Signs Your Pet Might Have Parasites

If your furry friend has picked up some unwanted guests like ticks, fleas, heartworms, or mites, you’ll want to catch it early. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Ticks – The Hidden Bloodsuckers

Ticks love to latch onto your pet and feed on their blood. While they can be hard to spot, there are some telltale signs:

• Visible ticks: Check for small, round, brownish lumps on the skin, especially around the ears, neck, belly also between the digits. 
• Itchy and irritated skin: Your pet may scratch or chew the tick bite site, causing redness and swelling.
• Feeling lethargic: Ticks can make your pet feel extra tired or lethargic.
• Fever: If ticks carry diseases, like Lyme disease, you might notice your pet feeling warmer than usual.
• Limping or stiffness: Some ticks carry diseases that affect joints, making your pet limp or move stiffly.

2. Fleas – Tiny Itchy Invaders

Fleas are one of the most annoying parasites, and they’re tough to miss once they’re around! Here’s how to tell if your pet is hosting these pesky critters:

• Itching nonstop: Fleas drive pets crazy, leading to constant scratching and biting.
• Flea dirt: You might spot little black specks (flea poop) on your pet’s fur, often near the tail or belly.
• Hair loss: Persistent scratching can cause patches of missing fur.
• Red, irritated skin: Flea bites cause red bumps, and sometimes, your pet might develop hot spots (painful sores).
• Flea allergies: If your pet is allergic to flea bites, the itching can be even worse and result in more serious skin issues.

3. Heartworms – Silent but Deadly

Heartworms are serious business. These internal parasites are spread through mosquito bites and can cause major health problems, so it’s important to spot the signs early:

• Coughing: A dry, persistent cough is one of the first signs.
• Lethargy: Your pet might seem unusually tired or reluctant to play or exercise.
• Breathing problems: Difficulty breathing or labored breaths can occur as heartworms affect the heart and lungs.
• Weight loss: Loss of appetite or weight can be a sign of heartworm-related illness.
• Swollen belly: In severe cases, fluid can build up in the abdomen, making your pet’s belly look distended.
• Fainting or collapse: If the heartworms are severe, pets may faint or collapse.

4. Mites – Tiny Trouble Makers

Mites are tiny parasites that can cause big problems for your pet’s skin, leading to conditions like mange. Here’s how you can spot a mite infestation:

• Itching and scratching: Mites cause extreme itching, so your pet will likely scratch, bite, or chew at their skin non-stop.
• Hair loss: You might notice thinning fur or bald patches, especially around the ears, face, or paws.
• Red, irritated skin: Mites cause redness and inflammation, which can get worse if not treated.
• Crusty, scaly patches: Mites cause scabs and thick, rough skin, especially with mange.
• Ear problems: If ear mites are the culprit, you’ll see dark, waxy discharge and your pet will likely scratch their ears a lot.

What to Do?

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait—visit your primary vet for advice and treatment. Parasites can cause a lot of discomfort and serious health problems, but with early detection, you can help your pet feel better fast! Keep up with regular preventative care to avoid future infestations and keep your pet happy and healthy.

Myth-Busting! The Truth About Ectoparasite Prevention

There are plenty of myths surrounding parasite prevention, and it’s important to separate fact from fiction in order to keep your pet safe. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions:

❌ Myth 1: “If I see a tick, NexGard didn’t work.”

✔️ Fact: NexGard doesn’t create a protective force field—it kills ticks fast, before they can spread diseases.

❌ Myth 2: “Coconut oil or garlic will prevent parasites.”

✔️ Fact: Coconut oil won’t stop parasites, and garlic is actually toxic to dogs. Stick to proven treatments for your pet’s safety.

❌ Myth 3: “Indoor pets don’t need parasite prevention.”

✔️ Fact: Ticks, fleas, and other parasites can hitch a ride on humans, clothes, and other pets—so even indoor pets need protection.

❌ Myth 4: “I don’t see fleas, so my pet doesn’t have them.”

✔️ Fact: 90% of fleas live in the environment, not on your pet. If you see even one flea, there are likely hundreds more hiding in your home.

❌ Myth 5: “These diseases are rare.”

✔️ Fact: Heartworm disease, tick fever, flea fever are very common in Malaysia, as these parasites are active year-round.

❌ Myth 6: “One missed dose of heartworm prevention is no big deal.”

✔️ Fact: Heartworm larvae take months to grow. Missing a single dose gives them enough time to develop into a dangerous threat.

❌ Myth 7: “My pet only needs flea treatment when I see fleas.”

✔️ Fact: Fleas are masters at hiding. By the time you spot one, you could already be dealing with a full infestation.

About Vet Nurse Zoe

Zoe is a dedicated veterinary nurse who has been practicing in a veterinary clinic since 2022. She is committed to providing high-quality care for animals while continuously expanding her knowledge to better serve pets and their owners.

In collaboration with Petsmore, she aims to provide reliable and practical information to help pet owners make informed decisions about their pets’ well-being. Learn more about Zoe by checking her bio or following her on Instagram at @vetnursezoe!