We call any organism that lives in or on your dog, a parasite. Your dog may harbor one or many and treatment varies with each one, so identification is important. Because some infestations cause severe illness or secondary diseases, contact your veterinarian if you notice signs of dog parasites. He may test skin scraping to identify external pests and feces to identify worms.
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Fleas
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Flea bites cause itching. Your dog may seem to be scratching constantly. You will see shiny specks down in his hair or fur and you may see the fleas moving if you part the fur. For a light infestation, you may be able to treat fleas with over the counter or home remedies. Mar Vista Vet states that fleas can cause enough blood loss to be life threatening and a severe infestation may need aggressive treatment.
Ear Mites
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Ear mites will cause itching ears. Your dog's outer ears may have open sores from his digging. On inspection, you will see wax and black debris. Your vet will prescribe special drops to eliminate the ear mites.
Tapeworm
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Most healthy dogs show no symptoms of tapeworms. Dried worm segments that look like a grain of white rice, may cling to the fur near the anus or you may see them near the dog's bedding. Occasionally these segments will cause itching and a severe infestation may cause abdominal pain. Your vet will provide special medication to rid your dog of tapeworm.
Heartworm
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You can easily prevent heartworm, the best approach according to Dog Health Guide. The worms lodge in the heart, blood vessels and liver. You will notice a mild cough first. That can become severe and your dog may develop trouble breathing. He will lose his appetite and lose weight. As the condition worsens, you will notice acute fatigue and jaundice. Contact your veterinarian at the first sign of a mild cough to avoid serious or fatal illness.
Intestinal Worms
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Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and threadworms all may cause weight loss, blood in the feces, vomiting and diarrhea. You may also notice a dull coat and loss of energy. Sometimes you can see expelled worms in the vomit or feces. Roundworms, common in puppies, will cause a potbelly. Your veterinarian may run a fecal test to determine which intestinal worm you are dealing with and then prescribe the correct medication.
Sarcoptic Mange
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The sarcoptes scabei mite causes sarcoptic mange. The mites burrow into the skin, causing severe itching and sometimes an allergic reaction. Your dog will scratch almost constantly. You can treat this easily once your veterinarian confirms the diagnosis.
Demodecosis
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The demodex canis mite normally lives on the skin of a dog. It only becomes a problem when large numbers develop and cause demodectic mange. Your dog will suffer from itching and you will see patches of hair loss. Pet Education lists scaliness, redness and ulcers as possible other symptoms. If not treated early, bacterial infections may develop.
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