in dogs, especially those well-cared for and regularly groomed. They are more commonly seen in dogs that are neglected, strays, or those living in crowded conditions. Lice can be easily seen with the naked eye and are typically found close to the skin, attached to the hair. They lay their eggs, or nits, on the hair shafts close to the skin. Two types of lice can affect dogs:

Chewing lice: - These lice, known as Trichodectes canis, feed on the skin debris, sebum, and hair of dogs. They are more common in dogs with poor health and hygiene conditions.

Sucking lice: - These lice, known as Linognathus setosus, attach to dogs' skin and feed on their blood. They are less common than chewing lice but can cause more serious health issues due to blood loss.โ€‹


EXTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Fox Mange

This is also known as scabies and the mite that causes it is called Sarcoptes. These burrowing mites cause the dog a lot of discomfort and will cause the dog to often scratch areas red raw! Affected dogs become progressively more itchy, scaly, bald and smelly. They can easily pick it up from other infected dogs or foxes, or from where these have been in the past 5 hours. Sometimes owners can pick up these mites and you may need to go to your doctor if you think you are displaying signs of a scabies infection. Remember to tell them what your dog has, otherwise they may not think of it. Avoid close contact with a dog with mange; this is especially important for young children.


EXTERNAL DOG PARASITES

Ringworms

Ringworm is an infectious disease that affects many types of animals, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, horses and even humans. It is got nothing to do with worms, though: ringworm is a fungal disease, caused by micro-organisms called dermatophytes, which give the condition its other name โ€“ dermatophytosis. The name "ringworm" comes from the appearance of the lesions on the skin of people, where reddish rings of dry, scaly, itchy skin surround a central area of recovering skin. On animals, the lesions can have many different appearances and can mimic other skin conditions.โ€‹

It can take up to three weeks from your dog becoming infected before you notice symptoms on them. Dermatophytes feed on hair, nails and dead skin cells. They infect one hair shaft then, gradually, all those surrounding it. This leads to raised, crusty bumps around hair follicles, and alopecia (hair loss), progressing outwards from the originally infected follicle. Sometimes, large areas of alopecia develop as infected hairs break off. In severe cases, the whole body can become affected.

If your dog catches ringworm, you might notice these bumps with your fingers when you are stroking them, or bare patches could begin to appear on your dog's skin. Dermatophytosis can make dogs itchy, so you may see your dog scratching or licking themselves. As the infection progresses, new hairs grow in the follicles that were previously affected. Some dermatophytes can infect dogs" foot pads and nails, causing nails to grow deformed, or to become brittle and break.







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