External deworming in dogs

External deworming in dogs is just as important as internal deworming for a healthy life for our pets. The dog is prone to become infected with external parasites in early spring. Environmental factors (rising temperature, high humidity, abundant vegetation) and low immunity are the leading causes that contribute to the risk of infection with external parasites. In this article, we will show you the main external parasites, the symptoms, and how external deworming is in dogs.

External deworming in dogs – the main external parasites

External deworming in dogs should be performed on any dog. The main external parasites that can infest the dog are:
– ticks
– Fleas

Ticks

Ticks affect both humans and animals and are extremely dangerous. The dog can host this type of external parasite very quickly, and the consequences of this infestation can be pretty serious. We must pay special attention to pets, especially in the park, forest, or any outdoor space. After an outing with the dog, we must carefully check the animal’s fur to ensure no ticks are present. This external parasite hides in dark and damp places, so you should check under the collar, armpits, between the fingers, or on the elbows.

Ticks are present mainly from March to October, but with climate change, dogs can be exposed to the bites of these external parasites throughout the year. Once on the dog’s skin, it attaches to the host animal’s mouth, feeding on its blood. The affected area will be irritated. Also, the tick bite is very dangerous, as it can cause certain bacterial infections that can be fatal for the dog if the necessary measures are not taken in time. If we notice a tick on the dog’s skin, it must be removed immediately, but with great care, because part of the parasite’s body may remain attached to the quadruped’s body. Even the smallest fragment of the parasite can lead to infection or the development of severe disease. It is advisable to use tweezers and remove the tick with a firm motion. The most common parasitic diseases are Babesiosis, Borreliosis, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Bartonellosis.

Babesiosis is the most common disease in dogs caused by a tick. If this condition is not treated, the dog may die. This bacterial infection destroys the red blood cells in the animal’s bloodstream, causing severe anemia. Babesiosis manifests from 1 to 3 weeks after the bite. The dog shows the following symptoms: lack of energy and appetite, fever, discolored gums, drowsiness, anorexia, enlarged abdomen, discolored stool, vomiting, and the so-called “rusty urine.” A veterinarian will diagnose Babesiosis. It is essential to know when the tick bit the dog for a correct diagnosis. Blood and urine tests will be performed, as well as a physical examination. The doctor will give the dog an anti-infective agent, followed by a supportive treatment to relieve symptoms. The animal’s recovery after Babesiosis is quite long, but with the proper treatment, your dog will be able to recover and resume his previous lifestyle.

Borreliosis, also known as Lyme disease, is caused by the bacterium Borrelia. This bacterial infection is quite difficult to detect in our pets, as it is asymptomatic in 95% of infected dogs. Visible symptoms are lameness or polyarthritis, which can occur a few months after the tick bite. The kidney system of the quadruped may be affected. There is also a high risk of tick-borne encephalitis. Symptoms may include severe fever, loss of appetite, apathy, weakness, locomotor deficiencies, paralysis, blindness, or enlarged spleen and liver. Encephalitis in dogs is quite dangerous because the treatment does not always guarantee a positive result. The quadruped’s brain becomes inflamed, and changes occur in the dog’s body. Your pet should be rushed to a veterinarian if you notice any of the above symptoms and should be given appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

Anaplasmosis is another disease that can affect the dog’s body through a simple tick bite caused by Gram-negative bacteria. The condition is manifested by drowsiness, excessive thirst, swelling of the limbs, tense stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, or enlarged lymph nodes. Tetracycline is used for four weeks, and in more severe cases, a blood transfusion may be required.

Fleas

Fleas are another type of external parasite that can be found on the skin of our pet. Dogs can get fleas from other dogs. These external parasites prefer environments with high temperatures and high humidity. Animal owners can immediately tell if their pet has fleas. Dogs will have specific changes in behavior, as they will often scratch in many places. Fleas are also visible on the skin of animals. In addition to causing significant discomfort to dogs, flea infestation in dogs can lead to anemia or even death. The dog will scratch intensely in the bitten areas, thus opening the inflammation and itching. Bacterial infections can occur due to injuries caused by severe scratching in the affected areas.

Infection with external parasites – Symptoms

Infection with external parasites in dogs has specific symptoms that can be easily seen. Your pet will scratch intensely, especially in the neck area. The skin in the affected areas will become red and irritated. Both fleas and ticks are visible to the naked eye. Fleas can be easily detected on the belly or in the neck area. Ticks hide in dark and damp places, so you should check under the collar, armpits, between the fingers, or on the elbows. After any walk with the dog, it is essential to check if it has a tick. The sooner it is removed, the more influential the treatment will be. Thus, external deworming in dogs is very important to prevent the risk of diseases caused by ticks or fleas.

Methods of external deworming in dogs

There are several methods of external deworming in dogs. One of these would be an antiparasitic collar, one of the most effective controlling of external parasites. All dog owners can confidently use this means of protection, being easy to apply and with long service life. The antiparasitic pipette is another effective way to keep fleas and dog ticks away. Your veterinarian will recommend which is the best antiparasitic pipette for your pet. These pipettes vary depending on the weight of the pet. It is applied on the skin on the dog’s back or the nape of the neck, finding places where he cannot lick. Certain antiparasitic pills, adequate for a long time, may also be given on the doctor’s recommendation. There are also some special shampoos with which the animal can be washed, and fleas can be removed.

On the Biotur Shop platform, you can buy the medicines needed for the external deworming scheme for dogs. Your pet deserves all the attention to have a healthy and active lifestyle.