Summer is here, and we have all certainly started thinking about the problem of external dog parasites — but who really knows much about fleas and ticks? In this article we will try to explain clearly what external parasites are, where they live, how they develop and what we can do to get rid of them.

Let's start with pulicosis and, to get a better understanding, let's find out how and where fleas live, how they reproduce, their developmental stages and their biological cycle. The average duration of a flea's biological cycle is 21 to 28 days. Adult fleas live, feed and mate on their four-legged host, depositing eggs on them which then spread into the environment, giving rise to larvae.

The clinical signs of dog parasites

A flea infestation should never be underestimated, especially in puppies; fleas tend to nest particularly on the neck and back. If your dog is "attacked" by fleas — perhaps because it has rolled around in a field or has come into contact with infected animals — it is enough to buy one of the many spray or spot-on products to apply all over the dog's body and wait a few days; the unwanted guests will certainly make their escape. Take care that your dog has not been completely overrun and has not, as a result, ingested a large number of fleas; these troublesome little creatures can cause anaemia brought on by another parasite — the tapeworm — which can be eradicated with the help of your vet, who will certainly be able to advise on the right course of treatment.

Watch out for ticks

Ticks, like fleas, are external parasites of domestic and wild animals, and can cause a range of problems of varying severity in the affected individual. Ticks suck the blood of their host and then mate, producing eggs that remain attached to the fur until they hatch and the new parasite is born. The problem with ticks is that they can survive at temperatures below 10/12 degrees and above 25/30 degrees, and can go for some time without feeding. The most common diseases they can cause are: anaemia, piroplasmosis

Anaemia

Anaemia causes significant blood loss in the dog; your companion will appear weak, will show delayed growth and marked weight loss.

Piroplasmosis

Piroplasmosis, which is caused by a parasite that destroys red blood cells, manifests as loss of appetite, high fever and tremors. For ticks too, it is advisable to carry out an antiparasitic treatment on the dog's coat. Naturally derived products that can serve this purpose are also available on the market. They are able to produce a smell that fleas and ticks cannot tolerate, driving them to migrate towards other animals. In this case too, however, the advice of a vet is essential. Only your vet will be able to recommend the right preventive care for your four-legged friend.