Table of contents:
- Hair lice & lice in dogs and cats
- Fleas in dogs and cats
- Mites in pets
- Blood-sucking ticks on dogs and cats
- Sand flies - the exotic pests
- Mosquitoes - Harmless for dogs and cats?
What are ectoparasites?
Ectoparasites are external parasites that either attach themselves to the host's skin or introduce pathogens through the host's skin. In doing so, they extract food from the animal over a longer period of time in the form of skin flakes, blood or use it to lay eggs. The most widespread ectoparasites in pets are mainly fleas, ticks and mites. However, ectoparasites also include mosquitoes and hair lice, and dogs and cats must also be protected from them. This is because they can also introduce pathogens into the body, some of which can cause life-threatening diseases in our four-legged friends. Below we list the most common ectoparasites, how you can best recognize them, as well as the appropriate treatment and prevention.
1. lice and hair lice in dogs and cats
General information about lice and hair lice
While hair lice infest cats and dogs, the related lice are only found on dogs. This is because these insects are host-loyal and spend their entire lives on one host. Lice feed on the host's blood, whereas hair lice are satisfied with the animal's hair, dander and body fluids. Lice and hair lice infestations have decreased significantly in Europe, especially in pets, which may be due to the increased care of animals and the containment of the spread of street animals. The most widespread species of louse in Europe belongs to the genus Anoplura, the true animal lice. The most relevant dog louse is Trichodectes canis and the hair louse that most commonly infests cats is Felicola subrostratus.
How do I recognize lice and hair lice on my pet?
Lice and hair lice, unlike fleas, are easier to detect on your pet as they are not as fast moving and like to attach their eggs to the hair shafts. Both lice and hair lice can be easily identified on dogs and cats by carefully examining the coat and skin. You can also use a flea comb and brush through the fur. You can also use an adhesive strip, to which the eggs and the little animals stick.
Symptoms of lice and hair lice in dogs and cats:
- Itching and increased scratching
- alopecia
- Redness and swelling of the skin
- Secondary bacterial infection
- Lice infestations can cause anemia in weakened and young dogs
Health consequences of lice and hair lice in pets
Lice and hair lice are not so much feared because of severe secondary diseases, but mainly because an infestation affects the animal's well-being and therefore also worries the pet owner. The animals can appear restless and irritable, the increased scratching causes abrasions and possible bacterial infections. You should therefore regularly groom your dog's or cat's coat to counteract these annoying pests.
What to do if hair lice infest cats and dogs?
What to do if hair lice infest cats and dogs? The most important point in combating lice and hair lice in cats and dogs is hygiene. If your four-legged friend is well groomed, the beasts will not nest on your pet in the first place. An immune boost is also a good idea, as a four-legged friend can ward off the pests with its strong immune system. Otherwise, you can comb out lice and hair lice well, and a shower or two for dogs can also drive the arachnids away. There are also numerous collars, spot ons and powders that are effective against lice and hair lice. To relieve your pet's itching, you can apply aloe vera gel or marigold ointment to the reddened areas and a chamomile decoction or curd cheese can also help to soothe them.
Hair lice: Protect your dog & cat through prevention
To prevent an infestation of lice and hair lice, you should brush your animal friend regularly. As with the prevention of fleas, essential oils can also make a valuable contribution here and keep the insects away from your pet.
2. fleas on dogs and cats
General information about fleas
Fleas are one of the few insects that are named after their favorite host. Dog fleas, as the name suggests, like to nest on dogs, cat fleas on cats, human fleas on humans, etc. However, fleas do not limit themselves to these hosts, but also change hosts if necessary. It is therefore not surprising that the most common flea species in dogs, cats and other domestic mammals is the cat flea, lat. ctenocephalides felis. The dog flea, Ctenocephalides canis, comes in second place and Archaeopsylla erinacei, the hedgehog flea, is the third most common flea parasite in our climes.
How do I recognize fleas on my pet?
An infestation can cause symptoms of varying severity in dogs and cats. These depend on factors such as the colonization of the host (heavy or moderate flea infestation), possible existing skin infections and other diseases and the sensitivity of the animal.
Symptoms of flea infestation in dogs and cats
- Increased scratching and biting of the skin
- Red spots
- Alopecia
- Blisters on the skin
- Crusts due to wound healing
- Bacterial skin infection
- Dermatitis
The most effective way to detect possible fleas on cats and dogs is by looking at the flea droppings. The best way to do this is to use a flea comb and first comb your pet's coat against the grain. Then tap out the organic substances on a slightly damp paper towel. If there are brownish residues on the paper, which take on a rusty-reddish color when crushed, it is very likely to be flea droppings. This is because flea excrement is digested blood and therefore has this reddish-brown color. However, if the color does not change, it is not parasites in the dog's or cat's fur, but simply dirt.
Health consequences of a flea infestation
The consequences of a flea infestation are not always harmless. Although flea bites are not as serious as infected ticks or sand flies, they can also trigger allergic reactions and even transmit pathogens.
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
Fleas on dogs and cats are not only associated with increased itching and mild skin inflammation, but can also cause flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). This allergy is a common reaction of the four-legged friend to an increased flea infestation. This is because flea saliva can irritate the animal's skin, which leads to increased scratching and may even cause purulent inflammation. This allergic reaction occurs in cats just as it does in dogs. A study in the UK in 2005 showed that 8% of the cats and 3% of the dogs examined showed symptoms of FAD.1 FAD should always be clarified with the vet so that targeted therapy can be started. The use of cortisone or antibiotics cannot be ruled out in severe cases.
Anaemia due to severe flea infestation
A flea infestation can have serious consequences, especially for young dogs and cats, puppies and kittens. Fleas multiply rapidly and can ingest 15 times their body weight in blood per day. The already weakened organism is attacked and further weakened. Anemia can be the result. If you notice that your pet appears weakened and lethargic and has pale mucous membranes in connection with a flea infestation, you should urgently consult a vet.
Tapeworm after flea infestation
It seems to be less well known that fleas can also transmit tapeworms. The cucumber tapeworm is an endoparasite that uses fleas as intermediate hosts and infects them as larvae. It then matures into an infective tapeworm stage in the flea. Dogs and cats can swallow such an infected flea when grooming and biting the skin and thus ingest the tapeworm. The cucumber tapeworm infects dogs and cats alike and can grow up to one meter long. It is therefore advisable to deworm the animal at the same time if it has a flea infestation.
What to do if a dog and cat have fleas?
If, after the first symptoms of a flea infestation, traces of droppings and even fleas are found in your pet's fur, a quick and comprehensive response is required. The animal must be treated with an appropriate antiparasitic to get rid of the parasites in the dog's coat. There is a wide range of flea products available, from spot-on for dogs or spot-on cats to sprays, tablets and flea powder. Each product has its advantages and disadvantages in use.
Natural home remedies for flea infestations
Before resorting to synthetic flea preparations and possibly triggering side effects in your four-legged friend, you can also try natural flea remedies. These serve both to eliminate fleas and as a targeted prevention of fleas in dogs and cats:
- Black cumin oil
- Coconut oil for cats and dogs
- Eucalyptus oil
- diatomaceous earth
- Brewer's yeast
Thoroughly clean the pet's environment
Unfortunately, a flea infestation not only affects the dog and cat, but also the pet's entire environment. Therefore, one treatment of the animal is not enough to eliminate the entire flea population. This is because only adult fleas find their way onto the host, whereas larvae and flea eggs are distributed in the dog's or cat's environment. They can be found in the dog and cat basket, on carpets, in the bed and on many other textiles. Therefore, the entire environment of the animal must also be treated and disinfected. You should wash washable textiles at a temperature of at least 60° and use natural-based disinfectants to avoid possible allergic reactions.
3. mites in pets
General information about mites
Mites are also ectoparasites that pet owners should not underestimate. Their unlimited habitats make these arachnids very resistant insects. The mite lives in the ground, in animal sleeping areas, on carpets and other textiles. The parasitic mite likes to infest dogs and cats, other mammals and, of course, us humans. It nests in the fur, on the skin and even in the skin of the host and feeds on its skin scales, body fluids and other organic tissue. Unlike ticks and sand flies, mites are active all year round.
The most common mites in dogs and cats are ear mites, of the genus Otodectes cynotis, autumn grass mites, of the genus Neotrombicula autumnalis, and fungal mite infestations (Cheyletiella) are also frequently diagnosed in dogs and cats.
Hair follicle mites, of the genus Demodex, and burrowing mites, of the genus Sarcoptes, are mainly found on dogs, while head mange mites, Notoedres cati, are mainly found on cats.
How do I recognize mites on my pet?
A mite infestation in dogs and cats is also accompanied by increased itching. The annoying beasts cause inflammation on the skin and are very unpleasant for the four-legged friends.
However, specific symptoms depend on the type of mite in question. While ear mites mainly cause itching and rashes on the ears, hair follicle mites go unnoticed most of the time.
Symptoms of mite infestation in dogs and cats:
- Increased itching
- Burning of the skin
- Blisters and pustules
- Rash on the skin
- red spots
- crusts
- scaling
- hair loss
- bald patches
If you recognize these symptoms in your pet, you should definitely take it to your family doctor. After a detailed laboratory examination, he can determine the type of mite and suggest an appropriate treatment.
Our high-quality ear cleaner for dogs cleans the external auditory canals gently and naturally and can be used especially for ear mite infestations with associated itching.
Health consequences of a mite infestation
While some mite species live out their lives inconspicuously on our pets, others can have unpleasant effects on your cat or dog. The most common signs of a mite infestation are itching, skin inflammation, usually as a result of severe itching, skin lesions or the formation of scales and crusts. However, each mite species has different effects on the health of our animals, and some diseases can even be life-threatening. Below you will find the most common mite diseases in animals.
The skin disease demodicosis
Hair follicle mites, for example, can cause the skin disease demodicosis in both dogs and cats. The localized form of this disease is basically harmless and heals on its own. Generalized demodicosis, on the other hand, is a serious disease in both animal species, requires very intensive treatment and often indicates other underlying diseases and an additional bacterial infection. Demodicosis can be recognized by hairless patches, scales, incrustations and nodular thickening of the skin, so-called papules. However, your vet should make a definitive diagnosis.
Demodicosis is rather rare in cats.
Sarcoptes mange
The highly contagious sarcoptes mange is caused by burrowing mites and is transmitted through direct physical contact or an infected environment. The adult mites lay eggs in the upper layer of the skin, which hatch after a few weeks. Sarcoptes mange manifests itself with very intense itching in dogs and cats. If the mange is still in the early stages, individual areas such as ears, joints, muzzle and also the lower abdomen are affected. The increased scratching in particular causes redness, lesions and inflammation of the skin. Incrustations, dandruff and keratinization are also signs of advanced burrowing mite mange. In humans, this disease is known as scabies and is caused by infection.
Notoedres mange
This disease is very similar to sarcoptes mange, but occurs mainly in cats. The symptoms are similar to sarcoptes mange and can be very unpleasant for cats. Notoedres mange can cause serious complications and even death if left untreated.
Otitis externa
Otitis externa is an inflammation of the animal's external auditory canal and is more commonly known as ear mange. It occurs in both dogs and cats. The cause is not always, but often an infestation with the mite Otodectes cynotis. This mite species settles in the pinna and secretes brownish secretions on the surface. Itching is the most common reaction of the animal. If the animal scratches excessively, symptoms such as redness and inflamed areas can occur, and sometimes even an infection with bacteria.
What to do if a dog or cat has mites?
While some effects of a mite infestation in pets subside on their own, others can only be remedied with sometimes strong antiparasitic agents. If you suspect that your four-legged friend has mites, you should take him to your vet. He can take a swab and determine the exact type of mite.
Home remedies for mite infestation
Natural household remedies are also often used for mite infestations. Natural essential oils in particular have proven effective against these annoying ectoparasites:
- Coconut oil
- eucalyptus oil
- kerosene oil
- evening primrose oil
- geraniol
The oil can help to heal wounds, scare away parasites with its intense essential oils and prevent inflammation. If you suspect that your dog or cat has ear mites, you can simply drip the oil onto a cloth and clean the ear with it. Repeat the procedure several times.
In the case of a mite infestation, you should also wash your dog regularly; curd soap is particularly recommended here. It contains no artificial additives and has proven itself as a care soap for animals. It is also a good idea to strengthen the immune system, as immunocompromised animals in particular are preferred hosts for mites.
To prevent a new mite infestation, you should regularly treat your four-legged friend with appropriate repellents, spot ons or sprays, which are also available on a natural, non-chemical basis. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the animal's environment is also necessary. Blankets and sleeping areas must be vacuumed, washed and disinfected. Floors, carpets and upholstered furniture should be thoroughly cleaned.
4. blood-sucking ticks on dogs and cats
General information about ticks
One of the best known and most feared ectoparasites in our pets is the tick. The bloodsucker is not only annoying, particularly resistant and widespread, the tick also transmits serious diseases, both to the animal and to humans.
Europe is mainly home to ticks from the shield tick family (Ixodidae) and its subspecies: the wood tick (Ixodes ricinus), the alluvial forest tick (Dermacentor reticulatus) and the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). The latter is usually imported from the warmer south during vacation trips. The wood tick is most widespread in Germany, while the alluvial forest tick is more native to the north. The European shield ticks are so-called three-host ticks and change host for each stage of development. The blood of the host serves as food for the tick, especially before laying eggs, the parasite sucks itself full and reaches a weight up to 120 times higher than before taking blood.
How do I recognize ticks on my pet?
In the case of a tick infestation, the animal usually shows no symptoms, so you should check your dog or outdoor cat for these blood-sucking pests every time you go for a walk or spend time outdoors. You can simply stroke through the fur and check the animal thoroughly. It is much more difficult and time-consuming to find ticks on dogs with long fur. It is even more complicated to detect ticks in the larval and nymph stage, as they are significantly smaller than their adult counterparts. Although they can find a place to suck blood all over the host's body, they prefer less hairy areas such as ears, armpits, between the claws or on the abdomen.
The main season for ticks is between March and November, depending on the species. The common wood tick has its most active phase from March to June and again later in the year from September to November.
Health consequences of a tick bite
Ticks are so dangerous because they can transmit diseases through bacteria and viruses in their saliva while they are sucking. In addition, you cannot tell from the tick whether it is infected with the pathogens of certain diseases or not, which makes every tick bite a potential danger for you and your four-legged friend. However, the fact that the bloodsuckers can transmit more than one pathogen and that the signs of an infected tick bite only appear much later makes the symptoms even more difficult. It is therefore not surprising that people talk about the insidious tick. The most common diseases in dogs and cats after tick bites are
Lyme disease
The tick is not the cause of Lyme disease, it is merely the carrier of the pathogen. The common wood tick, the main vector of this subthreshold disease, is already infected in advance with the bacteria of the Borrelia burgdorferi group and passes them on to its host when it bites. As a rule, however, it can take up to 24 hours for the bacteria to be transferred to the host, which is why it is all the more important to check the animal immediately after a walk.
While Lyme disease in humans can be diagnosed at an early stage by the so-called migratory redness around the bite, this is absent in dogs and cats as a sign of Lyme disease bacteria transmission. Moreover, the first symptoms may not appear until days or weeks later.
Non-specific symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs and cats:
- Pain in the limbs and joints
- Swelling of the joints
- polyarthritis
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue, lethargy
- Kidney inflammation
The safest way to diagnose Lyme disease in your four-legged friend is to examine the tick for possible pathogens. However, this is not always possible in practice and hardly any pet owners take a tick directly to the vet. Possible alternatives for suspected Lyme disease in dogs or cats are blood and synovial fluid tests, but these are not always conclusive as the animal does not produce antibodies. If your pet is nevertheless diagnosed with Lyme disease, antibiotics are usually administered.
Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis, also known as tick fever, is also transmitted by the common German wood tick. The pathogens are Anaplasma phagocytophilum and attach themselves to the white blood cells of the host after transmission by the tick. They can cause serious damage to the body and can even lead to death if the infection is detected too late.
Symptoms of anaplasmosis in dogs and cats:
- Fever lasting several days
- Muscle and joint pain and swelling
- Weight loss due to refusal to eat
- vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Enlarged liver and spleen
The vet can make an exact diagnosis based on antibodies in the blood, but only about 4 weeks after the infection. Antibiotics are also administered in this case. If the disease is at an early stage, the treatment prospects are very positive.
TBE - tick-borne encephalitis
The causative agent of tick-borne encephalitis is the flavivirus, now also known as the TBE virus. The virus enters the bloodstream via the tick's saliva and can have serious consequences for the animal. In contrast to Lyme disease, there is no vaccine for TBE in dogs and the pathogen can pass to the host immediately after the bite. If the disease is detected early, it can be treated effectively. However, it is problematic that dogs hardly show any symptoms in the early stages and are therefore difficult to identify at this stage on the basis of symptoms.
The disease is particularly pronounced in animals with a weakened immune system. Therefore, in addition to early tick prophylaxis, it is advisable to strengthen the dog's immune system before the tick season begins.
Symptoms of TBE:
- High fever
- Behavioral abnormalities such as aggressiveness, lethargy
- convulsions
- Paralysis
- Avoidance when touched on the head and neck due to pain
The diagnosis is made by the vet using an antibody test. Antibiotics are administered over a longer period of time. Depending on the severity of the disease, your four-legged friend may need to remain under observation at the vet. If the disease is already well advanced, the chances of recovery are rather low. You should therefore visit the vet immediately if you suspect TBE in your dog.
What should I do if my dog has ticks?
If you find a tick attached to your pet after a thorough search, you should not immediately panic. Not all of these parasites are infected with a pathogen. According to the Robert Koch Institute, between 0.1%-5% of ticks in Germany are infected with the TBE virus. However, Borrelia-infected ticks can account for up to 30%, depending on the region. If you still want to be on the safe side, you can pick up the tick after removing it and have it tested for possible pathogens by a vet. This is the safest way to detect a possible disease in your four-legged friend at an early stage.
Remove ticks correctly:
A tick should be removed along with its head. The best way to do this is to use tweezers or practical tick tweezers. Once you have the tick in place, pull it out slowly. Be careful not to make any jerky movements, as this can cause the tick's head to be torn off more quickly. Once you have pulled the tick out, it is best to squash it with kitchen paper, as these beasts are real survival artists. The bite site should then be thoroughly disinfected and treated with healing ointments.
There is a persistent rumor that oil and other liquids make it easier to remove ticks. However, you should definitely refrain from doing this. This is because the tick can suffer a shock and release its entire intestinal contents into the puncture site.
Home remedies against ticks
Prevention against ticks is the best protection. Tick prophylaxis can be carried out using repellents. These repellents have the advantage of killing ticks before they bite. They are available as a spray or spot-on. There are now also many herbal tick repellents available. The active ingredients are similar to those of mite and flea preparations:
- Black cumin oil
- coconut oil
- lemon oil
- geranium oil
- paraffinum
- Lavender oil
- eucalyptus
- Neem tree oil (or our neem oil shampoo)
Brewer's yeast is also a good prophylactic. It can support the immune system and build up an internal defense against parasites.
5. sand flies - the exotic pests
General information about sand flies
In Europe, sand flies are mainly found in southern countries; the most widespread species is the butterfly mosquito (Phlebotomus). As a rule, the occurrence of sand flies is not relevant for Germany, but pets, usually dogs, that have been traveling with their owners in southern Europe can bring these mosquitoes with them as hosts.
The sand fly does not like wind and is rarely found near bodies of water. They only become active after sunset, when the nights are around 20°. Only the female mosquitoes suck blood, which they need for the eggs to mature.
Health consequences of sand fly bites - leishmaniasis
Sand flies are carriers of the incurable disease leishmaniasis in animals. The pathogens of the genus Leishmania enter the host's body through a mosquito bite. After a short time, pink to red-colored papules form at the site of the bite. Itching and severe scratching are the result. This can also transport further bacteria into the wound and hairless patches and dandruff are possible subsequent reactions. Leishmania can also infect organs and has already been detected in the animal's kidneys and bone marrow.
Other symptoms of leishmaniasis are
- Increased tiredness and fatigue
- weight loss
- muscle weakness
- swollen lymph vessels
- Skin inflammation (dermatitis), usually around the eyes, ears and nose
- Rarely anemia occurs
A veterinary diagnosis of the disease is necessary in any case. The earlier a possible infection is detected, the better the chances of treatment. However, leishmaniasis in dogs is usually fatal and cannot be cured.
Preventing leishmaniasis - vaccination, spot-on and co.
There is now also a vaccination against leishmaniasis for dogs. Although this does not offer 100% protection against an outbreak of the disease, it is certainly useful if your pet is to travel to endangered regions. Vets also recommend a combination of vaccination and spot-on against mosquito bites. It is also possible to protect the animal in the evening hours with a very close-meshed mosquito net.
There are hardly any natural household remedies against sand flies. Only scents such as lavender, lemongrass, sage, lemon balm etc. can help to prevent the bloodsuckers from getting close. However, they are not a reliable form of protection.
6. mosquitoes - harmless for dogs and cats?
General information about mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are found throughout Europe. Their preferred area is near bodies of water, as this is where they lay their eggs. Newly hatched mosquitoes are able to fly after just one hour and are particularly active in the summer months. Both female and male mosquitoes feed on the nectar of plants and are not actually dependent on the blood of other living creatures for food. The females of most mosquito species only need blood to produce eggs. The proteins in the blood are used to stimulate the ovaries and lay eggs.
Health consequences of a mosquito bite in dogs and cats
Basically, most mosquito bites are harmless for our pets. Although they cause swelling and itching, they subside after a few days. However, special care should be taken with four-legged friends traveling with their owners to the south of Europe. This is because some mosquitoes can transmit threadworms in southern regions.
Heartworm disease
Although heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) is rare in Germany, it is becoming increasingly common in dogs and less so in cats due to imported animals. Infected mosquitoes transmit larvae of the threadworm to the dog when sucking blood; these larvae reach the lungs through the blood and can even infect the heart. If the larvae are not killed off in time, they develop into the heartworm, which can be up to 30 cm long.
Symptoms of heartworm disease:
- Chronic cough
- Pale mucous membranes
- Vomiting
- Lethargy/exhaustion
- Heart, liver and kidney insufficiency
If heartworm disease is suspected, this should always be discussed with the vet. Diagnostic measures are taken to identify the pathogen. If the heartworm pathogen is detected, it is usually treated with a deworming agent. However, the treatment can take several months.
Skin worm disease
Another pathogen that can be transmitted by mosquitoes and is also related to heartworm is the skin worm Dirofilaria repens. This worm is also very rare in Germany; it is mainly found in regions such as Africa and Asia, but also in southern Europe. Infected animals usually come from these areas or have traveled to these countries. When sucking blood, the mosquito transmits the pathogen into the animal's subcutaneous tissue, where it spreads and can mature into a full-grown worm.
Symptoms of the skin worm disease:
- Progresses rather inconspicuously and mildly
- Thickening of the skin
- itching
- Skin lesions
- Possible infection with other bacteria due to increased scratching
This disease must also be diagnosed by a vet and treated with the appropriate worming medication. If it is recognized early, it is comparatively mild and the animal can be completely cured. There are no known long-term consequences of skin worm disease.
7 Conclusion
As you have seen, the most common ectoparasites on our four-legged friends are not so harmless. Although a tick bite or mosquito bite should not immediately panic pet owners, you should keep a close eye on your dog and cat afterwards and not sweep possible behavioral abnormalities under the carpet. Thorough prophylaxis is also the first important step in protecting your pet from unpleasant pests and avoiding unnecessary visits to the vet.
