External parasites are parasites that live on the outside of the body of dogs and cats. They can cause a variety of problems, including itching, hair loss, and even skin infections.
There are a number of different types of external parasites that can affect dogs and cats, including:
- Fleas: Fleas are tiny, blood-sucking insects that can live on the skin of dogs and cats. They can cause itching, hair loss, and even skin infections.
- Ticks: Ticks are small, eight-legged insects that can live on the skin of dogs and cats. They can cause a variety of problems, including itching, hair loss, and even Lyme disease.
- Mites: Mites are tiny, eight-legged insects that can live on the skin of dogs and cats. They can cause a variety of problems, including itching, hair loss, and even mange.
There are a number of different ways that dogs and cats can become infested with external parasites. They can be infected by coming into contact with an infected animal, by walking through a contaminated area, or by being bitten by an infected insect.
There are a number of different ways to prevent dogs and cats from becoming infested with external parasites. You can use a flea and tick preventive, keep your pet’s environment clean, and avoid areas where there is a high risk of infection.
If you think your dog or cat may have an external parasite, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. The veterinarian will be able to determine which type of parasite your pet has and will recommend the best course of treatment.