Dog Parasites: What Pet Owners Need to Know to Keep Pets Protected

Dog parasites are organisms that live on or inside your pet and feed off their blood or nutrients, often leading to irritation, illness, or even life-threatening complications. These parasites include internal types like worms and external types like fleas, ticks, and mites. While dogs are naturally curious and love to explore, that curiosity can expose them to parasites at parks, in the yard, or even during a walk around the neighborhood. If you’re concerned about dog parasites or want to protect your pet from infection, Brinker Veterinary Hospital in Lake Orion, MI, provides the expertise and preventive care your pet needs. Call (248) 693-1677 to schedule a visit today.

 

 

Common Types of Dog Parasites

Parasites come in many forms, and each can affect your dog in different ways. Some cause itching and discomfort, while others can damage internal organs or carry dangerous diseases. Knowing the most common types of dog parasites helps you recognize when your pet might be at risk and take appropriate action.

External Parasites

External parasites live on your dog’s skin and coat, feeding on blood or skin cells.

• Fleas are tiny, fast-moving insects that can jump from one animal to another. A single flea can lay hundreds of eggs, making infestations quick to spread.
• Ticks attach themselves to your dog’s skin to feed on blood and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis.
• Mites, including those that cause mange, live on the skin’s surface or in hair follicles. They often lead to itching, hair loss, and irritation.

Even though external parasites are visible to the eye, they can be hard to detect early. Regular grooming and veterinary checkups are your best defense against these pests.

Internal Parasites

Internal parasites live inside your dog’s body, usually in the intestines, lungs, or heart.

• Roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms are intestinal parasites that absorb nutrients from your dog’s food, often leading to weight loss and digestive upset.
• Whipworms live in the large intestine and can cause chronic inflammation.
• Heartworms are transmitted by mosquito bites and grow inside the heart and lungs. Heartworm disease can be life-threatening without professional veterinary intervention.

While internal parasites are not visible, veterinarians can detect them through diagnostic testing and preventive care programs.

How Dogs Get Parasites

Dog parasites spread in several ways: some are picked up from the environment, while others pass from animal to animal.

Environmental Exposure

Many dog parasites thrive in soil, grass, or contaminated water. Flea eggs can survive in carpets and outdoor areas for weeks, while roundworm and hookworm eggs live in soil for months. Dogs that dig, play in dirt, or sniff other animals’ waste are more likely to come into contact with these parasites.

Other Animals and Insects

Wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels, and stray cats can carry parasites that spread to pets. Ticks often attach themselves to tall grass or shrubs and wait for a host to brush by. Mosquitoes are another threat because they transmit heartworm larvae when they bite.

Maternal Transmission

Puppies are especially vulnerable because some parasites, like roundworms, can pass from the mother before birth or through nursing. This makes early veterinary visits and deworming protocols essential for young dogs.

Symptoms of Dog Parasites

The signs of dog parasites vary depending on whether the infection is internal or external. Some symptoms are easy to spot, while others can be subtle.

Signs of External Parasites

• Constant scratching, licking, or biting at the skin
• Hair loss or red, irritated patches
• Visible fleas, flea dirt (tiny black specks), or ticks
• Scabs or sores on the skin
• Restlessness or discomfort

Signs of Internal Parasites

• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Bloated or distended abdomen
• Coughing or difficulty breathing (possible heartworm sign)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Weight loss despite a normal appetite

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian promptly. A professional exam is the only reliable way to confirm the presence of dog parasites and discuss appropriate care.

The Diagnostic Process for Dog Parasites

At Brinker Veterinary Hospital, our team uses diagnostic tools and lab testing to identify dog parasites accurately. Because many parasites remain hidden within the body, visual observation alone isn’t enough to confirm an infection.

Diagnostic Tests

• Fecal exams help detect intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms by identifying eggs under a microscope.
• Blood tests are used to detect heartworm disease and other blood-borne parasites transmitted by ticks or mosquitoes.
• Skin scrapings can reveal mites that cause mange or other skin conditions.

These diagnostic methods allow veterinarians to assess the level of infection and recommend preventive steps to protect your dog’s long-term health.

The Importance of Parasite Prevention

Preventing dog parasites is far easier and safer than treating infections once they occur. Regular prevention protects not just your pet but also your household and other animals they come into contact with.

Year-Round Protection

Parasites can survive year-round, even in cold climates like Michigan. Fleas and ticks can linger indoors or in protected outdoor areas, while mosquitoes can appear during warmer months. Maintaining monthly preventives throughout the year helps safeguard against unexpected outbreaks.

Regular Veterinary Visits

Routine veterinary checkups are essential for monitoring your dog’s health and adjusting their preventive plan as needed. During these visits, your veterinarian can recommend products designed to target the specific parasites most common in Lake Orion, MI.

Environmental Control

Keeping your home and yard clean helps reduce the risk of infestation. Vacuum regularly, wash bedding often, and pick up pet waste promptly. These small steps can make a big difference in minimizing exposure to parasites.

Why Parasite Control Matters for Families

Dog parasites can affect more than just pets, they can also pose health risks to people. Some intestinal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, are zoonotic, meaning they can spread from animals to humans. Children are especially at risk when playing in areas where infected dogs have defecated. Proper sanitation, handwashing, and regular veterinary visits all help minimize this risk. By staying proactive, you not only protect your pet but also your family’s well-being.

Partnering with Your Veterinary Team for Long-Term Protection

Protecting your dog from parasites is an ongoing process that requires consistency and professional guidance. At Brinker Veterinary Hospital, our team is dedicated to helping Lake Orion pet owners create customized prevention plans based on each pet’s age, lifestyle, and health status. We work with you to schedule regular screenings, maintain year-round protection, and identify any issues early. Parasites can be persistent, but with proper prevention and veterinary support, your dog can stay happy and healthy through every season. To learn more about dog parasites or to schedule your pet’s next visit, call Brinker Veterinary Hospital at (248) 693-1677 or request an appointment online today.