Parasites in pets, especially dogs, are not just annoying but also pose various dangers to both the dog and humans. They can act as carriers of dangerous diseases or trigger infections within the organism. Infestation often occurs quickly and unnoticed by the dog owner. In this blog post, we explain how to effectively keep these pests away without relying on chemical products and what other measures can be taken in the fight against parasites of all kinds.

External vs. internal parasites

Parasites that affect dogs are generally categorized into two types:

• Ectoparasites (External Parasites): These are pests that infest the dog externally, such as fleas, ticks, lice, or mites.

• Endoparasites (Internal Parasites): These include all pests that settle in the intestine or other organs of the body, such as Giardia and various types of worms.

Endoparasites find a host, penetrate it, and feed on nutrients from the intestine or blood. A worm infestation left untreated for a long time can lead to severe nutrient deficiency. Ectoparasites primarily cause external damage to the skin. Any type of parasite infestation can occur with varying degrees of severity, with a strong tendency to spread further on and within the body.

How dogs get infected with parasites

Internal parasites enter through the mouth or nose into the body. Simply coming into contact with infectious eggs or larvae during a walk can be enough for the dog. These infectious agents can be found in feces of other animals, carrion, or on plants. Sometimes, they can also come home on the dog owner's shoes or cling to the dog's fur after contact with other dogs. These eggs are highly resilient—if they are ingested through the mouth or nose, the parasite infection begins. Puppies born to mothers already suffering from a worm infestation are also highly likely to be born with worms.

External parasites also lurk outdoors: ticks, mites, and fleas await their victims in forests and meadows.

Risk of parasite infestation

Unfortunately, dogs are very popular host animals for various types of worms and parasites. The individual risk depends heavily on various factors: age, exercise behavior, diet, and living conditions. In general:

Animals with no free roaming and no contact with other animals have a low risk;
Animals with supervised outdoor access and contact with other animals have an average risk;
Animals with unsupervised free roaming and contact with other animals;
as well as those in shelters, breeding facilities, multiple-animal households, and hunting dogs, have a high risk of being infested with parasites of all kinds.

However, observations have shown that very healthy dogs are much less susceptible to parasite infestation—thanks to a strong immune system and good defense mechanisms.

Nevertheless, the risk should never be underestimated because in acute cases, not only the dog's health is at risk but also that of humans. Some of these parasites can transfer from dogs to humans (zoonosis) or transmit dangerous diseases.

Quickly recognizing parasite infestation

Whether a dog is infested with internal parasites can often be difficult to determine and depends on how advanced the infestation is. Adult, healthy dogs rarely show specific symptoms, but in puppies, it can manifest as developmental disorders and lethargy. Even without symptoms, the dog can still be a source of infection for the environment. Possible symptoms of an infection with endoparasites include:

• Itching around the anus (the dog scooting on the floor)

• (Bloody) diarrhea and/or vomiting

• Constipation or abdominal pain

• Nutrient deficiencies due to malabsorption

• Loss of appetite and weight loss

• Bloated abdomen

• Increased susceptibility to infections

External parasites, on the other hand, are usually very easy and clear to recognize:

• Itching

• Skin redness

• Allergic reactions

• Local swelling of the skin

• Dull coat or hair loss

• Ear infections, skin irritations, or eczema

• Physical presence of the parasite on the dog's body

Effects on dog and environment

Symptoms can range from harmless itching at the bite site, which quickly disappears, to serious diseases such as Lyme disease. Tapeworms can have very serious health consequences for puppies. Parasites that settle in the body excrete toxins and metabolic products that can lead to diseases and allergies. Mites can cause severe skin diseases that can lead to fur loss with severe itching. Another major danger is pathogens transmitted by ticks, such as anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, or tick-borne encephalitis. The immune system is weakened due to the infestation, which can lead to further complications such as allergies and infections. Therefore, it is even more important to prevent parasite infestation through suitable measures or take action in acute cases.

Source of danger for humans

Some of the parasites targeting dogs can also be dangerous for humans. Increased risk of infection and transmission exists for children playing with infected dogs. Roundworms can also be found in the sand at playgrounds, where children can come into contact with them. Individuals with weakened immune systems, older people, patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy or chemotherapy, pregnant women, individuals with autoimmune diseases, and organ transplant recipients are at higher health risk when encountering parasites. Farmers, livestock breeders, and hunters also face an increased risk due to their professions.

The health risks are diverse:

• Roundworms can enter the bloodstream through digestion and intestinal walls and further into various organs, causing inflammation.

• Hookworms can cause skin inflammation, settle in various organs, and form cysts.

• Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis to humans.

Therefore, hygiene and good prophylaxis are essential. If the dog is acutely infested, regular hand washing—especially after any skin contact with the dog—is mandatory. Cuddling with the pet must be avoided for a while, and licking the face is also taboo.

Quick actions in acute infestation

If there is suspicion of parasites that cannot be removed from the dog yourself, veterinary or therapeutic advice should be sought. If signs such as bloody diarrhea, severe vomiting, or emaciation occur, or if the dog behaves oddly after a tick bite, a visit to the veterinarian with a thorough fecal examination is necessary. Caution is advised with deworming treatments: they are generally only useful if the dog is currently infested. It is a widespread misconception that chemical dewormers work preventively or long-term. In fact, the active ingredient is completely metabolized and ineffective after approximately 24 hours. What remains is a disturbed and damaged microflora in the gut. Therefore, many dog owners are skeptical about chemical dewormers.

Ideally, preventive measures are taken beforehand to protect the dog, so that infestation with any type of parasite can be prevented.

Prevention is better than cure

As often the case, prevention is key when it comes to parasites: it's better to prevent than to deal with the consequences later. Those who want to effectively protect their dog from parasites should take appropriate and consistent measures early on:

• After walks, examine the skin and fur for signs of pests and remove them quickly. Existing bite marks can be cooled or soothed with anti-itch creams.

• Fecal samples can be examined in the laboratory if there is suspicion of intestinal parasites before taking further measures for parasite control.

• Strengthen the immune system: With strong defense mechanisms, pests find it much harder to settle on or in the body. Corresponding supplements or herbal mixtures can help change the environment in the gut naturally to make it unattractive for worms and facilitate their expulsion. A strong immune system also has more power to defend against pests and related symptoms.

Ingredients for worm-resistant feeding

• Coconut Oil and Flakes: Added to food, coconut can be administered preventively or during an acute stage. Regularly mixed into food, it mobilizes the body's own defenses and contributes to a vital intestinal flora that worms find repellent.

• Pumpkin Seeds: The amino acid Cucurbitin contained in them can have a mild numbing effect on worms, preventing them from attaching to the intestinal wall and making it easier for them to be excreted from the body.

• Turmeric: Known for its antiseptic properties, it alleviates symptoms caused by intestinal parasites. Moreover, its antimicrobial properties can harm intestinal worms.

• Carrots: Paralyze worms. They are also rich in vitamin C and zinc, supporting the natural function of the immune system.

• Natural preparations with a nutrient and vital substance mix tailored to the needs of the dog can support the immune system and revitalize the intestinal flora.

   

   

By taking proactive steps, pet owners can significantly reduce the risk of their dogs suffering from parasitic infestations, ensuring better health and well-being for their beloved pets.

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