The parasites that cause itching in your dog
Most dogs love long walks and playing outside. But sometimes, they bring unwanted guests back with them: parasites. These can live in your dog's fur or skin, or reside in their intestinal system. Here, we'll focus on the parasites that affect your dog's coat and skin.
Common external parasites affecting dogs in the UK include fleas, lice, and sarcoptic mange (often called fox mange). All three commonly cause itching. If your dog is scratching more than usual, it might be due to one of these external parasites. Remember, though, that parasites aren't the only cause of itching; allergies and skin infections can cause similar symptoms.
While the thought of parasites might make you uneasy, it’s helpful to know the common ones that affect dogs and what to do if your pet gets them.
Fleas
Fleas are small, brown, blood-sucking insects, typically 2-6mm long. Several types exist, but the most common encountered by dog owners are the cat flea (which also readily infests dogs), the hedgehog flea, and the bird flea. Hedgehog, rat, and bird fleas often cause only temporary issues as they prefer their usual hosts. Cat fleas, however, tend to be more persistent and require treatment.
If you suspect your dog has fleas, it’s important to identify the type. Hedgehog, rat, and bird fleas may disappear on their own, but cat fleas usually need treatment to be completely eradicated.
Lice
Dogs can be affected by two types of lice: blood-sucking lice and biting (or fur-eating) lice. Blood-sucking lice are more common. Lice spread through direct contact with infected dogs. The types of lice that affect dogs cannot be transmitted to humans or cats.
A dog with lice may experience intense itching, leading to scratching that can cause secondary skin infections. Other symptoms include dry skin and increased dandruff. If you have multiple dogs, treat them all, as lice spread easily between them. It’s also crucial to thoroughly clean your home and wash bedding, blankets, and other items your dog uses.
Sarcoptic Mange (Fox Mange)
Sarcoptic mange is caused by a tiny mite that dogs can catch through direct contact with infected animals, or indirectly if the mites have survived in an area frequented by an infected animal. These mites are arachnids, measuring only 0.2-0.35mm, making them virtually invisible to the naked eye.
As mentioned, the primary symptom of sarcoptic mange is intense itching. Dogs may scratch particularly around the ear edges, hips, and elbows. Other signs can include redness, rashes, crusting, dandruff, or hair loss on the skin.
If you suspect sarcoptic mange, your dog needs to see a vet for a diagnosis. Once diagnosed, it's generally straightforward to treat. If you have more than one dog, all of them will need treatment to prevent re-infestation.
My dog has itchy skin – what should I do?
If you suspect your dog has parasites causing itching but you're unsure of the type, consult your vet. They can accurately diagnose the cause of the itching, ensuring it’s not something else like an allergy or skin infection.
