What is a parasite? By definition, a parasite is an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of the host. Parasites fall into two general categories, internal and external. External parasites are those found on the hair and skin of dogs. Internal parasites live in your dog's internal organs, such as the intestinal tract or lungs. Some of the most common types of parasites are fleas, mites, ticks, roundworms, tapeworms, and heartworms.
Do I Really Need to Know About Parasites For My Dog?
YES! In order to keep your dog as healthy as possible, it’s helpful to have general knowledge about potential health dangers and ways to prevent your dog from becoming sick, unnecessarily. Parasite prevention is vital in keeping your dog healthy. Here are some common parasites that can be found in/on your dog:
External Parasites In Dogs
- Fleas – found almost everywhere in the world. All dogs are at risk of flea infestation, especially because of their access to the outdoors. They are exposed to flea and tick when they go for their daily walks, trips to the park and when they have play dates with other dogs. There are many flea control products on the market, and we are here to help you determine which product is best for your dog. Please keep in mind that many products intended for dogs ARE NOT safe for cats as they can/may contain permethrin which is toxic to cats. If your dog has a feline friend at home be sure to use the proper flea/tick products that are safe around cats. Fleas cause skin disease, but they may transmit other serious infections, such as tapeworm and bacterial infections. Young puppies can become severely anemic from flea infestations.
- Ticks – vary in type and distribution depending on where you live. They can not only cause skin irritation for your dog but can also carry serious diseases that threaten your dog’s health such as parasites that infect blood cells. Tick prevention products intended for dogs ARE NOT safe for cats.
- Mites – ear mites can cause significant irritation and pain and can lead to bacterial infections. Other types of mites live on canine skin, such as mange mites, and cause hair loss, itchiness, and may lead to bacterial infection.
Internal Parasites
- Roundworm – common in puppies and young adult dogs. Dogs can acquire roundworms via several routes, ingesting small mammals, insects, infected soil or feces/waste. Dogs commonly acquire roundworms from their mother, so all puppies should be treated for this parasite. Annual fecal test is recommended. Some monthly preventatives help prevent reinfestation of roundworms.
- Hookworm – common in puppies and young adult dogs. Dogs can acquire hookworms via several routes, ingesting small mammals that are infected, or something contaminated with feces/waste. Hookworms can penetrate their paws if they walk on contaminated surfaces. Dogs commonly acquire hookworms from their mother, so all puppies should be treated for this parasite. Annual fecal test is recommended. Some monthly preventatives help prevent reinfestation of hookworms.
- Giardia - common in puppies and young adult dogs. Dogs commonly acquire giardia from ingesting this highly contagious parasite in contaminated water, food, soil or infected feces/waste. This includes swimming in local parks where the water can be contaminated. Puppies are not usually treated for this parasite. An annual fecal test is recommended, especially if your dog tends to eat things that they shouldn't on their walks.
- Tapeworm – can be acquired via fleas or when dogs eat/hunt small rodents/mammals infected with tapeworms. Some monthly preventatives help prevent reinfestation of tapeworms.
- Heartworm – an important lung disease despite its name. The parasite is carried by mosquitoes who feed off infected hosts (wildlife). An infected mosquito bites a dog, the larvae are then transferred into the dog's blood stream. Heartworm larvae develop into an infective larvae withing 2 weeks. The larvae become an adult heartworm in about 6 months. The adult heartworms damage arteries, blood vessels, heart and lung tissue. This can be deadly. It is preventable! Dogs should be on a regular heartworm preventive product. Most heartworm prevention also helps prevention intestinal parasites. An annual blood test is required to make sure there is no positive exposure and allow for refill of the heartworm prevention. Treating a heartworm positive dog with a monthly prevention without testing can have deadly consequences (shock, allergic reaction and or severe respiratory issues).
Parasite control is an integral part of your dog’s wellness program and year-round preventive care is essential. Parasites affect your dog's health and some, referred to as “zoonotic parasites,” are transmissible to people as well. An important zoonotic parasite to be aware of is the roundworm and hookworm, which can cause migraines, vision impairment and blindness in people. Giardia cause diarrhea, bloating and malabsorption/weight loss. An annual control plan for both external and internal parasites not only protect your dog, but you and your family members as well.
What You Need to Know
- The type of parasites that are most important to focus on for your dog will depend on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and where you live.
- It’s important to note that year round parasite prevention is necessary since there are many ways parasites can enter your home via rodents, insects or other unwanted pests.
- All puppies require a parasite treatment since they are at increased risk.
- Adult dogs may require regular treatment based on individual risk factors.
- Your veterinarian will work with you to determine the best approach for your dog based on lifestyle and geographic factors. In many areas, a year-round plan is the best approach for dogs of all ages.
Prevention Treatments
We recommend prescription flea/tick/heartworm products that have been proven to be effective in treatment and approved by the FDA. These products come with a guarantee that includes a refund or product replacement. When purchased through a veterinary clinic, customers may also be eligible for a pest control service reimbursement.
There are many flea/tick/heartworm preventative options in our online pharmacy COVETRUS. Let's discuss what product would be best for your puppy. There is always a risk using parasite preventatives. The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, itching, diarrhea, hair loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, and scabs/ulcerated lesions. Please monitor for these signs when using any parasite prevention If your pet experiences any of these symptoms please CALL US right away.
Why Does My Puppy Need Year Round Parasite Prevention?
Parasites are everywhere and reside quite happily inside and on our treasured pets. The reality is that many dogs have very fluid lifestyles—they might travel to a grooming facility regularly, take training classes with other dogs or visit a boarding facility when their caregivers go on vacation. Rodents can bring fleas into your home and insects can serve as transport or intermediate hosts for some of the more common intestinal parasites. Anyone who’s been plagued by a buzzing mosquito or housefly knows how easily flying insects can gain access to even the most well-secured house.
Heated, humidified homes can also be terrific breeding grounds for fleas, as well as a place of refuge for flea-carrying rodents. Exposure can happen when shoes and other clothing covered in contaminants fresh from the parasite reservoir are worn indoors. All of these instances create an opportunity for parasite exposure.
Should I Worry About Parasites For My Puppy?
There is a tremendous opportunity to prevent harm to your puppy by getting them dewormed. Puppies are frequently infected by intestinal parasites, and are prone to reinfection, which can occur during nursing and through their environment. To compound matters, puppies often harbor immature forms of parasites, which can escape the effects of treatments and confound diagnostic tests. Intestinal parasites, such as tapeworms, can also wreak havoc on your puppies organ systems.