An itchy pet is often a sign that something is going on. Your pet could be experiencing dry skin, allergies, a hot spot, or even some kind of parasite that lives on their skin. Parasites like mites, ticks, and fleas can cause intense irritation and sometimes transmit dangerous diseases. These pests can make life miserable for pets and owners fast. Chase Oaks Animal Clinic has this guide to explain how to detect and prevent external parasites like mites and fleas from infesting your pet.
How to Recognize If Your Pet Has Parasites
While fleas are well-known troublemakers, they’re far from the only skin invaders to watch out for. Ticks, which latch on firmly and feed on blood, can spread illnesses such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis. Mites are microscopic but can cause mange, ear infections, and severe itching. Lice, though less common in pets, can still appear in certain situations and cause coat damage. Each of these parasites has its own life cycle and preferred hiding spots, but they all share one trait: they thrive at your pet’s expense.
Every parasite affects pets differently, but there are warning signs to watch for. Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing (especially on the legs, belly, or tail base) often indicates a flea issue. You may also notice tiny black specks on your pet, known colloquially as “flea dirt.” Red, irritated skin, bald patches, or crusty sores may point to mites or secondary skin infections. With ticks, you might see the parasite itself attached to the skin, sometimes surrounded by a small swollen area. Ear mites often cause head shaking, ear scratching, and dark, crumbly discharge.
Getting Parasite Treatment from a Veterinary
When you bring your pet to a veterinarian for possible parasites, they will perform a physical exam and coat inspection. Depending on what the vet finds, they may use further diagnostics. A flea comb collects evidence of fleas. Skin scrapings can be used to check for mites, or the vet may take an ear swab to look for ear mites under a microscope. If your pet has been bitten by a tick, the veterinarian may suggest a blood test for tick-borne diseases, which would need to be performed at a later date (at least 4 weeks after the initial bite).
Treating parasites isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Flea infestations may require both immediate-acting medications and long-term parasite preventatives to break the life cycle. Ticks are carefully removed, and preventive treatments are started to stop reinfestation. Mite-related conditions may be addressed with topical or oral medications, along with medicated baths to soothe the skin. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications or antibiotics are needed to treat secondary issues caused by scratching.
Keep Your Pet Protected
Parasites don’t just appear in summer. Fleas can survive indoors during the winter, and ticks remain active in cooler temperatures. Keeping your pet on a veterinarian-approved preventative medication every month is the best way to avoid infestations. Regular grooming, routine coat inspections, and keeping bedding clean also play a big role in prevention.
Many over-the-counter parasite treatments are either ineffective or unsafe, especially for cats and small dogs. Choosing the wrong product can cause skin reactions, illness, or even toxic effects. Always consult with a veterinarian before treating your pet at home.
Treatment for Mites, Fleas, and Parasites in Plano, TX
Parasites may be small, but their impact on your pet’s health can be huge. If your pet is scratching more than usual or you’ve spotted signs of fleas, ticks, or mites, they should be seen by a veterinarian. Chase Oaks Animal Clinic treats pet parasites in Plano and for cats and dogs from neighboring areas like Allen or McKinney. Contact us to schedule a parasite consultation for your pet.
