Top 5 Dog External Parasites to Watch Out for in Spring

1) Fleas

Fleas are particularly active during the spring and summer months. Once they reach maturity, they prefer to lurk in dark environments. However, when they seek to lay eggs or are desperately in need of a blood meal, they often infest pet dogs. This can lead to the spread of certain infectious diseases, causing itching. The constant scratching and biting by the pet can result in allergic dermatitis, hair loss, or the formation of scabs.

How to Prevent:

Regularly bathe your pet with a shampoo that contains fleafighting properties.

Schedule regular external deworming treatments.

Consider using a flea collar for added protection.

2) Ticks

Here's an enlarged image of a tick that has fed on blood.

Ticks are most active from April to September each year and typically reside in areas with sparse fur that are hard to reach, such as the ear flaps and underbelly. They are quite large, swelling to the size of a soybean after feeding. With careful observation, they are quite noticeable. Infected pets may exhibit symptoms like itching, dermatitis, and a tendency to scratch and rub the affected areas. There may be visible damage or black scabs on the skin, and in severe cases, anemia can occur.

How to Prevent:

While urban dogs are generally not at risk, it's important to maintain cleanliness.

Regularly deworm your pet.

Avoid playing with stray dogs.

3) Scabies Mites

Here's a view of scabies mites under an electron microscope.

Scabies mites are most active during early spring, late autumn, and winter when humidity is high and temperatures are low. They prefer to inhabit the skin's surface and just below it, often starting in the head area before spreading throughout the body. Infected pets may show signs of red, itchy skin with papules, persistent scratching, which can lead to dark red nodules and hair loss. Over time, the affected skin can harden, develop wrinkles, and crack.

Prevention:

Maintain a clean environment.

Avoid contact with dogs that have skin diseases.

Regularly bathe your pet with a specialized bath solution.

Regular deworming is the most effective way to prevent external parasites in dogs. Given the high reproductive rate of these parasites, the effects of deworming medication typically last only three months. Neglecting to deworm more frequently—such as only once every six months or a year—will not completely eradicate the parasites. It is advisable to deworm externally once a month to effectively prevent the maturation of adult fleas and the onset of diseases.