Companion Animals

Owners must know their dogs well enough to tell when they are ill. They should know what ailment symptoms to look for.

Parasitic diseases of dogs are caused by internal and external parasites. common parasites include tape and round worms. Round worms are commonly found in young naive dogs. The main clinical presentation of infested dogs include dry nose, foul breath, skin conditions, cough, polyuria and vomit. Good hygiene is required to prevent eggs in dog faeces from contaminating the environment including floors, bedding, feeding bowls and the dog itself. External parasites include ticks, mites and fleas. Flea-bite allergic dermatitis cases presented with dermatitis, alopecia, itching and secondary infection. Fleas can also spread tapeworms. they are controlled by sprays, powders and applications applied directly onto the dog’s skin. they can also be sterilised. Mites cause skin mange and can infest dog ears. Affected case present with ear discharge and increased ear wax. Ear mites are managed by washing affected ears and instilling antibiotic ear drops.