Defence against ectoparasites

Parasitism in biology is a form of life in which one species uses another species as a habitat or food source. All warm-blooded individuals are at risk of parasite infestation. Domestic cats and dogs are no exception. The task of the owner is to protect the animal from "spongers" that can cause serious harm to the health of the pet.

Types of ectoparasites. Ways of transmission

Ectoparasites include mites, insects that live on the body of animals. They are divided into two groups:

permanent (lice, acariform micro-mites, viroid) always live on the skin, coat of the "host";

temporary ones only feed on the dog, but live and reproduce in the environment. These include: ixodes ticks, fleas, horseflies, gadflies, mosquitoes, other blood-sucking insects.

"The mites are transmitted very easily:

through contact with sick individuals;

through shared care items (toys, bedding, etc.);

in wildlife habitats;

when hunting rodents;

from female to cubs.

Attention: even cats that never go outdoors can be infected. Parasites can be brought into the flat by owners on shoes, clothes.

Additional risk factors are:

unsanitary housing (e.g., damp kennel, dirty bedding);

poor nutrition with insufficient protein and vitamins;

improper care. Lack of antiparasitic treatments, infrequent bathing, combing.

Mites, insects spread quickly when dogs and cats are crowded together in kennels or shelters.
What are the dangers of ectoparasites

The "spongers" themselves rarely lead to the death of the "host", because in this case they will also die. That is why too aggressive species were destroyed in the process of evolution. However, the vital activity of parasites creates dangerous conditions for the animal.

The main threats are as follows:

flea (or tick) dermatitis;

allergy to insect saliva;


rupture of the eardrum due to neglected otodecosis;

anaemia - develops in small kittens or puppies when the bloodsucker population is very high;

helminthic diseases. Including cucumber chain infestation;

Dirofilariasis - a pathology caused by the worm Dirofilaria immitis, whose larvae are carried by mosquitoes. Adult helminths "settle" in the heart, large vessels. Provoke the development of congestive heart failure. Dirofilariosis is poorly amenable to therapy, often ends with the death of the patient.

Ticks and insects are carriers of dangerous infectious diseases. Among them:

Piroplasmosis (babesiosis);

haemobartenelosis;

anaplasmosis;

ehrlichiosis;

leishmaniasis;

borreliosis (Lyme disease) and others.

The presence of parasites leads to weakening of the immune system of the pet, reduced defence against viruses, bacteria, exacerbation of chronic pathologies. The longer the insects are on the pet, the more severe the consequences will be.

Symptoms and diagnostic methods

Signs of infection with ectoparasites are direct and indirect. The first group includes:

severe itching;

scab marks of varying degrees of healing;

bald spots;

dullness, ruffling of the coat;

sometimes the insects themselves are visible;

redness, swelling of the skin;

small dark-brown granules in the pile - products of fleas.

Among the indirect symptoms:

Worsening of appetite (up to complete refusal to eat);

lethargy;

irritability, aggression;

increased thirst;

a desire to hide;

loss of interest in games, walks.

With a strong lesion, the pet constantly itches, shows restlessness, can not sleep.

Diagnosis is established by a veterinarian by studying insects or their eggs. It may also be necessary to analyse a skin scrape or examine the lint.

How do I get rid of ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, etc.?

Therapy first of all involves the destruction of parasites. For this purpose, insectoacaricidal are used:
sprays;

shampoos;

drops on the withers;

solutions.

Effective preparations are produced by the company Apicenna:

Dana Ultra is a line of products for dogs against external parasites, as well as prevention of helminthiasis. Available as a collar, spray, drops;

Dana Spot-on - provides protection from insects, ticks for up to six weeks. Suitable for dogs, cats from 12 weeks of age;

Prazicid-complex - drops on the withers. For a month protects from fleas, fleas, lice. Prevents and treats infestations of round, tapeworms;

Dekta Forte - a solution for treatment of ears and skin. Effectively destroys mites at all stages of development. Quickly relieves itching, acts as a local anaesthetic.

After getting rid of the pet from "mites" it is necessary to restore the skin. To do this, wounds, scabs should be regularly treated with antiseptic. If necessary, in parallel, the tail patient is treated for infections that have joined.

It is also necessary to clean the flat, adjacent territory, all items of care for the animal from insects. This will prevent re-infection. In the future, do not neglect preventive treatment of the cat or dog with antiparasitic compositions.