External Parasites

External parasites live on a dog's skin. They not only cause irritation, but sometimes carry other diseases. As you groom your puppy, examine his coat for any evidence of parasites.

Fleas are tiny insects that feed on the blood of animals and create mild to severe discomfort. They cause itching and, if swallowed, can also transmit tapeworms. Fleas can hatch in a puppy's bedding, carpets, furniture and outdoor areas. To control fleas, the environment as well as the puppy must be treated. Special attention should be paid to the puppy's sleeping area. It should be kept clean and the bedding washed frequently. In the house, thoroughly vacuum all carpets and crevices, under cushions, rugs and in the corners of upholstered furniture. Discard the vacuum bag because it may harbour fleas. Some flea control in the yard is possible through spraying. Many preparations are available to aid in flea control. Be certain the label states that the product is safe for dogs and follow label directions. Your veterinarian can also provide advice about products for indoor control.

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites. A heavy infestation can cause anemia which can become serious enough to cause mortality in puppies. The most common kind of tick infecting dogs are the brown dog tick. After walking your puppy in a wooded area or field, always check for ticks. If you must remove individual ticks from the puppy, extract them manually and be certain that the mouthpiece does not remain in the puppy's skin. Remove the entire head and its mouth parts with tweezers or by the fingers protected with a paper towel, tissue or rubber gloves. Pull upward with a steady, even pressure. Do not twist.

Keeping a puppy's environment clean at all times is an important factor in helping to prevent infestation with external parasites. Your veterinarian can recommend proper treatment for puppies who suffer parasitic infection. Always follow your veterinarian's recommendations and be sure to read and follow precisely the instructions on the label of any substance used in the prevention or treatment of external parasites.

What a flea looks like

A Dog tick