Treating Parasites in your Dog

A great number of common diseases are produced by parasites, some of these parasites are serious and others are only annoying, but they can transmit other internal diseases. You have to bear in mind that the diseases produced by virus and bacteria are rarely transmitted to humans. It is helpful to be able to distinguish between external parasites; 1) Ectoparasites, and internal ones, 2) Endoparasites.

1) Ectoparasites (External Parasites)

These are found on the dog's skin and hair; the most frequent ones are the following:

Acarussarcoptes Canis
This parasite produces sarcoptic mange. It locates itself in the inner part of the tunnels which it digs in the skin. The affected animals usually have an intense itching, dry skin and with abundant scabs.

Demodex Canis
This parasite produces demodectic mange; the parasite is located in the inner part of the hairy follicle presenting two shapes: a flaky one, with the generalized lack of hair and abundant desquamation and a pustular one, in which the skin appears reddened with wounds all over, which, when contaminated by bacteria, produce areas of supuration.

These parasites are easy to diagnose when there is a scrape in the skin; however, the treatment is usually long and tedious because the results are not immediate.

Otedectes Cynotis
This mite is found in the auditory conduct causing otitis. The affected dog frequently shakes his ears and scratches them insistently. The diagnosis is based on the identification of the parasite through a microscope provided with a magnifying glass.

There are principally two types of ticks: the Ixodes ricinus, which is found in rural areas and the Ricpicephauls sanguineous, more typically found in urban areas. Ticks are responsible for two very common diseases:

Babesia Canis
This is found in the inner part of the corpuscles provoking their destruction. The symptoms can be: anemia, fever, lack of appetite, etc., which means it isn't easy to diagnose this disease.

Ehrlichia Canis
A Rikettsia, which once inoculated is deposited in the inner side of the leukocytes. The main symptoms are: nasal and eyes exudation, fever and anemia.