Parasites in dogs

Parasites can be very annoying to our loyal four-legged friends. In some cases, they have only a limited impact on your dog, but certain parasites can cause severe discomfort or even illness. As an owner, you can also be affected. That’s why the right preventive care is important to prevent and control parasites in your dog. De Dierenkliniek will provide you with all the necessary information and care.

What is a parasite?

Parasites are organisms that can only reproduce at the expense of a plant or animal. In the case of an animal, they live either on the skin (external parasite) or in the intestines (internal parasite) of the animal.

What parasites are common in dogs?

We divide parasites into external and internal parasites. The ones we see the most and that cause the most problems are:

Parasites outside the Netherlands

Abroad, parasites such as ticks and worms naturally occur, but there are also some that do not occur in the Netherlands which can transmit dangerous diseases. Most of the parasites are spread by mosquitoes or ticks.

The most common diseases caused by parasites abroad are:

• Leishmania: transmitted mainly by sand flies
• Babesiosis: transmitted mainly by the Dermacentor tick
• Ehrlichiosis: can be transmitted by the brown dog tick
• Heartworm: is transmitted by bites of infected mosquitoes

So it is important to properly protect your dog when he or she goes abroad with you.

Symptoms of parasites in your dog

Each parasite can show different symptoms. Below you will read about the ones that are easiest to recognise:

• Fleas: lots of scratching, biting at the skin, small black flea droppings in the fur, scabs on the skin
• Ticks: small, rusty brown bumps on the skin. Ticks suck in and swell. When fully sucked in, they can turn grey.
• Worms: abdominal pain, thin stools or diarrhoea complaints, weight loss, worms in the stools or around the anus, a round/thick ‘worm belly’ but otherwise thin

When in doubt or with severe symptoms, it is wise to have your dog checked by a vet.

How do you prevent parasites in your dog?

Some parasites can be easily be prevented, others can only be controlled curatively if your dog is found to be infected. Each parasite requires its own treatment. At De Dierenkliniek, we have all the knowledge to inform and help you with the right (preventive) care.

Parasite control in dogs

Read on the different pages how to best control parasites in dogs. If you have more questions about this topic, please feel free to contact us!