External Dog Parasites

One of the most common problems for dogs is the external parasites that show up inside your dogs coat. These little bugs cause discomfort in most cases but can even cause permanent injury and death if not dealt with promptly.

Fleas: Fleas often live in household carpets and in the covered furniture but are usually picked up during time spent outside or with other animals. They are an annoyance for most canines in almost every country in the world.
Fleas are usually more active in the warmer season and less so when the weather is cold. There are a number of medicated collars, sprays and shampoos that are useful in getting rid of flea infestations. In some cases fleas cause allergic reactions, transmit diseases and even cause anemia.

Lice: Lice have been known to infest dogs by the thousands. If this happens it will cause severe itching and discomfort to your dog. Should this occur then the dog will need veterinary intervention to get rid of them.

Mites: Mites cause an ailment called mange. Red mange causes irritated patches that are small and hairless to appear on the dog's coat. Another condition known as "scabies" produces extreme itching along with hair loss.
If mites are allowed to enter the ear of the dog they can cause real discomfort and the result is always a bacterial infection that can have serious consequences if not treated.
A veterinarian must be sought for treatment of mites as soon as possible.

Ticks: Though not present all over the world these little critters are picked up by your dog as it romps through the underbrush of forests or jungles.
It is always a good idea to give your dog a thorough check of its coat after any time spent outdoors especially if you live in an area that is know to have problems with ticks. If your dog has ticks you can simply remove them with tweezers. Ticks should be killed by immersing them in alcohol.
One type of tick most often found on deer can transmit Lyme disease, and that causes neurological and cardiac failure. Always avoid touching ticks as they can transmit this disease to humans.