Parasites can be a big nuisance for dogs. They can be particularly hard on puppies, elderly dogs, and dogs with weakened immune systems. Some humans can even get these parasites, making it crucial to take preventive measures for both pets and owners. This is why it’s important to prevent a parasite infestation in dogs and get immediate veterinary action when one does happen.

Types of Parasites in Dogs

These unwanted pests and intruders come in two main types: internal and external parasites. Together, these types make up some of the biggest health concerns for dogs. Here are the common types of parasites in dogs:

Internal Parasites

Roundworms

Roundworms are intestinal parasites that can grow several inches long and are commonly found in puppies. They consume the essential nutrients meant for the dog, leading to symptoms like a bloated belly, vomiting, and diarrhea. Puppies often contract roundworms from their mother’s milk, while adult dogs can get them by ingesting contaminated soil or prey.

Hookworms

Hookworms are blood-feeding parasites that latch onto the intestinal walls. They can cause anemia, weight loss, and bloody stools, particularly in young puppies or dogs with heavy infestations. Hookworm larvae can also penetrate deep into a dog’s skin and may contract them through their paws or by ingesting contaminated soil.

Whipworms

Whipworms reside in the large intestine and cause symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, and general gastrointestinal discomfort. Whipworms are contracted by ingesting eggs in contaminated soil or water and are particularly resilient. Whipworms are considered to be the internal parasite that causes the most diseases.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are another internal parasite that looks like flat and segmented worms. Dogs contract tapeworms through fleas. Tapeworm segments are often visible in a dog’s stool or around the anus, resembling small grains of rice. While tapeworms don’t usually cause and severe health problems compared to other parasites, they can lead dogs to scoot due to the discomfort.

Heartworms

Heartworms are among the most dangerous internal parasites because they affect the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels. They are transmitted by mosquito bites, and once inside a dog, they grow and reproduce, leading to severe cardiovascular issues. Some of these are coughing, fatigue, and even death if untreated. Heartworm disease can be fatal and is particularly prevalent in areas with high mosquito populations.

Protozoa (Giardia and Coccidia)

Giardia and coccidia are microscopic parasites that cause intestinal infections in dogs. Giardia and coccidia are often contracted by drinking contaminated water and infected soil from other animals’ feces. These parasites can be super harmful to young dogs and puppies due to their developing immune system.

External Parasites

Fleas

Fleas are tiny and wingless insects that feed off their host’s blood. They are notorious for causing itchy, irritated skin, hair loss, and allergic reactions in dogs. Fleas can also carry tapeworms, which can infect dogs if they swallow an infected flea. Once fleas infest a dog, they can quickly spread to the pet’s environment, including carpets, bedding, and furniture, where they lay eggs that hatch into new fleas.

Ticks

Ticks are blood-sucking arachnids that attach to the skin and can transmit dangerous diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Ticks are commonly found in grassy areas. They can latch onto a dog when they brush through these environments. Unlike fleas, ticks do not cause itching right away, so they can go unnoticed for longer periods, making it easier for them to spread disease.

Mites

Mites are microscopic parasites in dogs that cause a wide variety of skin and health problems depending on the type. Usually, the common types of mites include ear mites, Sarcoptes scabiei, and Demodex mites. These mites can cause a lot of discomfort for dogs and can easily spread to other animals.

Lice

Lice are small parasites that live on the surface of a dog’s skin, feeding on their blood and skin debris. They cause itching, hair loss, and skin irritation. Lice infestations are less common in well-groomed pets but can be an issue in dogs that are neglected or kept in poor living conditions.

Diagnosing a Parasite Infestation in Dogs

Diagnosing a parasite infestation in dogs requires an intricate process of finding the causes of your dog’s symptoms. It usually involves a series of tests to get an accurate diagnosis. Here are the procedures we do to diagnose a parasite infestation in dogs:

Physical Examination

The first step to diagnose your dog’s parasite infestation is through a physical examination. We look all throughout your dog’s body for any signs of irritation, hair loss, flea dirt, and other indicators of external parasites.

For internal parasites, our vets will assess symptoms that involve the gastrointestinal system and other organs, such as weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and difficulty breathing. If any of the symptoms appear, we’ll proceed with the corresponding steps.

Fecal Analysis for Internal Parasites

A fecal exam is one of the most common diagnostic tools for detecting internal parasites. During this process, a small sample of your dog’s stool is gathered and placed under a microscope to look for any parasites or their eggs. Fecal tests are a routine part of dog checkups, especially for those who have sensitive stomachs. 

Blood Tests

Blood tests are essential for diagnosing parasites that affect the blood, such as heartworms and other gastrointestinal parasites. A complete blood count (CBC) can help reveal anemia, low platelet counts, inflammation, infections, and other indicators of a parasite infestation in dogs. This test is usually done with fecal examinations to gather a much more accurate diagnosis.

Skin Scraping and Microscopy

If external parasites like mites or lice are suspected, our vets may perform a skin scraping. We do this by gently scraping a small area of skin from a dog with hair loss, crusty skin, or intense itching. The skin sample is then introduced under a microscope for analysis and will be helpful in detecting microscopic parasites like mites.

Advanced Imaging

Diagnostic imaging tools like X-rays and ultrasounds are useful tools in helping us take a closer look to assess your dog’s internal organs. Some of the most vital organs include the heart and lungs. Imaging can help reveal abnormalities and differences linked to the effects of internal parasites such as heartworms and whipworms.

Treatment for a Parasite Infestation in Dogs

The treatment process will vary based on the parasites present in your dogs. In some cases, a combination can be used if multiple parasites are detected. It all comes down to our analysis and the process we want to move forward with. Here are the common options we use to treat a parasite infestation in dogs:

Medications for Internal Parasites

• Dewormers

For parasites located inside your dog’s body, such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms, we’ll prescribe medications that work to kill these internal parasites. Dog deworming should be done regularly in order to keep your dog protected from these dangerous parasites. Some of these deworming treatments include fenbendazole and Drontal plus.

• Heartworm Treatments

Heartworm disease requires a more intensive treatment plan. The procedure starts with doxycycline to target bacteria that support the heartworm, followed by melarsomine injections to kill adult heartworms. Activity restriction is essential during treatment, as dying heartworms can cause blockages in the heart and lungs.

• Antiprotozoal Medications

In cases of protozoal infections like Giardia or coccidia, certain medications such as metronidazole or fenbendazole will be given to your dogs for treatment. These will usually continue for several weeks until we are sure that your dog’s body is free of the parasites.

Medications for External Parasites

• Topical Treatments

Products like fipronil, selamectin, or imidacloprid are commonly used by our vets to treat and remove fleas, ticks, and mites. These medications are applied to your dog’s skin, where they spread across the body, killing external parasites on contact.

Usually, there are two common types of topical treatments. Spot-on treatments and shampoos. Spot-on treatments usually involve ointments that are applied on the back of your dog’s neck and between its shoulder blades. This is to prevent your dog from licking the preventive treatment. Treatments like these usually need a regular schedule to provide a consistent protective barrier for your dog. 

Medicated shampoos are a treatment option that should be used more often, as they need to be used when bathing your dog. These help retain its soft and clean coat while keeping it safe from parasites. Regular dog grooming is important to keep your dog free from debris and parasites that could cling to it while it goes outside. 

• Oral Medications

Oral treatments, such as fluralaner and ivermectin, are also effective against fleas and ticks. The medications are super helpful in removing a parasite infestation in dogs in a simple way. These chewable tablets work by circulating the medication through the dog’s bloodstream, where it targets and kills parasites that bite the dog. Oral treatments are popular options because they are super convenient and easy to give while also providing long-lasting protection for dogs. 

Conclusion

Because dogs love to play outside and explore the outside world, they might experience parasites more often than not. A parasite infestation in dogs can be concerning, but with the right care and the right help, we can get your dog the care it deserves.