Parasite Infestations in Dogs: Understanding and Treating Severe Cases

Dogs are vulnerable to a range of parasites that can burrow into their skin and cause painful, dangerous infestations. The image of a dog with multiple parasites clinging to its skin highlights just how severe these infestations can become if left untreated. Recognizing the signs early and seeking treatment is critical for the health and comfort of your pet.

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Common Parasites Found in Dogs

1. Ticks

   • Blood-sucking parasites that attach to the skin.

   • Can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Babesiosis.

   • Appear as small, round, gray or brown bumps when engorged with blood.

2. Mango Worms (Cordylobia anthropophaga)

   • Found in tropical Africa.

   • The larvae burrow under the skin and develop inside painful boils.

   • Create visible swellings, sometimes with holes where larvae breathe.

3. Fleas

   • Tiny, fast-moving insects that cause intense itching and hair loss.

   • Can lead to flea allergy dermatitis and anemia in puppies.

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Signs of Infestation

• Visible parasites on or under the skin

• Red, irritated, or swollen skin

• Intense scratching, biting, or licking

• Pus-filled bumps or boils

• Lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite in severe cases

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Treatment Options

1. Tick Infestation

• Manual Removal: Vets use tweezers or tick-removal tools to extract ticks completely.

• Topical Treatments: Spot-on medications like fipronil or permethrin.

• Oral Medications: Prescription tablets that kill ticks within hours.

⚠️ Never crush ticks with bare hands—they can transmit infections.

2. Mango Worm Infestation

• Veterinary Extraction: Each larva is carefully expressed or removed.

• Wound Care: The site is disinfected and monitored for infection.

• Antibiotics: Prescribed if wounds are severe or infected.

3. General Parasite Care

• Medicated shampoos to soothe itching.

• Pain relief if the infestation is painful.

• Regular follow-ups to prevent reinfestation.

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Prevention Tips

• Use monthly tick and flea preventives (oral or topical).

• Wash and change your dog’s bedding often.

• Avoid letting dogs rest in soil or sand in parasite-heavy regions.

• Check your dog’s skin regularly, especially after outdoor walks.

• Keep vaccinations and deworming schedules up to date.

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When to See a Veterinarian

• If you notice clusters of ticks or larvae.

• If your dog is lethargic, has a fever, or refuses to eat.

• If wounds appear infected (red, swollen, with pus).

• If infestations recur despite regular prevention.

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Bottom line: Parasite infestations like ticks or mango worms are painful and potentially dangerous for dogs. Proper veterinary removal and consistent prevention are the best ways to protect your pet’s health.