Common Parasites in Dogs
Dogs can be exposed to parasites through the environment, other animals, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, contaminated soil, shared spaces, dog parks, boarding facilities, grooming visits, or wildlife.
Common dog parasites may include:
- Fleas
- Ticks
- Heartworms
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms
- Giardia
- Coccidia
- Ear mites
Some parasites are visible, but others can only be detected through testing. Routine screening and prevention can help protect your dog and reduce the risk of spread to other pets.
Signs Your Dog May Have Parasites
Parasite symptoms can vary depending on the type of parasite and your dog’s overall health. Some dogs show obvious signs, while others may appear normal at first.
Signs of parasites in dogs may include:
- Scratching, licking, or chewing
- Hair loss or irritated skin
- Flea dirt or visible fleas
- Ticks attached to the skin
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Bloated abdomen
- Scooting
- Visible worms or rice-like segments near the tail or in stool
- Coughing
- Low energy
- Pale gums
- Changes in appetite
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment so our team can evaluate your dog and recommend the appropriate next step.
Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs
Fleas and ticks can cause more than irritation. Fleas may lead to skin infections, allergic reactions, tapeworm exposure, and discomfort. Ticks can carry diseases that may affect your dog’s health.
Our veterinarians can recommend flea and tick prevention based on your dog’s age, weight, lifestyle, and health history. Dogs who hike, travel, spend time outdoors, attend daycare, visit dog parks, or live with other pets may have different prevention needs than dogs with lower exposure.
Intestinal Parasite Screening
Intestinal parasites are often diagnosed through fecal testing. A fecal exam can help identify parasite eggs or organisms that may not be visible at home.
Fecal parasite screening may be recommended for:
- Puppies
- Newly adopted dogs
- Dogs with vomiting or diarrhea
- Dogs with weight loss
- Dogs exposed to other animals
- Dogs who visit dog parks, boarding, or daycare
- Routine wellness care
If parasites are found, our team can recommend appropriate treatment and follow-up care.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes and can cause serious health problems in dogs. Because treatment can be more complex than prevention, routine heartworm testing and prevention are important parts of preventive care.
Our team can discuss heartworm prevention options, testing recommendations, and what to do if your dog has missed a dose.
Parasite Prevention for Puppies
Puppies are especially vulnerable to parasites and may need deworming, fecal testing, and preventive care early in life. Some puppies are exposed before adoption or through their mother.
Puppy parasite care may include:
- Fecal testing
- Deworming
- Flea and tick prevention when age and weight appropriate
- Heartworm prevention planning
- Monitoring for digestive symptoms
- Follow-up testing when needed
Our team can help you choose safe prevention options as your puppy grows.
Hospital and Mobile Parasite Care Options
Dog parasite screening and prevention are available at our Scottsdale animal hospital. In some cases, Phoenix Mobile Veterinarians may also be able to help with exams, sample collection, or prevention guidance at home.
If your dog is very sick, severely dehydrated, anemic, coughing, breathing abnormally, or needs additional diagnostics, hospital care may be recommended.
Schedule Dog Parasite Care
If your dog is showing signs of parasites, needs fecal testing, is due for heartworm testing, or needs help choosing prevention, Scottsdale Animal Hospital & Phoenix Mobile Veterinarians can help.
We provide dog parasite prevention and treatment guidance for families in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Mesa, Tempe, and surrounding areas.
