-Parasites-

Endoparasites – the Invisible Companions Inside Your Dog

Endoparasites live inside the body, most often in the digestive tract. They deprive your dog of essential nutrients or directly damage internal organs. The problem is, in many cases you won’t notice anything at first.
Worms in Dogs
Several types of worms can infect dogs. The most common are:

• Roundworms
• Tapeworms
• Whipworms
• Hookworms

Roundworms and tapeworms are sometimes visible in the dog’s stool. These parasites may cause diarrhea, loss of appetite or itching around the rear.
Whipworms and hookworms are harder to detect. They often lead to anemia, nutrient deficiencies or dehydration.
There is no vaccine and no guaranteed preventive treatment for worms. That’s why many veterinarians recommend deworming every three to four months, using a product that fits your dog’s size, lifestyle and environment.

Giardia – the Unseen Pests in the Small Intestine

Giardia are tiny single-celled parasites that settle in the small intestine and multiply there. Young dogs and puppies are especially at risk, but even adult dogs can carry the infection without showing immediate symptoms.

Typical Symptoms
Not every dog shows signs of infection. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Intermittent or ongoing diarrhea, often mucous or foul-smelling

• Bloating and gas

• Weight loss despite a normal appetite

• Fatigue or low energy

• In more severe cases: mild fever or vomiting

Giardia cysts are extremely resilient and can survive in moist environments for several weeks.
Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis is made through a stool test, ideally collected over three days
• Treatment is prescribed by a veterinarian, usually with specific antiparasitic medications such as metronidazole or fenbendazole
• Repeated treatment and follow-up testing are often necessary

External Parasites – What to Watch Out For

External parasites live on the outside of your dog’s body, either in the coat or on the skin. They can cause itching, skin irritation, and in some cases even serious infections. The most common external parasites include:

🐜 Fleas
Fleas can jump from one animal to another and are more than just a nuisance. They can cause:

• Intense itching
• Redness and small bite marks
• Skin problems such as flea allergy dermatitis

Fleas can also transmit tapeworms, which is why deworming is strongly recommended whenever a flea infestation is detected. A flea comb can help identify fleas quickly and easily.

To protect your dog, preventive treatments such as spot-on solutions or tablets from your veterinarian are highly effective and recommended year-round.

🕷 Ticks
Ticks are commonly found in grass, bushes, and at the edges of forests. Contrary to popular belief, they do not fall from trees but are picked up as your dog brushes past vegetation.
Ticks feed on blood and can transmit serious diseases, including:

• Lyme disease (Borreliosis)
• TBE (tick-borne encephalitis)
• Babesiosis (also known as canine malaria)

After every walk, you should carefully check your dog for ticks. If you find one, use a tick remover to gently twist it out as close to the skin as possible.
There are effective preventive options such as spot-on treatments, oral tablets, and tick collars. Natural alternatives are also available — your veterinarian can help you choose the best solution for your dog’s needs.

🧵 Mites
Mites are tiny arachnids that can cause itching, skin issues, and ear infections in dogs. The most common types include:
Ear mites

• 
  Demodex mites (hair follicle mites)

Sarcoptic mites (cause of mange)

• 
  Harvest mites (grass mites)

Ear mites typically affect the ears and may cause:
Dark, crumbly ear discharge

• 
  Intense scratching at the ears

Frequent head shaking
Treatment involves special ear medications prescribed by a veterinarian. It is also essential to thoroughly clean your dog’s environment — including bedding and sleeping areas — to prevent reinfestation.