Düsseldorf. Ticks, fleas, worms, mites: parasites like this can be a plague and, much worse, a serious health risk for dogs. The basis for the best possible protection is targeted prophylaxis – which not least benefits us humans.
As a preventive measure, one often thinks of a vaccination. However, this only protects against the pathogens that can be transferred by ticks and the like – but not from parasite infestation itself.
Outer and inner parasites
“In parasites, we fundamentally differentiate external and inner parasites,” explains veterinarian Dr. Tina Hölscher. “The external parasites include ticks, fleas, lice and mites. These affect the fur or bite in the skin. Interior parasites such as worms or unicellular organisms, on the other hand, are absorbed by contaminated water or feed or, for example, transferred to the blood with a tick bite or mosquito bite.” Accordingly, there are different measures to protect against the different parasites.
Prophylaxis against external parasites
In order to protect dogs from external parasites, three approaches are spread: “Effective protection can be applied directly to the dog's skin via a spot-on preparation. There are also tick neck straps that separate active ingredients, or the dog can get an injection or tablets. With all three variants, the respective preparations ensure that ticks are dropped before the transfer of possible disease.” so the veterinarian. The corresponding funds are often subject to prescription and can be obtained from the veterinarian or in the pharmacy. Spot-on preparations must then be renewed every four to six weeks, tablets can also work for up to twelve weeks and collars for about half a year. Ticks, fleas and Co. are now widespread all year round due to climate change and the different species across Germany. Therefore, consistent provision makes sense.
“Such chemical protective measures have the advantage that they often protect against several parasites at the same time, i.e. prevent both ticks and fleas or mites at the same time. In addition, owners should also regularly check their dogs for parasites,” explains Dr. Hölscher. To do this, you should look through the dog's fur carefully and also investigate with a flea comb, if you suspect for safety. In addition to the fleas themselves, you can also find their legacies. Black-brown and white particles are usually dirt or dandruff; However, if you are red or turn reddish when rubbing, a flea infestation could be available.
Flea
The veterinarian gives certainty and helps with suitable shampoos, powders or sprays to contain the acute infestation. These are often also available in pet shops. Countermeasures have to be repeated several times in order to combat possible subsequent generations. In addition, thorough cleaning is required: both the floor and dog furniture, carpets and the dog's toys should be cleaned every day. Since fleas can also transmit internal parasites, a worm cure for the dog should also be carried out in this context.
Worm cure against internal parasites
In dogs, tapeworms or roundworms appear as internal parasites. Individuals such as the microscopic giardia are also included. Depending on the species, internal parasites mainly affect the thin or large intestine, less common species but sometimes the lungs or heart. They can be transmitted via contaminated food and water. Therefore, compliance with hygiene standards is central protection. External parasites can also transmit internal parasites on their bite. Accordingly, good prophylaxis before these with tick protection and Co. is also important. “Puppies in particular can suffer from a worm case and get strong diarrhea or makers,” said the expert. “In adults, healthy dogs, on the other hand, an infestation is often for a long time.” If signs occur, they are mostly symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting or loss of appetite. In order to determine an infestation, a veterinarian examines the dog's feces and prescribes a worm cure if necessary. “As with the means against external parasites, these are active ingredients that are administered or injected or injected and the worms are died. However, this is not long -term protection against another infestation, but only helps in the current situation,” explains Dr. Hölscher. “Because the worms are not visible from the outside and the symptoms do not even show themselves in adult dogs, many veterinarians recommend regular deworming every three months. This also protects other animals, but also the owners from an infestation. Other colleagues, on the other hand, only recommend treatment in the acute case.”
Are dog parasites dangerous for humans?
Parasites can also jump to humans. Many dog parasites only use people as a false host, so they cannot develop in this. Nevertheless, they can transmit diseases. The prophylaxis on the four -legged friend not only protects the dog, but also its owners. With targeted prevention, attention and regular control, many risk sources for the dog are already excluded. If you then think about washing your hands after every game or a walk, the dog and owner of parasites should be largely spared.
Industrial Association pet supplies (IVH) e. V.