Parasites are organisms that live in the body of another living thing and feed on that creature and differ in size from species to species. These organisms, which generally harm the health of the living things they host; They are divided into protozoa (unicellular) and metazoa (multicellular). They can pose a life-threatening risk if they are diagnosed late and the necessary precautions are not taken.
Parasite in Dogs
Parasites in dogs are a common health problem all over the world. Parasites, which can be classified as internal and external parasites according to their habitat, can negatively affect the health and quality of life of dogs, and in some cases, they can be transmitted to humans. Symptoms and recovery processes may vary depending on the strength of the dog's immune system and the type of parasites.
How Do Dogs Get Internal Parasites?
The biggest factor in the transmission of internal parasites in dogs is contact with the environment where the parasites are present. Internal parasites can cause serious health problems by living in the intestines of dogs. The reasons for the transmission of internal parasites can be listed as follows:
- Feces: The feces of dogs are one of the most important reasons for the spread of internal parasites. Eggs and cysts of internal parasites can be found in the intestines and are excreted with the feces. If other dogs eat these feces, food that comes into contact with these feces, and are in environments that come into contact with the feces, internal parasites can infect that dog.
- Contaminated water: Dirty water can also cause internal parasite infections in dogs. Shared food and water containers on the street also carry the risk of internal parasites.
- Street food: Some street food may come into contact with the soil and a dog with internal parasites may defecate on this soil. Therefore, there is a risk of internal parasite contamination from food on the street.
- Inadequate hygiene: Situations such as foods that are likely to come into contact with feces, feeding from common containers with other creatures that come into contact with feces, living in common areas may cause internal parasites to be transmitted. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the environment and the belongings of the dog regularly.
- External parasites (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas…): For example, mosquitoes and internal parasites known as heartworms, which are quite dangerous, can infect dogs.
What Are the Types of Internal Parasites in Dogs?
The most common types of internal parasites in dogs can be listed as follows:
- Ascarids (Small Intestine Pinworms): These types of parasites can be passed from dog to dog and from mother to offspring. These parasites can be clearly seen in the feces of dogs, causing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
- Hookworms: : A type of parasite that is more common in puppies and is found in the intestines. It causes bleeding by damaging the intestinal walls with its hooked teeth. Hookworms are dangerous species that can pose life-threatening risks. Blood in the stool, severe diarrhea and vomiting are among the most common symptoms. These parasites can only be seen through a microscope.
- Tapeworms (Flatworms): They settle in the intestinal tract and cause weight loss and diarrhea in dogs. They can be detected from the hair around the anus. They are in motion and once they are in the body, they can take time to clear.
- Heartworms: Known as one of the most dangerous types of parasites, heartworms settle in the body as a result of the bite of mosquitoes. These parasites, which enter the body, settle in the heart and affect the functions of the heart. If left untreated, they can be life-threatening.
Köpeklerde İç Parazit İlacı Ne Zaman Uygulanmalıdır?
İç dış parazit ilacı yavru köpeklere ilk aşılarına başlamadan önce uygulanmalıdır. İlk uygulanan ilacın ardından yaş fark etmeksizin istisnai durumlar haricinde, belli aralıklarla uygulamanın tekrarlanması gerekmektedir. Uygulama, ağızdan alınan ilaçlar veya enjeksiyon yoluyla da köpeklere yapılabilir.
Köpeklerde İç Parazit Belirtileri Nelerdir?
Köpeklerde her iç parazit türünün farklı semptomları olabilir. Kimi dışkıda kendini belli ederken kimi ağır semptomlara neden olabilir. Genel olarak iç parazitlerin semptomları şu şekildedir:
- İshal
- Dışkıda kan
- Kilo kaybı
- Kusma
- Halsizlik
- Aşırı gaz üretimi sonucu karın şişliği
What Are the Symptoms of Internal Parasites in Dogs?
Each type of internal parasite in dogs can have different symptoms. Some may manifest themselves in the stool, while others may cause severe symptoms. In general, the symptoms of internal parasites are as follows:
- Diarrhea
- Blood in stool
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Abdominal swelling as a result of excessive gas production
How to Diagnose Dogs with Internal Parasites?
Although the diagnosis is usually made by observing the stool in microscopic environments, this practice may not be sufficient. However, the methods used to diagnose internal parasites can be listed as follows:
- Physical examination: The veterinarian can identify some mites that settle under the dog's skin by physical examination.
- Stool test: Internal parasites mostly live in the intestines of dogs. While the adult forms of some parasites can be seen in direct examination in the stool, in some cases the sample taken from the stools is sent to the laboratory and examined under a microscope to detect the presence of internal parasites.
- Blood test: Certain antibodies in the dog's blood are examined to detect certain internal parasites.
- Clinical signs: The presence of internal parasites can be predicted by performing a general examination of the dog and evaluating its symptoms.
- Endoscopy:The presence of some internal parasites can be directly detected by imaging the dog's digestive system.
How to Treat Internal Parasites in Dogs?
Treatment of internal parasites in dogs may differ depending on the type of host parasite and the severity of the infection it causes. It can be treated in ways such as drugs, injections, nutritional recommendations, which the veterinarian deems appropriate.
Can Internal Parasites in Dogs Transmit to Humans?
Dogs carrying the parasite can scatter eggs through their feces. In general, people can catch these parasites by spreading the eggs in the dried dog feces around with the wind. Hands must be disinfected, especially after contact with dogs that spend time outdoors. The most common types of internal parasites in humans are:
- Echinococcus granulosus
- Ancylostoma caninum
- Toxocara canis
- Toxoplasma gondii
- Leishmania donovani
- Leishmania tropica
- Giardia intestinalis
External Parasite in Dogs
External parasites in dogs are organisms that settle in the body of dogs and some of them feed by sucking their blood and harm the living thing. These parasites, which can cause various health problems; It is very likely to be seen in dogs with incomplete external and internal parasite drug applications and in contact with other animals.
What Are the Types of External Parasites in Dogs?
External parasites; They can be found on dogs' skin, hair, ears or other parts of their bodies. These external parasites, which can cause various health problems if no precautions are taken, can be listed as follows:
- Flea: : It is a common type of external parasite in dogs. Fleas, which love a warm environment and feed on the blood of dogs, can be seen with the naked eye. After a female flea sucks her first blood, she starts laying eggs and lays hundreds of eggs around. Fleas can transmit internal parasites that they carry in their own bodies to dogs. In cases where it is detected late or not treated, severe blood loss, anemia and skin diseases can be observed due to intense flea infestation.
- Lice: They are divided into two as biting and sucking lice. They are generally found in the head and back areas of dogs and can be seen with the naked eye. Because sucking lice feed on blood, they can cause anemia, weakness, itching, skin lesions and hair loss.
- Ticks: Ticks can invite many dangerous diseases such as Lyme, Babesiosis and Tick Paralysis. They are generally observed in environments with greenery and bushes. When they have absorbed enough blood in the dog's body, they will expel themselves from the body. It is very important to detect visible ticks before they leave the body and to make the necessary interventions as soon as possible.
- Scabies: Scabies in dogs; It can be caused by Demodex spp, Sarcoptes spp, Cheyletiella spp etc.
- Demodectic Scabies: It lives in the hair roots. Dogs with demodectic mange do not usually spread the disease to humans. Demodectic mange can occur in dogs as a result of a weakened immune system. Although it is the most common type of scabies, it is very difficult to treat.
- Sarcoptic Scabies: Sarcoptes spp is a type of scabies that can also be transmitted to humans. They can be found in all dogs, whether adults or puppies. It causes redness, itching and hair loss.
- Cheyletiella Scabies: Caused by an insect called Cheyletiella, this type of scabies can be observed not only in dogs but also in humans.
When to Apply External Parasite Remedies in Dogs?
In order to keep external parasites away from the body of dogs, various forms of external parasite drugs are applied. External parasite drugs can be applied to dogs before their first vaccination and it is recommended to be repeated at regular intervals, except for exceptional cases.
What Are the Symptoms of External Parasites in Dogs?
The most common symptom in dogs with ectoparasites is intense itching. Hair loss and skin lesions due to intense itching can be a sign of external parasites. However, since they are mostly visible parasites, they can be noticed before severe symptoms occur. The most common symptoms can be listed as follows:
- Itching
- Flea droppings (like black sand grains)
- Hair loss
- Redness
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Tiredness
- Weakness
How to Treat External Parasites in Dogs?
Depending on the type of external parasite, the treatment method and process may differ. Initially, practices aimed at removing parasites from the dog's body are preferred.
- Treatment of scabies: In order to prevent dogs from transmitting this disease, contact with other animals should be avoided. The drugs used in the treatment of scabies are administered under the control of a veterinarian.
- Lice treatment: If a lice or lice bite is detected in the dog, its fur should be cleaned of lice. The most important element of lice treatment is to take quick action.
- Flea treatment: If fleas are detected in dogs, external parasite drugs should be applied. Then, by combing the hairs with a flea comb, dead fleas can be removed from the body. If the dog is in the home environment, the presence of fleas in the house should be checked and the house should be cleaned from fleas.
Can External Parasites in Dogs Transmit to Humans?
Yes, lice and fleas can be transmitted to humans, along with some types of scabies.
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