Fleas, Ticks and Other External Parasites of Dogs
Fleas, ticks and other external parasites (lice, mites or mange, flies, etc. ) of dogs are located skin or superficial layer of skin.
The threat of external parasites to pet will vary according to geographical location and the type of pet. Some of them (eg some species of ticks) can act as carriers (vectors) of disease agents and pass that disease (tick fever), while others may not act as a vector but may themselves cause a problem (e.g.fleas, certain mites).
In dogs, fleas and ticks are perhaps the most common external parasite problem encountered by pet owners.
Fleas
Fleas are common external parasites that infest dogs, causing discomfort, itching, and potential health issues. Dogs are the preferred host for the normal pet flea.
The exception to this observation is if you move into somewhere that has not been occupied for a while then newly hatched fleas will jump on anything to get a blood meal.
These tiny parasites thrive in warm, humid environments and spread easily through contact with infested animals, contaminated surroundings, or even human clothing. Once on a dog, fleas multiply rapidly, making early detection and intervention crucial.
A flea infestation often leads to excessive scratching, biting, and licking, particularly around the tail, belly, and legs. Dogs may develop red, irritated skin, hair loss, and, in severe cases, secondary bacterial infections. Flea dirt, which appears as black specks on the dog’s coat, is a clear indicator of an infestation. Additionally, some dogs suffer from flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), an allergic reaction to flea saliva, which intensifies itching and inflammation.
Treatment options for fleas include topical spot-on treatments, oral medications, flea shampoos, and flea collars. Each method varies in effectiveness and duration, but combining treatments often provides the best results. Immediate relief can be achieved through flea shampoos or sprays, while long-term prevention relies on consistent use of veterinarian-approved products. Environmental control is equally important—washing bedding, vacuuming carpets, and treating indoor and outdoor areas help eliminate fleas at all life stages.
Preventive measures, such as regular grooming and year-round flea preventatives, play a key role in keeping dogs flea-free. Maintaining a clean home and yard minimizes the chances of infestation. Since fleas can also carry tapeworms and cause anemia in severe cases, taking a proactive approach ensures a dog’s health and comfort.
Ticks
Ticks are external parasites that attach to a dog’s skin, feeding on blood and potentially transmitting diseases.
They grow in grassy, wooded, and humid areas, making dogs highly susceptible, especially when spending time outdoors.
Ticks can be picked up from tall grass, shrubs, or contact with infested animals, and once attached, they can remain hidden in the fur, feeding for days.
A tick bite may cause itching, redness, and localized swelling. However, the greater concern is the transmission of diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses in dogs include lethargy, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, prolonged tick infestations can lead to anemia due to blood loss.
Removing ticks promptly is essential to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Using tweezers or a tick removal tool, the tick should be grasped close to the skin and pulled out steadily without twisting.
Crushing or improperly removing a tick can leave parts embedded in the skin, increasing the risk of infection. After removal, disinfecting the area and monitoring the dog for signs of illness is recommended.
Preventing ticks involves using veterinarian-approved tick preventatives, including spot-on treatments, oral medications, and tick collars.
Regularly checking the dog for ticks, especially after outdoor activities, helps in early detection. Keeping grass and bushes trimmed, avoiding tick-prone areas, and treating the environment with tick control products further reduce the risk of infestation.
Mites
Mites are microscopic parasites that infest a dog’s skin, ears, or fur, causing irritation, itching, and potential skin infections. Various types of mites can affect dogs, including sarcoptic mites, demodectic mites, ear mites, and cheyletiella mites. Each type causes different symptoms and requires specific treatment.
Sarcoptic mange, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites, leads to intense itching, hair loss, red or crusty skin, and secondary infections. It is highly contagious and can spread to other animals and humans. Demodectic mange, caused by Demodexmites, often affects puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems, leading to hair loss, redness, and sometimes skin infections, but it is not contagious. Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) infest the ears, causing excessive scratching, head shaking, dark ear discharge, and inflammation. They are highly contagious among pets but rarely affect humans. Cheyletiella mites, known as “walking dandruff,” cause flaky skin, itching, and mild irritation, and they can spread between animals and humans.
Symptoms of mite infestations vary but commonly include itching, redness, hair loss, scabbing, and thickened or inflamed skin. In ear mite cases, black or brown debris in the ears is a common sign. Severe infestations can lead to bacterial infections and discomfort.
Treatment depends on the type of mite but may include medicated shampoos, topical treatments, oral medications, or injections prescribed by a veterinarian. Ear mites require specialized ear drops to eliminate the infestation. Cleaning the dog’s bedding, vacuuming the home, and treating other pets in the household help prevent reinfestation.
Regular grooming, maintaining good hygiene, and using preventive treatments can help keep mites away and ensure a dog’s skin and coat remain healthy.
Lice
Not very common in dogs and usually associated with animals in poor condition. They can cause sever irritation leading to scratching and hair loss.
They lay eggs that look like little white grains of sand attached to the shaft of a hair. Lice are easily killed by most insecticides.
Flies
Various flies can transmit some diseases. In most dogs and households though they usually represent a nuisance rather than a disease threat.
Biting flies in particular can make any animals existence miserable and for this reason alone they are worth controlling.
Control measures should start with keeping the environment as clean as possible and can include a host of natural and synthetic products that you apply to the animal and/or environment.
