The primary intestinal parasites of dogs are worms, Giardia and Coccidia. The parasites damage the digestive tract or interfere with absorption of essential nutrients, or both. These can be monitored during the regular wellness checkup by the vet collecting a fecal sample from your dog for laboratory analysis. Sanitation and regular deworming throughout the dog’s life (every 1 to 3 months) is key to prevention.
Common external parasites include mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks, and mange mites. Monthly preventive treatments are available to control fleas and ticks, and are administered as medicated shampoos, chewable products, body sprays or “spot-on” preparations. Mange mites can be detected by scraping the skin of infected areas for signs of mites or their eggs under a microscope. Signs of mange include red, scaly areas or bald patches on the skin. Some of these parasites are also vectors for diseases such as Tick fever that is spread by the brown dog tick.
If your dog is eating well but is losing weight, first suspects are the worms. A dog can even cough out a worm – don’t be scared, the worm is coming out of the stomach and not the lungs. Sometimes you will find live worms in dog’s faeces. Arrange to give deworming therapy immediately and make sure you follow the instructions to give the correct dosage. Underdosage and overdosage can have serious consequences.
You may notice that your dog is scratching a lot, even though you apply topical medication for external parasites (medical shampoo, spray, pour-on). Your dog may be allergic to flea and tick bites and even though you got rid of them, the allergy can be fully blown and require medication. The allergy manifests itself through red, irritated patches on the skin. Dog is constantly scratching and licking, so the patches are not healing. Call your veterinarian for advice or go and visit the clinic so that appropriate therapy can be prescribed.
Mango flies commonly lay their eggs in humid environment. They are particularly attracted to the smell of urine and will happily lay eggs on bedding and mattresses that are not clean. When your dog lies on that bedding, eggs transfer onto the skin and penetrate it, making tiny red and itchy bumps on the skin. Over time, a mango worm develops and due to its body structure, the dog can not scratch it out. In rainy season , always check for these bumps on the skin and ask your veterinarian to show you how to remove these worms, or let him do it for you.
Tick Fever is quite a severe disease, if neglected. If you notice many ticks on your dog, be observant after the treatment. If the dog becomes lethargic and slows down on food, check the body temperature. If high, this is an emergency, go to the clinic and get appropriate treatment.
Don’t allow the parasites to interfere with the health of your dog. Ensure your dog has fresh food, fresh water, clean and dry place to sleep and plenty of time spent outdoors.
