How to diagnose and get rid of fleas, flies, lice, mites and ticks on dog

Parasites weaken the immune system of animals as they suck blood and get nutrients from the hosts. This is the first part of 'parasites of dog' in which I shall discuss only the ectoparasites, also known as external parasites of dogs. External parasites are found on the skin under the hair, ears and groin areas. They include fleas, lice, flies ticks and mites.

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Major ectoparasites of dogs will be discussed in the upcoming paragraphs.

Fleas on dogs

Important species of fleas found in dogs include;

Ctencephalides canis
Ctenocephalides felis
Echicophaga sp.

Ctenocephlides canis are of the size of 3-4 mm with their egg size round about 0.5 mm.

Fleas not only cause dermatitis but also they act as vectors for Dipylidium caninum, tularemia and plague.

You can check your dog for fleas by examining the skin for adult fleas, flea dust and dermatitis. These conditions will indicate the flea infestation of your pet.

Treatment of fleas

Following drugs are used for treatment of fleas in dogs

fipronil - trade name "Frontline"

imidocloprid - trade name "Advantage"

nitenpyram - trade name "Capstar"

selamectin - trade name "Revolution"

Flies on dogs

Major fly species affecting the dog are Cuterebra spp. also known as rodent bot fly. Size of their larvae is 4-5 mm and they are found subcutaneously.

Only larval stage is on the host while other stages are in the environment. Cuterebra spp. cause irritation. 

When a dog is infested with fly larvae, you may find a lump on the skin with a breathing hole. Also, light to dark red larvae with dark spines are an indication of fly infestation in dogs.

Treatment of flies

Larvae should be extracted carefully and the wound may be treated with antibiotics.

Lice on dogs

Important lice that infect the dogs include;

Trichodectes canis

Linognathus setosus

Tichodectes canis also known as 'Biting louse of dog' are 2-4 mm in size. Their life cycle is almost 3 weeks.

Linognathus setosus are also called 'Sucking louse of dog' . They are 2-3 mm in size and life cycle is almost 3 weeks.

Lice cause dermatitis and itching and also act as a host for Dipylidium caninum. They can be diagnosed by examining the hair for adults, nymphs and nits.

Treatment of lice

Lice on dog can be treated by using one of the following drugs twice, 7 days apart.

Methoxychlor

Coumaphos

Carbaryl

Ticks on dogs

Important tick species found on dog are

Rhipicephalus sanguinius

Dermacento sp.

Ixodes sp.

Rhipicephalus sanguinius is called 'Brown dog tick'. Size of its adult is 0.7 to 1.0 cm and life cycle 6 weeks to 1 year.

Ticks cause irritation, anemia and tick paralysis in dog. They are also vectors for babesiosis and canine ehrlichiosis.

Diagnosis of ticks can be done by searching the dog and the environment for the presence of ticks.

Treatment of ticks

Dichlorvos

Fipronil

Carbaryl

Selamection

Amitraz collars and dips are used for tick control.

Mites on dogs

Demodex canis, Otodectes cynotis and Sarcoptes scabiei are among the major mites affecting the dogs.

Demodex canis is also known as 'Follicular mange mite', It is 200-300 um in size. They cause pyoderma and alopecia. Demodex are spontaneously treated in most of the cases. Amitraz and Rotenone dips are useful for their control.

Ear mite is the common name for Otodectes cynotis. Their size ranges from 500-800 um. They cause intense pruritis and inflammation of the ear canal. Their treatment includes use of ceruminolytic agent first to remove the crusty debris. Carbaryl or Rotenone can should be used 1 drop per ear weekly for one month. Ivermectin SC and Selamectin topically are also useful in case of ear mites.

Sarcoptes scabiei is known as 'Mange mite'. Its size is 400-600 um. It causes itching. Mange mites are treated by clipping the hair and bathing then using Amitraz, benzyl benzoate, Ivermection 0.2 mg/kg PO or Selamectin 6-12 mg/kg topically.

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