Parasites are living organisms that derive their nutrition and live at the expense of their hosts. Some parasites are visible little bugs; others are fungus plants.

External Parasites (Ectoparasites):
Parasites that live on the outside of your dog are many and varied. Ranging from microscopic fungi and mites to ticks the size of grapes, they are all harmful to a dog’s health.

Ringworm and Mange:
Ringworm is not caused by a worm, but a tiny fungus that rarely takes the shape of a ring. Mange is caused by several different mites, each of which is treated differently. These microscopic parasites cause infections that may result in hair loss, itching, irritation, and redness.

The most common mange mites are Cheyletiella, Demodex, Psoroptes, and Sarcoptes.

Allergies, nutritional problems, hormonal imbalances, and physical irritations may also cause skin irritation and hair loss. These conditions are commonly mistaken for parasitism and are often mistreated. Skin scrapings must be examined under a microscope to identify mites responsible for mange lesions. Skin scrapings, ultraviolet light, or cultures are used to identify fungal infections.

Don’t rely on a universal mange dip or ringworm salve to cure skin diseases. Those products may create new problems while doing nothing toward solving the initial one. When you discover a hair loss or surface irritation, invest in a trip to your veterinarian.

Ear Mites:
Another mite, Otodectes, may parasitize ear canals of both cats and dogs. It is large enough to be seen with a magnifying glass and lives inside the pet’s ear canals. Ear mites cause severe irritation, and result in the dog scratching at its ears. Ear canals usually fill with dark wax. If your dog’s ears are bothering him, look for the excessive wax, and take him to the veterinarian. Treatment usually consists of cleaning the ears thoroughly and the application of mite-killing medication into the ear canals.

Lice:
Pediculosis is the term used to describe a louse infestation. These parasites may be of the sucking or biting varieties, and are easily diagnosed and treated. All life stages of the louse live on the dog, and topical treatments such as dips or medicated baths are usually satisfactory therapy.

Diagnosis is made by discovering tiny white nits or louse eggs stuck to hairs on the dog’s back, often near his rump. The adult lice are easily seen scurrying about on the skin, causing him to scratch when they bite or bury their heads to suck blood.

When you are sure of the diagnosis, buy a powder or shampoo containing safe insecticides and use it. Plant derivative insecticides such as pyrethrins may be effective and are always worth a try. Lice may spread to other dogs in the household, so it is usually best to treat them as well.

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