Insects That Attach to Dogs

Dogs can come under attack from insects that search your pet out as a source of food. Some species of insects, such as the flea, have the capacity to transmit serious infections, which can include tapeworms. Dogs infected with parasitic pests, require treatment to prevent the spread of infections to other animals in your home.

  1. Lice

    • Lice, which lack wings, will spend their entire lives feeding from your dog. Lice fall into the categories of blood suckers (Anoplura) or chewers (Mallophaga), according to Pet Education. Female lice lay eggs on your dog's hair shaft. Within less than a month, larvae will hatch into adults. Visible signs of lice infestations include hair loss and itching. Dog lice move slowly on their host, and when grooming your dog, you may notice small, brown flecks. Dogs become infected with lice through direct contact with other infected dogs.

    Fleas

    • Although fleas don't have wings, they can jump extreme distances for such a tiny insect. This allows a flea to jump onto an unsuspecting host as it passes by. Fleas rely on an animal's vibrations, emission of carbon dioxide and warmth to alert the flea when a potential meal is near, according to Pet Education. Fleas can cause distress to your dog due to the insect's saliva. An allergic response from the saliva can cause itching, hair loss, lesions and anemia in puppies.

    Biting Flies

    • Biting flies, which include stable flies and deer flies, commonly affect outdoor dogs. Biting flies usually attack a dog's most sensitive areas, such as the ears and nose. Wounds resulting from bites can attract female biting flies, who will lay eggs within the wounds. Eventually, the eggs will become maggots, indicates Pet Education. Once a maggot infestation develops, immediate veterinarian attention is necessary to remove the maggots and possibly remove affected tissue.

    Mistaken for Insects

    • Worms can cause intestinal illnesses.

      Other organisms that attach to dogs include species commonly mistaken for insects including ticks and mites, which are actually arachnids, and parasitic worms, which cause intestinal illnesses. A tick uses its mouth part to imbed itself into your dog's skin in order to suck out blood for nourishment. Ticks can transmit diseases such as tick paralysis and Lyme disease. While many species of mites exist, ear mites cause the most discomfort in dogs. Mites can easily transfer from an infected animal to noninfected animal. Left untreated, ear mites can lead to ear damage and hearing loss. Roundworm infections result in diarrhea and vomiting. You can identify roundworm infections by spotting eggs and segmented parts of the worm in your dog's stool. Your dog may also vomit up segmented worm parts. Tapeworm infections cause intense anal itching. Tapeworm infections are identified when your dog scoots along on the floor or intensively licks the affected area.