External Parasites in Puppies

Contents:

• Fleas
• Ticks
• Mites
• Signs a puppy has external parasites
• Preventing external parasites

Fleas

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects known for their remarkable jumping ability. More than just a nuisance, fleas can cause intense itching and skin irritation. In severe infestations—especially in puppies—fleas can lead to anaemia due to blood loss. They also pose a broader health risk, as fleas can transmit diseases to both pets and humans.

Ticks

Australia is home to several tick species that can affect puppies and dogs. Of particular concern is the paralysis tick, which can be deadly. Just one adult female paralysis tick has the potential to kill a puppy if not promptly treated. That’s why preventative measures are critical in tick-prone areas.

Mites

Mite infestations can cause significant discomfort, affecting both the skin and ears of your puppy. This condition, known as mange, can seriously impact your dog’s wellbeing. The three types of mites that affect dogs are Demodex mites, Sarcoptes mites, and ear mites.

What are the symptoms of external parasites in puppies?

There can be different signs of external parasite infestations in dogs depending on which type of parasite is involved.

Fleas

Fleas can cause scratching, itching and biting. There may be loss of hair especially around the back legs and tail base as well as red, irritated skin and bumpy bites on the skin. Some dogs may have flea allergy dermatitis where it only takes a few fleas to cause these problems. Secondary bacterial infections can also occur.

Pale gums may be seen due to the loss of blood from a severe infestation of fleas causing anaemia. Luckily this is rare and typically only seen in young puppies with very heavy flea infestations.

Fleas can also transmit other parasites and pathogens to pets and people.

It is important to know that the adult fleas we see on our pet make up only 5% of the flea population and 95% of the population (eggs, larvae and pupae) are in the surrounding environment, i.e., the yard and in the house.

Mites

Clinical signs of a mite infestation may vary depending on the type of mite involved:

• Sarcoptes mites: Intense itching, hair loss and skin infections.
• Demodex mites: Hair loss, skin thickening and skin infections.
• Ear mites: Scratching around head and ears, head shaking, dark, waxy ear discharge and unpleasant odour from the ears. Ear mites are transmitted when your puppy has contact with other dogs or cats that have ear mites.

Ticks

Three key tick species that can affect dogs in Australia are Bush ticks, Brown Dog ticks, and Paralysis ticks.

• Bush ticks (Haemaphysalis longicornis) are found along parts of the east and west coasts. These ticks can cause skin irritation and inflammation at the site of attachment, and may transmit serious diseases such as babesiosis.
• Brown Dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) are widespread across mainland Australia, reaching as far south as Melbourne. Like bush ticks, they can cause skin irritation, and in heavy infestations, may lead to anaemia due to blood loss. Brown Dog ticks can also transmit potentially fatal infections, such as Ehrlichia canis.
• Paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) are found along the eastern coast, from Cape York in Queensland down to Lakes Entrance in Victoria. These ticks are among the most dangerous parasites for pets, producing a potent toxin that causes life-threatening paralysis in dogs and cats.

Paralysis ticks are commonly found in areas where native wildlife such as bandicoots, possums, kangaroos, and wallabies live. Dogs are most at risk when exploring outdoor environments. The tick climbs up grass or shrubs and waits for a host to pass by. It then grabs on with its front legs and crawls through the coat to find a suitable spot to attach and feed.

Signs of Tick Paralysis in Dogs

Symptoms of tick paralysis may include:

• Changes in bark or loss of voice
• Gagging or vomiting
• Coughing
• Wobbliness or loss of coordination in the hind legs, which may progress to the front legs
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Laboured or rapid breathing

Tick paralysis is a serious disease and can be life-threatening. If you find a tick and/or see potential clinical signs of tick paralysis, contact your veterinarian and take your pet to the clinic as soon as possible.

If your pet spends time outdoors, it’s important to check them for ticks every day. Use the “finger walk” method—gently run your fingers over your pet’s skin, feeling for any small lumps or bumps that could be ticks.

If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible using a tick removal tool, tweezers, or your fingers. Once removed, place the tick in a sealed container so your veterinarian can identify the species and assess any potential health risks.

How to prevent puppy parasites?

Using an effective parasite control product is an essential part of owning a puppy. NexGard SPECTRA® makes parasite protection easy. It provides the most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm and intestinal worms, all in one tasty, monthly chew. It can be used in puppies from 8 weeks of age and 1.35 kg bodyweight.

See product label for full claim details and directions for use.