Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another animal.
Some cause little more than irritation. Others can lead to skin disease, digestive illness, blood loss, breathing difficulties or serious complications.
Common parasites affecting dogs in the UK include:
- fleas
- ticks
- roundworms
- tapeworms
- lungworm
- harvest mites
- ear mites
- sarcoptic mange mites
- demodex mites
- lice
You may see some parasites directly.
Others are microscopic, live inside the body or cause symptoms that look similar to allergies, infections and other health problems.
This means you cannot always diagnose a parasite by looking at your dog.
The best prevention and treatment plan depends on:
- your dog’s age
- weight
- health
- walking environment
- scavenging habits
- whether they hunt or eat wildlife
- whether they eat slugs, snails or grass
- other animals in the home
- travel
- swimming
- previous reactions to treatment
- local parasite risks
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends an individual risk-based approach rather than automatically giving every dog the same product on the same schedule. Your veterinary practice can help you decide which parasites your dog genuinely needs protection against.
For broader health and emergency advice, visit my Dog Health and First Aid Guide.
The quick answer
Contact your veterinary practice when your dog develops:
- persistent scratching
- unexplained hair loss
- red, crusty or sore skin
- recurring ear irritation
- visible fleas or flea dirt
- an attached tick you cannot remove safely
- worms or rice-like segments in their faeces
- unexplained vomiting or diarrhoea
- weight loss
- a swollen abdomen in a puppy
- coughing or breathing changes
- unexplained bruising or bleeding
- tremors, seizures or collapse
Do not:
- try to drown a tick in the bath
- burn or cover an attached tick with oil
- give several parasite products together without advice
- use a dog flea treatment on a cat
- use leftover medication from another animal
- apply essential oils, garlic or homemade remedies
- assume every worming product protects against lungworm
- assume itching always means fleas
- assume a dog without visible worms is parasite free
PDSA advises contacting your vet when you suspect fleas, worms, mites or lice, or when you need help selecting an appropriate preventative product. (PDSA)
External and internal parasites
Dog parasites are often divided into two broad groups.
External parasites
External parasites live on or within the skin.
These include:
- fleas
- ticks
- mites
- lice
They may cause:
- itching
- redness
- hair loss
- crusting
- sores
- skin infection
- ear problems
- irritation after a bite
Some ticks can also transmit infection.
Internal parasites
Internal parasites live inside the body.
These include:
- intestinal roundworms
- tapeworms
- lungworm
- less common worms associated with travel or imported dogs
Signs may include:
- digestive problems
- weight loss
- poor growth
- coughing
- breathing changes
- bleeding problems
- weakness
Some dogs show no obvious symptoms during the early stages.
Signs that may suggest a parasite problem
Possible signs include:
- scratching
- biting or licking the skin
- paw chewing
- head shaking
- dark ear wax
- hair loss
- flaky or crusty skin
- black specks in the coat
- visible insects or ticks
- scooting
- rice-like segments around the bottom
- worms in vomit or faeces
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- poor weight gain
- unexplained weight loss
- a swollen abdomen
- coughing
- breathing difficulty
- pale gums
- unexplained bruising
- unusual bleeding
- low energy
These signs are not specific to parasites.
Similar symptoms may be caused by:
- pollen allergies
- food reactions
- bacterial or yeast infection
- grass seeds
- injuries
- ear infections
- hormonal disease
- another medical condition
Do not repeatedly change parasite products without establishing what is causing the problem.
Your vet may need to examine your dog, inspect the coat, take skin samples, examine the ears, test faeces or perform other investigations.
Read Pollen Allergies in Dogs when seasonal itching may also be relevant.
Fleas
Fleas are small insects that live in an animal’s coat and feed on blood.
They can affect:
- dogs
- cats
- rabbits
- the wider home environment
A dog with fleas may show:
- scratching
- biting at the coat
- hair loss
- red or sore skin
- black flea dirt
- visible fleas
- restlessness
- recurring skin infection
Some dogs are particularly sensitive to flea saliva and may become intensely itchy after relatively few bites.
Heavy flea infestations can contribute to dangerous blood loss, particularly in puppies, elderly dogs or animals who are already unwell. (PDSA)
How to check for fleas
Use a fine flea comb and check around:
- the base of the tail
- lower back
- neck
- belly
- groin
- behind the ears
Look for:
- live fleas
- small black specks
- red or irritated skin
- hair loss
- scabs
When you find black specks, place them on damp white cotton wool or tissue.
Flea dirt contains digested blood and may dissolve into reddish-brown marks
Not finding a live flea does not completely rule out an infestation.
Fleas move quickly and much of their life cycle occurs in the environment rather than on the dog.
Treating a flea infestation
Treating only the dog may not resolve an established household infestation.
Your veterinary practice may advise treating:
- the affected dog
- other suitable pets in the home
- bedding
- soft furnishings
- carpets
- resting areas
- cracks around floors and skirting
Regular vacuuming and washing suitable bedding can help remove flea eggs and developing stages from the home.
Never apply a household flea spray directly to an animal.
Never use a product intended for one species on another without veterinary approval. Some dog flea treatments contain ingredients that are highly toxic to cats. (PDSA)
For the detailed guide, read Fleas and Ticks on Dogs.
Ticks
Ticks attach to the skin and feed on blood.
Before feeding, a tick may be very small. As it fills with blood, it can begin to resemble:
- a small bean
- a skin tag
- a grey, pink, brown or black lump
Ticks are often found around:
- ears
- head
- neck
- armpits
- groin
- belly
- lower legs
- between the toes
Dogs walking through long grass, woodland, heathland or areas used by deer may be more exposed.
Ticks can transmit diseases, including Lyme disease, although not every tick carries an infection. (PDSA)
Check your dog after walks
Run your hands over your dog’s coat after walks through:
- woodland
- long grass
- heathland
- countryside
- dense vegetation
Part the coat and check any unfamiliar lump.
A tick usually has visible legs close to the skin when examined carefully.
Do not pull at a lump until you are confident it is a tick rather than:
- a skin tag
- nipple
- cyst
- wart
- another skin growth
Ask your veterinary practice when you are unsure.
How to remove a tick
A suitable tick-removal tool is usually the simplest option.
Follow the tool’s instructions and work close to the skin without crushing the tick’s body.
Do not:
- pull sharply
- squeeze the tick
- burn it
- cover it with petroleum jelly
- apply alcohol or oil
- attempt to drown it in a bath
The current page’s suggestion that a long bath may drown ticks must be removed.
Ticks remain firmly attached while feeding. Incorrect handling can break the tick apart or leave mouthparts behind. PDSA recommends careful removal with an appropriate tick tool and advises asking your vet for help when you are not confident. (PDSA)
After removal:
- check that the complete tick appears to have been removed
- clean the area as advised
- monitor for redness, swelling or discharge
- watch for illness or reduced appetite
- contact your vet when you are concerned
Worms in dogs
Several types of worm can affect dogs.
The most relevant UK groups include:
- roundworms
- tapeworms
- lungworm
Different products protect against different worms.
A product described as a wormer may not cover:
- every intestinal worm
- tapeworm
- lungworm
Check the active protection with your veterinary practice instead of relying only on the front of the packet.
Roundworms
Roundworms live in the intestines.
Puppies may acquire roundworm before birth or through their mother’s milk.
Dogs may also encounter roundworm eggs through:
- contaminated soil
- faeces
- scavenging
- animal carcasses
- raw meat
- licking contaminated objects
Possible signs include:
- poor growth
- weight loss
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- a swollen or pot-bellied appearance
- visible worms
- poor coat condition
A severe infection can be particularly serious in a puppy.
Some roundworms can also affect humans. Good hygiene, responsible faeces disposal and an appropriate veterinary parasite plan help reduce this risk.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms live inside the intestine.
Owners may notice small white segments that resemble grains of rice:
- in the faeces
- around the dog’s bottom
- on bedding
Dogs can acquire tapeworm through several routes, including swallowing infected fleas or eating certain prey, raw meat or animal material.
This is why flea control and worm control may be connected.
Possible signs include:
- visible segments
- scooting
- licking around the bottom
- digestive upset
- weight loss
However, some infected dogs show few obvious signs.
Do not assume that scooting automatically means worms. Anal-gland discomfort, skin irritation and other problems can cause similar behaviour.
Lungworm
The old page describes lungworm as relatively rare and says it may sometimes be seen in faeces.
Both points should be removed.
Lungworm is now a recognised risk to dogs across the UK and can cause severe or fatal illness.
Dogs commonly become infected by accidentally eating infected:
- slugs
- snails
- grass
- objects carrying small slugs or snails
Exposure may occur while a dog:
- eats grass
- drinks from an outdoor bowl
- plays with toys left outside
- investigates vegetation
- eats a slug or snail directly
Possible signs include:
- coughing
- fast or difficult breathing
- reduced stamina
- weight loss
- unexplained bruising
- bleeding
- pale gums
- seizures
- weakness
- collapse
The symptoms can be vague and vary according to the organs affected.
You should not expect to identify lungworm by looking for adult worms in your dog’s faeces. Diagnosis and treatment require veterinary involvement.
Preventing lungworm
Not every general worming product protects against lungworm.
Ask your veterinary practice whether your dog’s current parasite plan covers it.
This may be particularly relevant when your dog:
- eats grass
- plays with outdoor toys
- drinks from garden bowls
- scavenges
- investigates slugs and snails
- lives in or visits an area where lungworm is a concern
Do not combine an additional lungworm product with your dog’s existing medication without veterinary advice.
Contact your vet immediately when your dog develops coughing, unexplained bleeding, breathing difficulty, seizures or collapse.
Sarcoptic mange
Sarcoptic mange is caused by Sarcoptes mites.
These mites can cause:
- intense itching
- red skin
- crusting
- thickened skin
- hair loss
- sores
- secondary infection
The ears, elbows, legs and belly may be affected initially, although severe cases can spread more widely.
Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious between dogs and may be associated with contact with infected dogs or foxes.
Contact your vet when it is suspected.
Dogs in close contact may also need assessment or treatment, and your vet may advise cleaning bedding and grooming equipment.
Demodex mites
Demodex is different from sarcoptic mange.
Small numbers of Demodex mites live naturally on many dogs without causing a problem.
They are more likely to cause skin disease when a dog cannot keep the mite population under control.
This may occur in:
- puppies
- young dogs
- dogs with another illness
- dogs with immune-system problems
Possible signs include:
- hair loss
- red or inflamed skin
- crusting
- scaling
- problems around the eyes
- problems around the feet
Demodex should not be treated as though it is identical to contagious sarcoptic mange.
Veterinary examination and skin sampling may be needed to identify which condition is present.
Harvest mites
Harvest mites are tiny orange mites found in grassy and wooded areas.
They are most commonly encountered from late summer into autumn.
Affected areas may include:
- paws
- between the toes
- legs
- armpits
- belly
- groin
- ears
Signs can include:
- intense itching
- red skin
- orange dots
- repeated licking
- hair staining
- scabs
- skin infection
Some dogs react much more severely than others.
Contact your vet when harvest mites are suspected rather than adding an extra parasite treatment yourself. There is no single product licensed specifically for harvest mites, although a vet may choose an appropriate treatment based on the individual dog. (PDSA)
Read the full Harvest Mites on Dogs guide.
Ear mites
Ear mites are more common in puppies and dogs who have close contact with affected animals.
Signs may include:
- head shaking
- intense ear scratching
- dark brown wax
- redness
- pain
- smell
- rubbing the head
- swelling of the ear flap
Ear mites are not the only cause of these signs.
Allergies, bacterial infection, yeast, grass seeds and other ear problems may look similar.
Do not place unprescribed drops, oil or household products inside your dog’s ears.
Your vet can examine the ear and decide whether mites, infection or another condition is present. Ear mites can spread between pets, so other animals in the household may also need attention. (PDSA)
Lice
Dog lice are uncommon in well-cared-for household pets, but they can occur.
They may cause:
- itching
- dry or flaky skin
- hair loss
- a poor coat
- visible eggs attached to hairs
Lice are species specific, so dog lice do not normally establish an infestation on people.
However, an affected dog still needs veterinary advice and appropriate treatment.
Do not use a human head-lice product on a dog.
PDSA includes lice among the UK parasites capable of causing itching, dry skin and hair loss.
Ringworm is not a worm
Despite its name, ringworm is a fungal infection.
It is not caused by an intestinal worm or another parasite.
It may cause:
- circular areas of hair loss
- crusting
- scaling
- raised or inflamed patches
It can spread between animals and people.
Contact your vet when ringworm is suspected because diagnosis can be difficult and treatment may need to include the animal and household environment.
Puppies and parasites
Puppies need particular attention because:
- roundworm may pass from the mother
- their smaller body size makes blood loss more serious
- diarrhoea and vomiting can cause dehydration quickly
- ear mites and Demodex are more common in younger dogs
- they investigate the world with their mouths
- parasite products have minimum age and weight requirements
Do not use a product merely because it was suitable for an adult dog.
Check:
- minimum age
- current weight
- species
- active ingredients
- dose
- whether another medicine is already being used
Your veterinary practice can establish a puppy parasite plan that accounts for their early worming history, vaccination schedule, lifestyle and growth.
Read Bringing a Puppy Home for wider preparation advice.
Rescue and newly adopted dogs
A newly adopted dog may arrive with:
- an incomplete treatment history
- an unknown exposure history
- skin irritation
- digestive symptoms
- recent travel
- contact with many animals
- stress-related changes in their coat or digestion
Do not automatically apply several treatments on the first day.
Ask the rescue for:
- treatment dates
- product names
- veterinary records
- travel history
- recent symptoms
- known reactions
Share this information with your vet.
It may be necessary to investigate the symptoms before choosing the next product.
Dogs arriving from abroad
Imported dogs may have been exposed to parasites not commonly encountered in ordinary UK life.
Relevant risks depend on:
- country of origin
- travel route
- climate
- time spent abroad
- previous treatment
- contact with other animals
- insects and ticks in the region
- raw food or scavenging
Possible imported conditions include parasites transmitted by:
- mosquitoes
- sand flies
- ticks
- raw meat
- prey
Tell your vet about every country your dog has lived in or travelled through.
Do not assume that a standard UK flea and worm treatment covers every overseas risk.
Government and ESCCAP guidance recommends checking travel-related parasite requirements and risks before taking a dog abroad or bringing one back into Great Britain.
One parasite product does not cover everything
Products vary according to:
- active ingredient
- parasites covered
- duration
- age restrictions
- weight range
- prescription status
- method of application
A flea product may not cover:
- ticks
- mites
- intestinal worms
- lungworm
A wormer may cover roundworm but not:
- tapeworm
- lungworm
- external parasites
Read the product information and ask your veterinary practice what the treatment actually covers.
Do not assume that using one regular spot-on means your dog is protected against every parasite.
Prescription and non-prescription products
Some parasite medicines require a veterinary prescription.
Others may be supplied by:
- vets
- veterinary pharmacies
- pharmacists
- suitably qualified pet-medicine advisers
- pet shops
- supermarkets
- online sellers
Availability does not prove that a product is appropriate for your dog.
Check that an online retailer is authorised to sell veterinary medicines and that the product is licensed for use in the UK.
Your vet may recommend a prescription product because it offers the protection needed for your dog’s specific risk.
PDSA advises checking the parasite coverage, the dog’s weight, age, breed, lifestyle and other animals in the home before selecting a treatment.
Never combine treatments without advice
Using more than one product may lead to:
- duplication of active ingredients
- overdose
- side effects
- interaction with other medication
- inappropriate exposure
- environmental contamination
Tell your vet about:
- every parasite product
- shampoos
- collars
- sprays
- tablets
- supplements
- treatments supplied by another practice
- products used on other animals in the home
Keep the packaging or record the:
- product name
- active ingredient
- dose
- date given
- dog’s weight at the time
Dog products can poison cats
Some parasite products intended for dogs contain permethrin or other ingredients that can be extremely dangerous to cats.
Never:
- use a dog product on a cat
- allow a cat to groom a recently treated dog
- split a dog pipette between pets
- apply a product to the wrong species
- assume a “natural” product is safe
Follow the product instructions concerning contact between treated pets.
Contact a vet immediately when a cat is exposed to a dog-only flea or tick treatment.
Natural parasite remedies
Do not attempt to treat or prevent parasites using:
- garlic
- essential oils
- apple cider vinegar
- tea tree oil
- diatomaceous earth applied without professional advice
- herbal drops
- homemade sprays
- washing-up liquid
Natural does not automatically mean safe or effective.
Garlic is toxic to dogs, and several essential oils may harm dogs or cats.
PDSA states that there is no evidence that garlic, apple cider vinegar, essential oils or similar home remedies effectively treat fleas
Responsible use of parasite medicines
Parasite treatment protects animal welfare and can reduce risks to people.
However, veterinary parasite medicines should still be used carefully.
A responsible plan considers:
- which parasites present a realistic risk
- whether prevention or testing is appropriate
- the narrowest suitable product
- correct dose and timing
- previous reactions
- other pets
- children and vulnerable people
- the dog’s swimming and bathing habits
- environmental effects
The BSAVA and BVA recommend an individual risk-benefit assessment rather than an automatic blanket approach.
Flea and tick treatments and waterways
Some flea and tick products contain substances that can harm aquatic insects when they reach rivers and streams.
In May 2026, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate launched its Be Spot-On Aware campaign after fipronil and imidacloprid were detected in UK waterways at levels capable of affecting aquatic invertebrates.
The government advice does not say owners should abandon necessary parasite protection.
It says products should be planned, applied and disposed of correctly. (GOV.UK)
When using a spot-on product:
- follow the complete leaflet
- apply it to the skin as instructed
- use the correct dose
- do not wash it down a sink
- place empty pipettes in the bin
- do not rinse the pipette
- follow the stated bathing restrictions
- keep your dog out of natural water for the required period
The 2026 VMD campaign advises keeping treated dogs out of natural water for at least four days after certain spot-on treatments. Always follow the specific product information and veterinary advice.
Swimming dogs
Tell your vet when your dog regularly swims in:
- ponds
- lakes
- rivers
- streams
- the sea
A topical product may not be the most suitable option for every frequent swimmer.
Your vet can consider:
- parasite risk
- product effectiveness
- environmental impact
- bathing frequency
- safer timing
- an alternative formulation
Never apply an additional dose because your dog went swimming unless your vet or the product instructions specifically direct you to do so.
Hygiene and reducing exposure
Practical hygiene can support a parasite-control plan.
This includes:
- picking up dog faeces promptly
- washing hands after handling faeces
- supervising children around soil and sandpits
- covering sandpits when not in use
- preventing scavenging
- discouraging access to animal carcasses
- washing bedding when advised
- vacuuming during a flea infestation
- cleaning grooming equipment
- maintaining suitable household hygiene
- providing clean drinking water
ESCCAP recommends immediate faeces collection, hand washing and annual review of a pet’s parasite plan.
Pick up after your dog
Roundworm eggs can contaminate soil and remain in the environment.
Always:
- carry sufficient bags
- pick up immediately
- dispose of faeces responsibly
- wash your hands afterwards
- prevent children from handling dog faeces
- avoid using dog waste in compost intended for food crops
Picking up also helps you notice changes such as:
- diarrhoea
- blood
- mucus
- visible worms
- unusual colour
- foreign material
Contact your vet when a change is persistent or concerning.
Faecal testing
A vet may sometimes recommend examining a faecal sample.
Testing may help investigate:
- persistent diarrhoea
- weight loss
- suspected worms
- treatment failure
- imported-dog risks
- recurring digestive problems
A negative test does not necessarily exclude every parasite from one sample.
Follow the collection instructions provided by your veterinary practice.
Use a clean container or bag and avoid contaminating the outside. PDSA provides guidance on collecting dog faecal samples for veterinary testing. (PDSA)
When treatment appears not to work
Do not automatically repeat the dose.
Possible explanations include:
- the wrong parasite was targeted
- the product did not cover that species
- the dose was incorrect
- the dog’s weight has changed
- treatment was applied to the fur rather than skin
- the product was washed off
- another animal remains untreated
- the home environment contains flea stages
- doses were missed
- the dog was reinfected
- the symptoms are not caused by parasites
Contact your veterinary practice and give them:
- the product name
- active ingredient
- date used
- dose
- dog’s weight
- symptoms
- other treatments
- whether the dog was bathed or swam
- whether other pets were treated
Side effects after parasite treatment
Possible adverse reactions vary between products.
Contact your vet when your dog develops:
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- marked lethargy
- trembling
- wobbliness
- seizures
- breathing difficulty
- facial swelling
- severe skin irritation
- collapse
- another unexpected change
Keep the product packaging.
Tell the veterinary team:
- exactly what was used
- dose
- time of application
- dog’s weight
- whether any product was swallowed
- whether another animal was exposed
Seek emergency help for seizures, collapse, breathing difficulty or rapidly worsening symptoms.
When should you contact a vet?
Contact your veterinary practice promptly when:
- fleas are found
- itching is persistent
- the skin is sore or infected
- hair loss is developing
- mites are suspected
- ear symptoms are present
- worms or segments are visible
- a puppy has diarrhoea or a swollen abdomen
- your dog is losing weight
- you cannot remove a tick safely
- the tick site becomes inflamed
- your current product appears ineffective
- you are unsure which parasites your plan covers
- your dog has reacted to a treatment
Contact a vet immediately when your dog develops:
- breathing difficulty
- unexplained bleeding
- significant bruising
- pale gums
- seizures
- collapse
- severe weakness
- persistent vomiting
- a rapidly worsening illness
Parasite checks during dog walks
During one-to-one walks, I pay attention to:
- sudden scratching
- paw licking
- ticks
- orange harvest mites
- changes in energy
- diarrhoea
- unusual coughing
- scavenging
- slugs and snails around outdoor water
- areas of long grass
I do not diagnose parasites or apply treatment.
I can:
- report what I have seen
- photograph a visible concern where appropriate
- avoid a known harvest-mite area
- adjust the route
- prevent scavenging where possible
- remind the owner to obtain veterinary advice
Because my walks begin and end at the client’s home, I can adapt the route around the individual dog rather than taking a group through the same vegetation.
Read about my Solo Dog Walks in Finchley and Muswell Hill.
Post-walk parasite check
After a walk through grass or woodland, check:
- ears
- face
- neck
- armpits
- belly
- groin
- legs
- paws
- between the toes
- around the tail
Look for:
- ticks
- orange harvest mites
- black flea dirt
- redness
- swelling
- scabs
- hair loss
- unusual licking
Do not repeatedly squeeze or pick at irritated skin.
Read How to Check Your Dog After a Walk.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common parasites in dogs?
Common UK dog parasites include fleas, ticks, roundworms, tapeworms, lungworm, mites and lice. (PDSA)
How do I know whether my dog has parasites?
Possible signs include itching, hair loss, visible fleas or ticks, digestive problems, worms in faeces, weight loss, coughing and breathing changes.
Some dogs show few obvious signs, and veterinary testing may be required.
Does scratching always mean fleas?
No.
Scratching may be caused by fleas, mites, allergies, infection, irritation or another skin problem.
Can indoor dogs get fleas?
Yes.
Fleas may enter a home on other animals, people or belongings, and their immature stages can develop in carpets, bedding and soft furnishings.
How can I check for flea dirt?
Comb the coat and place black specks onto damp white cotton wool or tissue.
Flea dirt may dissolve into reddish-brown marks because it contains digested blood.
Can I drown a tick in the bath?
No.
The old page’s recommendation must be removed.
Use a suitable tick-removal tool or ask your veterinary practice for help.
Should I cover a tick in oil?
No.
Do not burn, squeeze or cover an attached tick with oil, alcohol or petroleum jelly.
Remove it promptly and carefully.
Can I see lungworm in my dog’s faeces?
Do not rely on seeing adult lungworm in faeces.
Lungworm diagnosis requires veterinary assessment and may involve specialised testing.
Is lungworm rare in the UK?
It should no longer be described as a relatively rare southern problem.
It is recognised as a risk to dogs across the UK and can cause severe or fatal illness.
Do all wormers prevent lungworm?
No.
Check whether your dog’s specific product includes lungworm protection.
Can dogs get worms without visible worms in their faeces?
Yes.
Many infected dogs do not visibly pass whole worms.
Can fleas cause tapeworm?
Dogs can acquire certain tapeworms by swallowing infected fleas while grooming.
Flea prevention may therefore form part of tapeworm control.
Is mange contagious?
Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious.
Demodex is a different condition and is associated with an overgrowth of mites that normally live on many dogs.
Your vet needs to establish which condition is present.
Are harvest mites the same as fleas?
No.
Harvest mites are tiny orange mites most commonly encountered in grassy or wooded areas from late summer into autumn.
Can ear mites cause an ear infection?
Ear mites can cause intense irritation and may contribute to ear infection.
Other conditions can produce the same signs, so an ear examination is important.
Can I use one dog’s parasite treatment on another dog?
Not unless a veterinary professional confirms that it is suitable.
The correct product and dose depend on weight, age, health and current medication.
Can I use dog flea treatment on my cat?
No.
Some dog products contain ingredients that can be fatal to cats.
Contact a vet immediately after accidental exposure.
Are natural flea remedies effective?
Garlic, essential oils, apple cider vinegar and similar home remedies are not proven substitutes for an effective veterinary parasite plan. Some may also be toxic.
How often should I treat my dog?
There is no single schedule suitable for every dog.
Your vet should consider lifestyle, age, local risks, travel, scavenging, hunting, swimming and other animals in the home.
Do parasite products harm rivers?
Some active ingredients used in flea and tick products have been detected in UK waterways at levels that may harm aquatic insects.
Necessary treatment should not be stopped without veterinary advice. Use products correctly, dispose of packaging responsibly and follow swimming restrictions.
Should I treat my home when my dog has fleas?
An established flea infestation normally requires attention to the pets and the home environment.
Follow veterinary instructions about bedding, vacuuming and suitable household treatment.
What should I do when a product causes a reaction?
Contact your veterinary practice.
Keep the packet and provide the product name, dose, time of use and your dog’s current weight.
Seek emergency help for seizures, collapse, facial swelling or breathing difficulty.
A parasite plan should fit the individual dog
There is no single bottle, tablet or schedule that is automatically right for every dog.
A suitable plan considers:
- which parasites your dog may encounter
- where they walk
- what they eat
- whether they swim
- their age and weight
- other pets
- travel
- health conditions
- previous reactions
- environmental effects
Check your dog regularly.
Pick up faeces.
Use medicines exactly as directed.
Do not combine products or rely on home remedies.
Most importantly, speak to your veterinary practice when you are unsure what your dog’s current treatment protects against.
For detailed flea and tick guidance, read Fleas and Ticks on Dogs.
For seasonal mites, read Harvest Mites on Dogs.
For the wider health hub, visit Dog Health and First Aid.
Related Finchley Dog Walker guides
- Dog Health and First Aid Guide
- Fleas and Ticks on Dogs
- Harvest Mites on Dogs
- Pollen Allergies in Dogs
- How to Check Your Dog After a Walk
- Autumn Dog Walking Tips
- Dog Walking Safety Tips
- Walking Your Dog in the Countryside
- Bringing a Puppy Home
- Solo Dog Walks
Veterinary disclaimer
This article provides general information about fleas, ticks, worms, mites and other parasites affecting dogs.
It does not diagnose a parasite infection, prescribe a parasite product, establish a treatment schedule or replace advice and examination from a veterinary surgeon.
Diagnosis and veterinary treatment are matters for an appropriately qualified veterinary surgeon under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
Contact your veterinary practice when you suspect parasites, your dog develops persistent itching, skin disease, digestive symptoms, coughing or an unexpected reaction to treatment.
Seek emergency veterinary help for breathing difficulty, unexplained bleeding, seizures, severe weakness or collapse.
