Importance of Parasite Control in Dogs

Parasites are external and internal pests that feed on your pet's blood and can cause various potentially serious health issues. Here, our Rancho Cucamonga vets discuss protecting your dog with parasite prevention and why this is so important.

What are parasites in dogs?

Parasites are pests that can live externally on the fur and skin of your pet or internally, usually in the gastrointestinal tract. These parasites live strictly off of the blood and vital nutrients provided by your pet's blood.

Some cause irreversible, severe damage to your dog's organs. Many dog parasites include hookworms, heartworms, tapeworms, lice, ticks, and fleas. 

In this post, we'll examine some common parasites, explain why parasite control in dogs is essential to their health and discuss how your vet can help.

How are parasites transmitted between dogs?

In many cases, dogs are not infected directly by other animals. This is because parasites contracted through animal feces can be passed down from mother to puppy before birth. Insect bites are another potential method of transmission. 

Some of the parasites that most commonly infect dogs include:

What are the most commonly seen external dog parasites?

External parasites live on the skin of your canine companion, biting on the surface and feeding. The two most common are fleas and ticks:

Fleas

Fleas are an external parasite that depends upon a host animal for survival, in this case, your dog. Once these tiny parasites have made themselves at home on your pet, they will multiply at an astonishing rate. Some estimates calculate that for every adult flea you find on your pet. There may be 100 or more immature fleas hiding throughout their coat. Also, if your pet has fleas, there is a good chance that these parasites are also invading your home, hiding in carpets and soft furnishings.

Many dogs are allergic to the proteins left behind when fleas bite, which causes the area of the bite to become intolerably itchy. When this happens, pets often scratch and groom excessively, leading to raw, damaged patches of skin, fur loss, and, in some cases, infections. Additionally, fleas have an added danger in that infected fleas can transmit tapeworms to your pet.

Ticks

Ticks are external parasites that rely on 'hosts' for transportation and food. A host is a person or animal the tick lands on and begins feeding on. Ticks feed on the blood of their hosts, including humans and animals.

Ticks are extremely common worldwide, and many different species are found across North America. Each type of tick comes with serious risks to pet and human health. Tick saliva contains a variety of germs and bacteria that can be transmitted to the animals and people they prey on. These bacteria can lead the host to develop conditions such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Canine Bartonellosis, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, alpha-gal allergy, or Lyme disease.

What are the most common internal parasites in dogs?

Internal parasites are most commonly found in the intestinal system of animals and people. Some of the most common internal parasites are:

Roundworms

Roundworms are a common parasite in pets. As the name implies, large roundworms live in the intestines and cause ascariasis. Kittens and puppies generally become infected with roundworms through nursing and can catch contact with this parasite by eating the larvae found in the feces of other infected animals. Roundworms are a zoonotic parasite, which means humans can also become infected with roundworms.

If your pet has roundworms, you may notice symptoms such as diarrhea, lack of energy, weight loss, or vomiting. There may be no signs of infection in pets with few worms present, but you may see them in your dog's stool or vomit. Since roundworm infection symptoms aren't always easy to spot, it is important to have your pet attend annual checkups at your vet's office and have yearly fecal exams.

Tapeworms

These are flat, long, segmented parasites that attach to the walls of the small intestine. The Dipylidium canine species most commonly infects dogs, but several types are known to infect pets. Most pets get infected by swallowing a flea that has been infected with the tapeworm, which can easily happen while they are grooming or as a response to flea bites.

Heartworms

Heartworms, or Dirofilaria immitis, are protozoan parasites that live in dogs' hearts, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels. This disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito; when eggs find their way into your pet, the larvae travel through the bloodstream for several months, finally settling in the heart and pulmonary arteries.

Heartworm infections go undetected for months until the condition reaches more advanced stages when damage to the pet's internal organs has already begun. Treatment for heartworm disease is available. However, it is toxic to the pet and can be very expensive. For this reason, many pet parents find themselves having to make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize cherished pets diagnosed with heartworm disease.

How to Prevent Parasites in Dogs

Naturally, after discovering how many parasites our dogs can contract and their potential health effects, pet owners' next question is, 'How are parasites prevented?'.

Dog parasite prevention involves keeping them with their vaccinations. Your vet will be able to advise you of a schedule for inoculation. Ensure your dog goes for an annual wellness exam so your vet can test for infestation.

The Importance of Parasite Control in Dogs

Parasites can pose a significant danger to even the healthiest dog. That's why parasite control for dogs, including various parasite prevention practices and products, is important to protect your pooch and your family. 

Parasite control for dogs is an essential part of their routine healthcare. During your pet's annual exam, your veterinarian in Rancho Cucamonga can check your dog for any signs of parasites and recommend parasite control measures or products that would be suitable for them based on your location, your dog's risk factors, health status and more.

We are also happy to address any questions and concerns about parasite prevention and control. 

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.