Parasites can be defined as microorganisms that depend on a host organism for survival and, because they obtain their needs from the host, can transmit various diseases to it in the process. Parasites sustain their lives by sharing the host’s nutrients. In this way, they cause the host to become ill and weakened.
External parasites, which are the most common and can transmit microorganisms that the host organism is already carrying: dış parazitler:
- Fleas: Fleas, which are usually black in color, are visible to the naked eye. They move very quickly. In addition to their rapid movement, they are also capable of jumping. They can survive for a total of 30 days. They can reproduce and lay eggs on their host. Fleas, which prefer damp and dark environments, are commonly found in large numbers in forested, grassy, and bushy areas. When you take your dogs and cats outside, your little friends become hosts for fleas. They are usually hard to spot. They can be observed around the ears, under the arms, on the neck, and in the groin area. Fleas, which feed by sucking blood from the body, can transmit blood-borne parasites to the host; if left unnoticed, they can also cause specific and chronic illnesses in your pets.
- Ticks: Like fleas, ticks are ectoparasites that can cause many diseases in your pets. They are also visible on your pets’ bodies. Ticks have a hook-like structure on their mouthparts. When they attach themselves to your pet’s body, they embed their hooks into the skin, making it very dangerous and nearly impossible to remove them by hand. If detected on the skin and pulled out by hand, their heads remain embedded. This can cause an abscess on your pet’s skin. Ticks are also found in shaded, damp grass, soil, and trees. In addition to transmitting “Lyme” disease, which is commonly seen in dogs, various types of ticks can also act as carriers for other diseases that pose different life-threatening risks.
- Bits: There are two different types: biting lice and sucking lice. Both types are generally more common in unkempt and neglected animals. They are commonly found on the neck, head, and back of animals. They are easily visible among the fur. They feed on lesions and skin flakes on the animal’s skin. They do not transmit from animals to humans.
Blood-sucking fleas are more commonly seen. They survive by feeding on blood. Their reproduction rate is quite high. They are more commonly found in young dogs and, generally, in dogs with long coats. Because they can multiply in large numbers, they can cause stunted growth, anemia, mild to severe itching, weight loss, hair loss, and mild skin lesions.
- Scabies pathogens: Sarcoptes, Demodex, and Otodectes are the most common types of mites. Sarcoptes and Demodex infest the skin, while Otodectes causes ear mites. Generally, all types are associated with itching and skin lesions. They are difficult to treat and highly resistant. They can also often lead to secondary bacterial infections.
Causes of External Parasites
External parasite treatments (sometimes referred to as an "external parasite vaccine," though it is essentially a routine treatment) are more commonly needed for cats and dogs that are not fully vaccinated and come into contact with other animals. Parasites can emerge due to the use of other animals’ belongings and various other mechanisms. By keeping your own pets away from animals showing signs of external parasites, you can prevent the spread and transmission of these parasites. Additionally, if the area where you walk your dog or cat has a high population of external parasites, treating only your pet may not be sufficient. In areas with high parasite populations, targeted environmental treatment should also be performed. Regularly brushing and inspecting your pets will provide you with a significant advantage in preventing external parasites. Knowing the symptoms exhibited by animals infested with external parasites is crucial for pet owners.
Symptoms of External Parasites
External parasite Symptoms of itching are commonly observed in pets. In fact, hair loss in the areas where the animals scratch and skin lesions are among the other symptoms observed as a result of intense itching. External parasites hidden among the fur are easily detectable because they are visible to the naked eye. Animals may also exhibit symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, and similar signs.
