As the first rays of sunshine herald the arrival of spring, people and pets alike are drawn to the outdoors. Dog owners especially enjoy long walks in the woods and fields with their furry companions. However, this idyllic scene has a downside: annoying parasites and pests that awaken with spring and can severely bother and even make our four-legged friends sick.

What exactly is a parasite?

Parasites are small organisms that invade a dog's body to sustain themselves, feeding off the dog. There are two main types: ectoparasites and endoparasites.

Ectoparasites

Ectoparasites, like ticks, fleas, and mites, live on the skin, in the ears, or in the fur of dogs, harming their health. They typically lay eggs, which hatch into larvae that feed on the dog's blood or skin flakes. This is obviously detrimental to the dog's health, as all types of parasites burden its immune system.

Endoparasites

Endoparasites live inside the dog, inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, or heart. They are difficult to detect and are often only noticed when symptoms appear. These include worms and giardia, which have incredible adaptability to ensure their survival. They prefer to lay their eggs in the host's intestines.

Signs of ectoparasite or endoparasite infestation

Ectoparasite infestation

Ectoparasites can often be seen with the naked eye when they settle in a dog's fur. Flea infestations, for instance, are indicated by black specks on the dog's skin or sleeping area. Other signs include widespread hair loss, itching, and dandruff.

Endoparasite infestation

Detecting endoparasites is more challenging, as worms and giardia are not visible or are only noticed late. They accumulate inside and affect the dog's health. Symptoms include rattling breath, exhaustion, persistent diarrhea, watery eyes, and loss of appetite.

The tick: the most well-known dog parasite

Ticks become active at temperatures between 7-10 degrees Celsius, lying in wait for their victims in grass or bushes up to 1.5 meters high. Using the Hallers organ in their front legs, ticks can detect substances in a dog's breath or sweat, pinpointing their host. Once they find a host, they attach and search for a suitable spot to bite and suck blood. Diseases such as:

• babesiosis

• lyme disease

• anaplasmosis

• TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis)

• ehrlichiosis

can be transmitted through a tick's saliva. Ticks undoubtedly threaten a dog's health and well-being. Supplement treatments can help by boosting the immune system, making it easier to combat infestations and improve the dog's condition more quickly.

The flea: a tiny jumper

Fleas have a third pair of legs designed for jumping, allowing them to leap 150 times their body length. This powerful jump helps them latch onto their hosts. Flea bites cause persistent itching and can lead to:

• skin inflammation

• typhus

• flea allergy

• meningitis

The mite: an enthusiastic digger

The most common mites in dogs are burrowing mites and hair follicle mites. Burrowing mites can dig up to 1 cm under the skin to lay eggs, while hair follicle mites live in hair follicles. Though normal in small numbers, hair follicle mites can become problematic if the immune system weakens, potentially causing demodicosis or mange.

Worms: an internal threat

Tapeworms and roundworms are common in dogs but are often detected late due to their internal habitat. They are usually ingested through the feces of infected animals and live off the dog's intestines. Symptoms include:

• Constipation

• Itching

• Vomiting and diarrhea

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Bloated abdomen

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss

Giardia: A Persistent Tenant in the Dog's Intestines

Giardia are also very small and live in the small intestine of their host, but they are not worms; they are single-celled parasites. The ways they spread are numerous and include contaminated water in puddles and lakes, tainted soil, and contact with other animals. Their resilience is legendary, allowing them to survive for years.

They cause the following issues:

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Stomach cramps

• Vomiting

• Gas

IMUN Dog 'Para': Valuable Support Against Parasites and Worms in Dogs