Fast facts about ®

Parasites and dogs:

parasites and dogs top 5 FAQs
1 It is common for a dog to become infected Which parasites can my dog get?
with an internal or external parasite at some Dogs are susceptible to fleas, ticks, and
point in his lifetime.1 mosquitoes as well as some internal parasites,
2 D
 ogs are 50% more likely to get Lyme disease such as hookworms, roundworms, and
than humans.2
Learn more whipworms.
3 L yme disease can be found in every U.S. state
Learn more about caring for your dog at any age at Can I get infections from my dog?
and Canadian province.2
pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health. You and your family can become infected with
4 A
 naplasmosis is surpassing Lyme disease in parasites the same way your pets get them—
some areas of North America.3 Check out more about your pet’s regular checkups.
by contact with infected ticks or with poop
Visit pethealthnetwork.com/preventivecare to get
5 Ehrlichiosis
 may show no signs for years containing eggs or larvae.
more free information about partnering with your
and may eventually cause severe illness if veterinarian to keep your pet healthy.
left untreated. How can my dog be infected?
6 H
 eartworm infection rates remain unchanged Dogs can be exposed to tick- and mosquito-
over the past 10 years.3 borne infections in almost any location where
mosquitoes, deer ticks, and other types of ticks
can be found.
Some worms can be passed from mother to
pup or from contact with poop containing
parasite eggs and larvae.

How are infections diagnosed?

Ask for simple screening tests from your
veterinarian—you’ll know right away whether
your dog has been exposed to these infections
®
and whether further testing and treatment are
needed. Your veterinarian may ask for a poop
sample to look for intestinal worms.
References
1. Dog owners: overview. Pets & Parasites website. Can my dog get infected and not show signs?
http://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/overview. pethealthnetwork.com
Accessed July 7, 2015. It’s possible for your dog to be infected and

Parasites, Dogs,
2. Breitschwerdt E, Ford RB, Lappin M, Levy SA, Phillip M. Testing show few or no signs of illness—pay close
for ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease. Compendium on Continuing
Education for the Practicing Veterinarian. 2001;23(4)(suppl). attention to subtle changes in your dog’s

and Protecting Your

3. Bowman D, Little SE, Lorentzen L, Shields J, Sullivan MP, behavior and screen him regularly for parasitic
Carlin EP. Prevalence and geographic distribution of Dirofilaria diseases. Early intervention is important for a
immitis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma

phagocytophilum in dogs in the United States: results of a
national clinic-based serologic survey. Vet Parasitol.
2009;160(1–2):138–148.
Whole Family
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7 quick tips for protect- Your guide to understanding parasitic diseases in dogs IMPORTANT: No prevention is 100% effective.
Test your dog every year.

ing dogs and families

1 P
 ick up your dog’s waste regularly, especially in
places where both children and animals play. Lyme disease Anaplasmosis Ehrlichiosis Heartworm disease Hookworm Roundworm Whipworm
2 W
 ash your hands thoroughly after picking up How does my dog get Lone star tick Mosquito transfers Ingestion of parasite eggs or rodents or direct Ingestion of
Deer tick or black-legged tick (Ixodes spp.) carries
your dog’s waste and also after exposure to infected? bacteria and bites dogs, spreading infection. (Amblyomma worm larvae from contact with parasite larvae in contaminated parasite eggs from
soil (gardening), sandboxes, and raw meat. americanum) or brown infected dog to your environment. Also spread through mother’s milk a contaminated
dog tick (Rhipicephalus dog; larvae develop and placenta. environment (soil,
3 C
 over sandboxes and play areas to prevent sanguineus) carries into worms that live in kennels, dog parks, etc.)
wildlife and strays from contaminating bacteria and bites dog, the heart and its vessels.
spreading infection.
these areas.
Most common May not show any May not show any From mild to severe: No signs at first, then: May not show any May not show any May not show any
4 D
 o not allow children to put dirt in their signs of infection signs, or: signs, or: • Loss of appetite • Mild, persistent cough signs, or: signs, or: signs, or:
mouths. • Lameness • Lack of energy • Depression • Reluctance to move • Diarrhea • Diarrhea • Intermittent diarrhea
• Fever • High fever • Fever or exercise • Pale gums • Pot-bellied • Loose poop
5 C
 heck your dog and your family for ticks • Swollen joints • Swollen, very painful • Painful joints • Tiredness after • Poor health appearance • Blood in poop
regularly. If you find a tick, remove it right away. • Kidney failure joints • Bloody nose moderate exercise • Poor hair quality • Poor hair quality
•“Not himself” • Loss of appetite • Pale gums • Reduced appetite • Cough
6 H
 ave your dog tested for intestinal parasites • Loss of appetite • Weight loss • Vomiting
and parasitic infections annually (at a
Disease progression Damaged joints, fatal Very low numbers of Permanent blindness, Heart failure, lung Intestinal inflammation, Intestinal inflammation, Chronic bloody
minimum). Don’t forget to bring a fresh poop if left untreated kidney disease (rare), platelets and white autoimmune diseases, disease, sudden death failure to grow/thrive, failure to grow/thrive, diarrhea, dehydration,
sample to the visit. neurological signs (rare) blood cells, chronic bleeding complications, weight loss, severe weight loss weight loss and anemia
joint pain, neurological death anemia
7 T
 alk with your veterinarian about parasite signs (rare)
infection risks in your area and your options Coinfection Coinfection with Lyme disease and anaplasmosis is possible. In addition, it’s possible for your dog to Roundworm, whipworm Hookworm, whipworm Hookworm, roundworm
for effective year-round prevention. become infected with any combination of parasitic diseases—including those not listed here.
Diagnosis Simple blood test: IDEXX SNAP® 4Dx® Plus Test (can detect six infections in one blood sample in less Test poop sample for presence of parasites (eggs, larvae, antigen)
than 10 minutes)
Other tests: Complete blood count, chemistry profile, urinalysis, other special tests (depending on
initial findings and clinical signs)
Treatment Antibiotics: doxycycline, Antibiotics: doxycycline, Antibiotics: doxycycline, Adulticides (kills adult Deworming medication
tetracycline tetracycline tetracycline heartworms), monthly
products
Source: American Heartworm Society

Prognosis If caught and treated early, the outcome is usually very good for a full recovery from symptoms. Good Good Good
Some of these infections cannot be cured completely, but early intervention usually provides the
best prognosis.
Vaccine available? Yes No No No No No No
Other prevention Daily tick inspection and removal, and the use of oral Oral and topical Monthly parasite control products (available from your veterinarian), often
or topical preventatives. preventatives included in your monthly heartworm preventatives. Also remember to pick
Ask your vet for more information. up your dog’s waste regularly.

HEALTH
Special thanks to Dr. Edward Breitschwerdt and Dr. Matt Eberts for their contributions.

Preventive Care and Your Dog Tick images supplied by the Armed Forces Pest Management Board. afpmb.org. American dog tick (Dermacentor
variabilis) photographer: Susan E. Ellis, USDA-APHIS-PPQ. Deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), lone star tick (Amblyomma
americanum) and brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) photographer: James L. Occi