What Parasites Can Dogs Get?
Yes, dogs can get a wide range of parasites. Some live on the outside of the body, like fleas, ticks and lice, while others live inside, like tapeworms, roundworms and heartworm. Even a single mosquito bite can matter, because mosquitoes can pass heartworm to dogs.
Our guides below explain each parasite, how to spot it, the health risks it carries, and the simplest ways to keep your dog protected all year round.
Mosquito Bites Can dogs get mosquito bites? Yes, and they can itch, swell and even spread heartworm. Learn how to protect your dog and ease the irritation
Fleas Can dogs get fleas? Yes, and these tiny biters cause intense itching, allergies and even tapeworms. Learn to spot, treat and prevent them
Tapeworms Can dogs get tapeworms? Yes, usually from swallowing infected fleas. Look for rice-like segments near the tail. Learn treatment and prevention
Lice Can dogs get lice? Yes, dog lice cause itching, scratching and a dull coat. They're species-specific, so you can't catch them. Learn how to treatExternal and Internal Parasites
External parasites live on your dog's skin and coat. Fleas cause intense itching and can trigger allergies, ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, and lice cause irritation and hair loss. Internal parasites live inside the body: intestinal worms can cause weight loss and digestive upset, while heartworms grow in the heart and lungs and can be life threatening if left untreated.
Preventing Parasites
Prevention is far easier than treatment. Year-round flea, tick and worm control, plus a heartworm preventive recommended by your vet, keeps most parasites at bay. Check your dog's skin and coat regularly, especially after walks in long grass or wooded areas, wash bedding often, and keep up with routine vet checkups so any problem is caught early.
FAQ
What are the most common parasites in dogs?
The most common parasites in dogs are external ones like fleas, ticks and lice that live on the skin and coat, and internal ones like roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and heartworms that live inside the body. Mosquitoes are also a concern because their bites can transmit heartworm.
How can I tell if my dog has parasites?
Signs of external parasites include constant scratching, biting at the skin, hair loss, red or irritated skin, and visible fleas, ticks or flea dirt. Internal parasites may cause a swollen belly, weight loss despite a good appetite, dull coat, diarrhea, or visible worms in the stool. Some parasites cause no obvious signs at all, which is why routine vet checks matter.
Can dogs pass parasites to humans?
Some parasites can spread from dogs to people, including certain worms and, occasionally, fleas and mites. Children are most at risk. Regular deworming, flea and tick prevention, cleaning up after your dog, and washing hands after handling pets greatly reduce the chance of this happening.
How do I prevent parasites in dogs?
Year-round preventive treatments are the best defense. Your vet can recommend flea, tick and worming products suited to your dog and area, along with a heartworm preventive. Keeping bedding clean, checking your dog after walks in long grass, and staying up to date with vet visits all help keep parasites away.