Dog Parasite Symptoms

Nobody wants to see their pup suffer, especially when they’re battling dog parasites. Those pesky little creatures can invade your furry friends, and we never want that for our sweet little fur child.  That’s why it is important to know how to prevent parasites from making a home on or in your dog. 

However, prevention is not possible in all scenarios. That is why it is also vital to know how to spot dog parasite symptoms as early as possible and get them treated accordingly. 

Vitalize^® Can Help Protect Your Pup  

The Vitalize^® team is made up of dog lovers just like you. When it comes to nutrition and quality supplementation, we also want the best for our own dogs. We focus on nutrition because we know that good nutrition influences every facet of your dog’s life: overall health and well-being, coat and skin health, dental health, general attitude, and, of course, parasite resistance.  

Now, we’re not saying Vitalize products can treat parasitic infections or repel dangerous bugs and bacteria. It’s not a treatment solution for dog parasite symptoms. However, Vitalize does support your dog’s overall health and nutrition. That way, you’re less likely to have to deal with dog parasite symptoms in the long run.  

If preventative care sounds right up your alley, you can find Vitalize supplements at any major online retailer or in our online store.  

External Dog Parasite Symptoms 

External dog parasites live on your dog. Fleas, ticks, mites, and lice are nuisances that like to make homes on the skin or fur of your canine companions. Let’s explore some of the common symptoms of external parasites your dog could experience. 

External parasites in dogs can cause a variety of symptoms, which can be indicative of different types of parasites. Here are the most common symptoms: 

Fleas 

Fleas are hard to spot to the naked eye, but it is possible. Often, it is best to look for them on the belly of your dog. If you have a lighter-colored dog, they will be easier to see. Fleas are small, dark, oval-shaped insects with hard shells. As you comb your dog, you might see them quickly weaving their way through the hair on your pet as you part it. They also like to attach to the skin, as they feed on blood. 

Symptoms of fleas: 

• Excessive scratching, licking, or biting at the skin 

• Red, irritated, or inflamed skin 

• Hair loss, usually around the tail base and neck 

• Flea dirt, small black specks, which are flea feces, in the fur 

• Visible fleas on the skin or in the hair 

Ticks 

Ticks are more visible than fleas. They are small and brown/reddish in color. They turn grey/blue when engorged, and they are simple to see when attached to the skin.  

Symptoms of ticks:  

• Localized redness or swelling where the tick is attached 

• Scabs or sores at the attachment site 

• Lethargy or weakness, in cases of heavy infestations or tick-borne diseases 

• Fever or other signs of illness in cases of tick-borne diseases 

Mites 

There are several types of mites, and they are so tiny that you likely won’t see them with the naked eye. They might simply look like small black dots on your dog’s skin. Mites are visible under your veterinarian’s microscope. They are a big source of discomfort for your dog and the cause of mange. 

Symptoms of mites: 

• Intense itching and scratching  

• Head shaking 

• Dark, crumbly discharge from the ears  

• Redness or inflammation in the ear canal 

• Hair loss around the ears, eyes, mouth, front legs, elbow or belly (depending on mite variety) 

• Red, scaly skin 

• Bacterial infections 

• Scabs and sores 

•  

Lice 

Dog lice are flat, wingless, six-legged insects that will nestle into the hair shaft of your dog. Their symptoms are very similar to those of fleas and mites. 

Symptoms of lice: 

• Excessive scratching, biting, or licking 

• Dry, scruffy coat 

• Hair loss, especially around the neck, shoulders, and tail  

• Visible lice or eggs, known as nits, on the fur 

Internal Dog Parasite Symptoms 

Although not as common, internal dog parasites live inside the dog, often finding homes in the dog’s intestines, heart, and lungs. Internal parasites in dogs can cause a range of symptoms, many of which overlap across different types of parasites. Here are the most common symptoms. 

Diarrhea 

Look for a loose and watery stool. Often contains blood or mucus.  

Vomiting 

Can be irregular or repeated nausea. Sometimes the vomit will contain visible worms. 

Weight Loss 

Even with a normal or increased appetite, weight loss could occur.  

Pot-bellied Appearance 

This will be especially noticeable in puppies and indicates a heavy worm burden. 

Dull Coat 

Dry and brittle fur, overall poor hair quality that is dull in color and shine, and often accompanied by hair loss. 

Lethargy 

Parasites often cause decreased energy levels and general weakness, often due to nutritional deficiencies or anemia. 

If you observe any of these dog parasite symptoms in your fur child, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. If left untreated, parasites can cause significant discomfort and lead to more serious health issues. 

Nutrition is Vital to Your Dog’s Health 

Nutrition is key to good health. A healthy dog doesn’t have to worry about dog parasite symptoms. That’s why we want to encourage you to provide your furry friends with the best nutrition possible.  

Ensuring proper dog nutrition strengthens the immune system by supplying it with vital nutrients that play specific roles in immune function.  

Battling Parasites Requires A Balanced Diet 

For instance, proteins are essential for the production of antibodies and other immune cells. Vitamins and minerals act as antioxidants, protecting cells from damage and supporting the body’s defense mechanisms. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that help regulate the immune response.  

By feeding your dogs a diet rich in essential nutrients, you can help ensure that their immune systems are robust. This supports them in fending off infections from dog parasites. After all, a well-nourished dog is more likely to be healthy, active, and less susceptible to any bodily invaders.  

Vitalize Supplements Ensure Quality Nutrition   

One way to ensure quality nutrition: include Vitalize in your dog’s daily routine. Vitalize is a line of supplements with proven solutions to keep your animal healthy and performing. 

Vitalize products are powered by two proprietary ingredients: AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility, and MHB3®, a patented high molecular weight hyaluronic acid.  

Unsure how those ingredients might help your fur baby battle parasites? Well, 70% of the immune response is found in the digestive system. A better diet leads to healthier dogs.  

Need more info? Studies show that dogs that have been fed Amaferm experience better health outcomes during birthing, early life care, and breeding.   

Curious about the products we have available? We’ll break them down for you.  

Vitalize^® Dog   

Vitalize Dog is a granular vitamin and mineral supplement for dogs designed to support breeding and performance. It contains AO-Biotics^® Amaferm^®, omegas for healthy skin and hair and a high-quality blend of vitamins and minerals for daily support of any diet.    

Vitalize^® Alimend^® K9    

Vitalize Alimend K9 is a liquid product for dogs that supports gastric health and GI tissue and may relieve occasional gastric issues. In addition to Amaferm, it contains MHB3^®, a patented high molecular weight hyaluronic acid that coats the stomach and supports GI tissue integrity. It also contains beta-glucans to support the gut and immune system.    

Vitalize^® Dog Gel    

Vitalize Dog Gel is a prebiotic and nutrient-rich gel for dogs. It immediately supports the digestive and immune systems. It contains Amaferm and MOS to help normalize gut microflora and the immune system. The gel works fast to support appetite and hydration.    

Vitalize^® Trixsyn^® Canine    

Vitalize Trixsyn Canine is a liquid product for dogs. Trixsyn products feature MHB3, a patented high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. This ingredient supports hip and joint health and boosts mobility.    

Vitalize^® Trixsyn^® Canine Performance    

Vitalize Trixsyn Canine Performance is a liquid product for dogs that supports total mobility utilizing hyaluronic acid. It supports hip, joint, and soft tissue health. The performance formula helps maintain a normal inflammatory response and supports normal exercise recovery.  

The Final Word  

We hope you have found this blog useful. Yes, there are numerous dog parasites out there, and many dog parasite symptoms to look for. The bottom line:  

Always consult a veterinarian. Your animal doctor knows what’s best for your dog. Listen to him or her, and make sure to have your dog examined annually. That is the best way to build a veterinary-client relationship with your dog and the vet. That also helps with dog anxiety, and the dog won’t think going to the vet has to be just for troubleshooting or sickness.  

Read and follow labels. We cannot emphasize this enough. Even on our Vitalize products, we put labels there for a reason, and if you don’t read them, your dog might not be getting the best nutrition possible, regardless of how good the nutrients are in the bag.  

Monitor your dog’s health. Just because he or she licks the bowl clean every time doesn’t necessarily mean that there are no underlying issues. Is your dog losing weight? Do they seem lethargic or scratching and itching? It might be time to take them to the veterinarian.  

Get your Vitalize Today!     

Up the game on your dog nutrition, by providing it Vitalize as part of its daily diet. Get your Vitalize today. We have made purchasing Vitalize as easy as possible.    

You can visit your local retailer to purchase Vitalize products. Not sure where to find Vitalize near you? Check out our Where to Buy tool!

Perhaps you prefer the convenience of online shopping. You can shop online and have Vitalize delivered right to your front door.    

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