Parasites are living organisms that reside on or inside the bodies of animals (called hosts) and get necessary nutrients for their survival from the host's body. Like all animals, dogs are also susceptible to parasites. Since parasites feed on the host, they can cause a range of health issues from minor skin issues to serious health concerns or even lead to the death of your canine. 

Furthermore, some parasites are zoonotic and can cause serious health issues in humans. Therefore, you must take strict measures to prevent parasite infestation if you want to ensure the good health of your dog, yourself, and your family. 

Read this comprehensive guide to learn about different types of parasites found in dogs, how dogs are infested with parasites, their implications on a dog's health, and how to prevent parasites. 

Types Of Parasites Commonly Found In Dogs

Depending on the location, the parasites are generally divided into two broad categories, ectoparasites and endoparasites. Let’s briefly discuss both.

Ectoparasites (External Parasites):

As their name suggests, these parasites are found outside the dog's body. Ticks, fleas, and lice are common types of external parasites. Despite their small size, these pests are very hardy and can survive in a variety of environmental conditions. Furthermore, due to their small size, most pet parents remain unaware of their presence until the dog is heavily infested (especially in the case of long-haired breeds).

Endoparasites (Internal Parasites):

These pests are found inside the body or in different internal organs of your dog. Roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and hookworms are commonly found as internal parasites in dogs.

How Do Dogs Get Infested With Parasites?

Dogs are curious animals by instinct, they sniff everything, lick a multitude of things, and like to play outside with other pets. So, while enjoying an outdoor walk or playing in the outfield, your dog can easily come in contact with eggs and larvae of many internal and external parasites. In addition, your dog may also get adult fleas and ticks from other pets or animals. Even human members of the family can carry eggs of different parasites (both internal and external) through their feet and clothes. In short, if you haven’t taken preventive measures, your canine can easily be infested with a variety of parasites.

How Do Parasites Affect Dogs Health / Why Is It So Important To Prevent Parasites In Dogs?

Since both external and internal parasites suck blood, in case of heavy infestation, anemia is a common symptom irrespective of the type of parasite. The bite of ticks or fleas causes swelling and continuous skin irritation that keeps dogs restless all the time, and not being able to rest or sleep comfortably. The itching and irritation make the animal continuously scratch its body with its teeth or against other hard objects, leading to hair loss, wounds, and skin infection. 

Furthermore, ticks can be carriers of germs like Borrelia burgdorferi and Rickettsia rickettsia, which are transferred to the dog during the tick bite. Borrelia burgdorferi and Rickettsia rickettsia are responsible for causing Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Both diseases can severely damage your canine's health by causing fever, fatigue, weight loss, irreversible organ damage, or even lead to the death of your pet. 

Just like ticks, fleas can also be a source of some parasites, such as Tapeworms.

Similarly, endoparasites can cause anorexia (lack of interest in food), vomiting, diarrhea, bloody faces, intermittent constipation and diarrhea, weight loss, etc. Heartworm can also induce cough along with other symptoms and can severely damage the lungs and cardiovascular system of your dog. 

How To Prevent Parasites In Dogs?

You should now have a good idea of how important it is to prevent parasites in dogs, so let’s talk about prevention. Prevention is much easier and cheaper than treating the parasites after your dog is infested. Let’s see how you can ensure your canine friend is parasite-free.

• Strictly follow your dog’s grooming schedule. Grooming allows you to closely examine your dog’s body, so you can notice if there are anomalies. Any change in skin appearance or presence of ticks, fleas, or lice can be easily detected while grooming.

• Make your house parasite-free by regularly spraying suitable insecticides. Especially in your backyard or lawn, since they can be a reservoir of different parasites.

• Experts recommend giving dewormers (medicines to eliminate endo-parasites) to your dog every 3-4 months.

• Use medicated collars when going out. These collars help keep the ticks and fleas away, minimizing the chances of your dog coming in contact with these parasites.

• Visiting the vet at least twice a year is compulsory. He can prescribe the right dewormers and medicated collars according to the age, sex, breed, and health status of your canine friend. Also, discuss the parasite prevention strategy with your vet and take measures accordingly.

• If you suspect your dog is dealing with any parasite, don't delay and visit a vet immediately because delaying will cost you in terms of time, money, and the health of your beloved pet.

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