Parasites

External parasites
There are different kinds of parasites that can infest your dog. Fleas and ticks are visible to the naked eye, while mites can only be detected through a microscope.

Fleas
A dog can have fleas even if it isn't scratching.

Dogs who are itchy are often allergic to the flea's saliva. As a result, each flea bite causes intense itching, redness of the skin and small red bumps. Just a few bites on a highly allergic animal may cause a severe reaction. The problem is much worse in the summer and autumn in areas where the winters are cold. In warm climates, it is a year-round problem. Fleas reproduce in the animal's environment, i.e. at home during the winter. If your dog has fleas, don't just treat him - treat all the other animals in the house and the surrounding environment. There are a number of dips, sprays, or shampoos to use for treatment against fleas.

Ticks
These are very important parasites. They can be carriers of other diseases that can affect your dog or yourself, such as Lyme Disease, Erlichiosis or Babesiosis.
Ask your veterinarian for preventive medication. If you find ticks on your dog, you may want to take them of. To remove a tick, grasp it near the dog's skin with tweezers. Apply gentle traction to remove the entire head and mouth parts. Do not twist. Be careful not to puncture or crush the body to avoid releasing the eggs to the surroundings. Put it on a jar with alcohol to kill it. In addition, check your dog's environment and treat accordingly.

Mites
The three more important mange mites species are:

• Sarcoptes scabiei canis: Cause of canine scabies. Most common signs are intense itching, the dog is restless and keeps scratching and biting the affected areas. The skin turns reddish and swollen and hair loss is visible. It is contagious through direct contact with an infected animal, both to humans and other dogs. It might be needed to cut the hair for treatment
• Demodex canis: Cause of demodicosis in dogs, a non-contagious form of mange. These mites are natural inhabitants of the dog’s skin and only cause disease when there are immune deficiencies associated. There appears to be a genetic component on transmission, since families of dogs show to be more susceptible. These animals shouldn’t be used for breeding purposes.
• Otodectes cynotis: Tiny parasites that live on the surface of the skin lining in the ear canal. They pierce the skin surface to feed, causing inflammation and discomfort. If left untreated, bacterial infections and loss of hearing may result. Some signs observed are:
  
  
  • excessive and persistent scratching around the ears;
  • head shaking;
  • restless behaviour;
  • the ears are painful to the touch and the pet may cry out in pain;
  • brown material present in the ears;
  • a foul-smelling odour from ears.

Ask your veterinarian for specific treatments for each one of these mites.

Internal parasites

Parasites of the digestive system
Stomach or intestinal parasites can be transmitted in the mother's womb, through direct contact with an infected animal or by eating a parasitized substance. The most important types are roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms. Roundworms larvae may migrate into tissues of many animals including man if they are swallowed. This infection could be asymptomatic or may present some uncomfortable signs, so you should be aware about your dog having roundworms.

• Parasites in your dog can cause diarrhoea, vomiting or developmental delays. A twice-yearly stool examination performed by your veterinarian can detect parasites and quickly remedy the situation.Your veterinarian will indicate you the most effective dewormer agent for each one of the parasites mentioned above.

Other internal parasites
Mosquitoes transmit parasites that invade the heart and circulatory system, causing Hearth Worm Disease. This infection may cause signs as coughing, fever, difficulty to breathe, decrease exercise tolerance and weight loss. The disease can be prevented by having your pet tested every two or three years, as well as by giving your pet a preventive medication during mosquito season and when travelling to warm climates.