Dogs And Their Parasites
You will do your best to avoid it, but chances are your canine is going to run across the bane of his/her and your existence - parasites. The most common of these is the trio of fleas, ticks and mites. They all present special problems. Each also offers a varying degree of severity. For all of them preventive measures are the best way to combat them.
Fleas
We have all seen them. They spring off a dog’s coat onto the floor or onto you. You may have seen their “dirt.” These are little brown or black specks. They are pepper-like appearing particularly in the base of the tail and in the groin area. You may also find them cavorting at the top of the head, between the ears.
Fleas are usually a nuisance. They can, however, become a serious problem. If your dog or you are allergic to their saliva, you and your pet are both in trouble. The little nips will become large welts. The tiny, itchy spot will become a major scratching post.
To remove fleas, you have to take a holistic approach. You need to treat both the dog and the environment. Remove the dog. Vacuum thoroughly all places where the dog lives and plays. Destroy the bag immediately or else the fleas will hop out. Wash the floors, carpets and bedding.
Once this is completed, wash the dog. Use a safe, specie-specific product. Select one recommended by your vet. Reintroduce your dog to its new spotless and flea-less environment. If you can, purchase and use any of the safe and recommended products you can obtain from a vet. If you want to go naturally, consult your vet and a specialist.
Ticks
Ticks are blood vampires. Ticks latch onto the skin of your dog and proceed to suck. Unlike fleas, they crawl over the surface. They do not leap from place to place. There are different types of ticks. While some are relatively benign - for a blood sucking parasite, others carry Lymes disease. This affects the legs and joints of both humans, canines and other mammals. It can be treated in dogs.
As in the case of fleas, it is best to use preventive measures. Most of the flea preparations work against ticks as well. If you are wise, you will protect your dog by one-stop shopping. If you pick carefully, the application may also act against an infestation of another parasite - mites.
Mites
There are 2 basic types of mites: demodex and sarcoptes. They both cause a skin problem called mange. Of the 2 insects, demodex is the least offensive. Demodex mites live in the hair follicles. They irritate primarily the skin of the face and paws. They often come with a skin infection.
Demodex mites are easy to diagnose. They are not too hard to treat if you catch them in time. Dips and the application of topical creams can help soothe. Cures are best left to the implementation of specific drugs.
Sarcoptes mites are hard to find and difficult to diagnose. In fact, the symptoms are often confused with skin allergies. These mites prefer the ear flaps and elbows of animals. They ravage the skin. The fur may become patchy and fall out. Crusty scabs form.
Untreated mange can result in death or euthanasia. Treatment includes dips, the application of creams and, the administration of drugs. Care should be taken. Some types of herding dogs react negatively to the use of Ivermetcin. You might want to ask, instead for Selamectin or a similar product.
