Parasite Protection for Dogs  

Canine Parasite Control

Parasites are a common health concern both for dogs and their owners. Many parasites in our pets are zoonotic, meaning that they also pose a risk for their human counterparts. Regular preventive medications are recommended for all dogs, as well as periodic testing for heartworms, tick-borne diseases, and gastrointestinal (GI) parasites.

External Parasites in Dogs 

Learn more about the most common external parasites in dogs. 

Fleas

Fleas are a very common external parasite. These insects feed on the blood of animals and can transmit several diseases, including tapeworms, cat scratch fever, and the plague. In addition to spreading disease, they can cause itching and allergic reactions in dogs. Keep in mind that a low number of fleas can cause significant reactions in dogs with flea allergies. You may notice the following signs if your dog has fleas:

  • Scratching

  • Excessive grooming or biting at the skin

  • Flea dirt (flea waste) on the dog or dog bed

  • Skin infections

  • Fur loss, especially on the back near the tail

Adult fleas spend the majority of their lives on the pet, although recently-emerged adults can also be found on the floor and in the pets’ bedding. Fleas lay eggs that hatch into larvae. After a week or two, the larvae spin a cocoon and enter the pupal stage, which is very hardy and can last for up to several months. The pupae then develop into adults and the cycle repeats.

Ticks

Like most blood sucking parasites, ticks are capable of spreading diseases. Ticks are most commonly associated with the transmission of Lyme Disease, but some species can transmit anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and other tick-borne diseases.

Mites 

Ear mites live in dogs’ ear canals, and can lead to inflammation and secondary itching and infection, often resulting in copious dark, waxy debris in the ears. Infestation with skin mites such as Demodex canis and Sarcoptes scabiei, can lead to intense itching, crusting, hair loss, and secondary infection.

Internal Parasites in Dogs 

Learn more about the most common internal parasites in dogs and how to identify the signs of infection. 

Heartworms 

Heartworms are spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The adult worms live in in heart and surrounding blood vessels. They can cause damage to the vasculature, the heart, and the lungs. Annual testing and year-round heartworm prevention is recommended for all dogs no matter whether they are indoors or outdoors, and no matter where they live. Early signs of a heartworm infection can include:

  • Reluctance to exercise

  • Coughing

  • Decreased appetite

  • Weight loss

Serious signs that require immediate veterinary evaluation:

  • Collapse

  • Labored breathing

  • Pale gums

There is effective treatment to kill adult heartworms, although it is expensive and is not without risk. The body’s reaction to both living and dying heartworms can have long-term consequences for the dog, so prevention is always preferred. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations closely including very restricted exercise during the treatment regimen.

Roundworms 

Roundworms are a gastrointestinal parasite of dogs that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss or failure to thrive in puppies. When there are many roundworms, dogs can even experience intestinal blockages. Regular fecal examinations are important to check for roundworm eggs. Signs of roundworm infection include:

  • A pot-bellied appearance

  • Diarrhea

  • Vomiting

  • Long, round worms in the stool

Roundworms are a zoonotic parasite and can cause several health conditions in people. 

Hookworms 

Hookworms are a gastrointestinal parasite of dogs that attach to the intestinal walls and feed on a dog’s blood supply. Signs include:

  • Diarrhea

  • Pale gums

  • Weakness

  • Dark, tarry stools

A heavy burden of hookworms can lead to severe anemia, necessitating hospitalization and potential blood transfusions. Hookworms are a zoonotic parasite that can also cause multiple health conditions, and can be transmitted to humans through ingestion, or penetration of the skin via contaminated soil.

Whipworms

Whipworms are a gastrointestinal parasite of dogs with eggs that are very hardy in the environment. Dogs contract whipworms by consuming the eggs which can persist in the soil for many years. These small, whip-shaped worms live in the large intestine of dogs and can cause diarrhea with or without blood, weight loss, and anemia.

Tapeworms 

Tapeworms are a gastrointestinal parasite of dogs spread by fleas and other hosts. Adult tapeworms live in the intestines and attach to the intestinal wall. The most common sign of tapeworm infection is finding small, rice-like tapeworm segments around the tail or anal area, or in the stool. Tapeworms are another zoonotic parasite.

Treatment 

Management of parasites in dogs involves preventing and treating infections. 

Prevention 

  • Regular deworming: Puppies need regular deworming, as several parasites are passed from the mother to her puppy, even if the mother has no signs of parasitic infections. Adult dogs should be screened for parasitic infections with regular physical exams and fecal testing.

  • Use preventive medications: Dogs should receive regular flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. There are several preventive products available including monthly topical products such as Selarid® (selamectin) Topical Parasiticide for Dogs and Midamox® (imidacloprid + moxidectin) for Dogs, longer acting topical and oral products, and even a long-acting injectable product, each targeting specific parasites. Your veterinarian can help direct you to the best option for your pet. Preventive products also reduce overall environmental contamination and potential for zoonotic disease.

  • Clean up feces: Pick up your dog’s stool every day. This will reduce the parasite burden in the environment and help to eliminate accidental consumption of infective eggs. Be sure to wash your hands after cleaning up after them.

Treatment 

If you see any signs of a parasite infection in your dog, please visit your veterinarian. Treatment of parasites in dogs requires an accurate diagnosis and the care of your veterinarian. Tests such as fecal examination, heartworm test, or a skin scrape may be required. Treatment may be as simple as administering a topical product such as Selarid® or Midamox®, or may require administration of an oral or injectable medication.

Preventing and Treating Parasites in Dogs 

Norbrook® offers Selarid® and Midamox® to help prevent and treat several different parasitic infections in dogs.

 

Preventing and Treating Parasites in Dogs

Norbrook® offers a number of brands in a range of dosage volumes and sizes to accommodate various weights of dogs.

Safety Information 

Selarid® (selamectin) Topical Parasiticide for Dogs 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
Do not use SELARID on sick, weak or underweight dogs. Use only on dogs 6 weeks and older. Prior to administration, dogs should be tested for heartworms. In people, SELARID may be irritating to skin and eyes. Wash hands after use. See product labeling here for full product information.

 

Midamox® (imidacloprid + moxidectin) for Dogs 

CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. WARNING: DO NOT ADMINISTER THIS PRODUCT ORALLY. For the first 30 minutes after application ensure that dogs cannot lick the product from application sites on themselves or other treated animals. Children should not come in contact with the application sites for two (2) hours after application. (See Contraindications, Warnings, Human Warnings, and Adverse Reactions for more information.) CONTRAINDICATIONS: Do not use this product on cats. See product labeling here for full product information.

 

The Norbrook logo, Selarid and Midamox are registered trademarks of Norbrook Laboratories Limited.

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