parasites

Parasites

Dogs are frequently infested by a wide range of parasites, principally affecting the skin and hair, or the gastrointestinal tract.

The major skin parasites are:

Fleas-by far the most common skin parasite encountered, mainly responsible for a generalised irritation of the skin but some animals can develop an allergic reaction causing much more extensive skin damage. They can also transmit the tapeworm Dipylidium between animals.
Lice-two types of lice infest domestic animal, those which suck blood meals and those which bite and feed on the skin surface.
Otodectes-this is a mite which commonly inhabits the ears causing irritation, head shaking, and excessive accumulations of ear wax.
Demodex-a mite which lives within the epidermis of the skin, perhaps most common in younger age groups, can be difficult to treat
Sarcoptes-another mite which lives within the epidermis but responds better to treatment then demodex, can cause an intense itch, is easily transmitted between animals and may be passed on to humans
Cheyletiella-a microscopic mite which lives within the coat causing an excessive scurfiness and a mild itch, warranting its nickname of 'walking dandruff', too small to be seen with the naked eye
Ticks-numerous species of ticks will attach and feed from dogs and can be responsible for the transmission of Lyme disease.
Harvest mites-only the larvae of this mite are parasitic, they feed on the skin causing irritation.

We recommend treating for fleas using an effective product such as frontline or advantage routinely during the summer months.

The gastrointestinal parasites include:

Roundworm-particular problem in pups and whelping bitches, pups should be wormed every 2 weeks from birth until 12 weeks of age, bitches should be properly wormed both before and after giving birth to pups.
Tapeworm-primarily a problem of adult dogs, the tapeworm Dipylidium can be spread by fleas. Adult dogs should be wormed at least every 6 months.
Protozoal parasites such as Giardia can be responsible for gastrointestinal disease, especially in pups. Worming with fenbendazole can help to reduce this problem.

Not all commercially sold wormers and flea treatments are effective, please ask your vet if the product you intend to use is suitable.