How to Identify Insects on Dogs

Insects such as external parasites can cause an allergic response in your dog in some cases. If your dog begins to itch and scratch, it could indicate a potential problem with insects. Identifying your dog's ailment is important, as mites can transfer from pet to pet within your household. Parasites like ticks can cause disease and infections. You can treat your dog for insect problems in a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog brush
  • Paper towel
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Notice if your dog begins to shake its head or scratch its ears vigorously. If you spot debris that resembles coffee grounds within your dog's ears, this could indicate an ear mite infection, according to Pet Education. Foul odors and tenderness when you touch your dog's ears are other ear mite symptoms.

    • 2

      Brush your dog's fur and inspect for lice. Lice nits look like dandruff, but unlike dandruff, lice will adhere to your dog's fur, notes Vetinfo. If your dog has a lice infestation, it will scratch and bite frequently at its skin. You may also notice bald patches on your dog.

    • 3

      Dampen a piece of paper towel with water. Brush your dog and transfer the debris accumulated on the brush to the paper towel. If the debris dissolves into reddish blobs, you could have a flea infestation, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council. The dissolved debris is a flea's fecal waste containing the blood contents eaten from your dog.

    • 4
      Ticks have identifiable swollen bodies after feeding.

      Look for swollen-bodied insects attached to your dog by a mouth part. Ticks become larger after attaching and feeding on your dog.