A large brown dog laying by it's doggy door

symptoms of parasites in dogs

From fleas and ticks to worms, heartworm, ear mites, mange, and single-celled stomach bugs, here’s what to watch for and how to help your pup.

See your veterinary team as soon as possible if you suspect your puppy or dog has any kind of parasite. We can help with treatment and prevention, plus give you the information you need to help prevent infecting people and other pets.

Select symptoms of parasites in dogs

  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Worms in poop or vomit
  • Visible fleas or “flea dirt”
  • Dull hair coat
  • Swollen belly
  • Skin sores or bald patches from scratching
  • Labored breathing
  • Decreased appetite
  • General ill health

How to help treat and prevent parasites in pets

  • See your veterinary team ASAP
  • Avoid home or “natural” remedies
  • Year-round parasite prevention
  • Good home hygiene and care

Symptoms of worms, fleas and ticks, external parasites, and more in dogs

Parasites in dogs include intestinal worms, heartworm disease, fleas and ticks, mites, and single-celled gastrointestinal bugs. Reach out if you have concerns — your veterinary team is here to help.

A dog laying next to a bowl of food

Signs of worms, roundworms, and tapeworms: Are there worms in your dog’s poop or vomit?

Internal parasites like tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms take up residence inside your dog’s intestinal system to steal blood and nutrients. This can present itself as diarrhea, weight loss, and/or visible worms in your pup’s poop. A serious infestation can sicken and even kill vulnerable dogs due to inflammation and blood loss.

Many parasitic worms can also infect humans. Here’s how it happens: The worms’ microscopic eggs are passed from furry friend to human hand and then accidentally to human mouth. Always wash your hands thoroughly after touching your dog or picking up their poop, even if your dog has no symptoms. See more about worms in dogs

Signs of heartworm disease: Is your dog lethargic, coughing, and losing weight?

Heartworm, or Dirofilaria immitis, is a parasitic worm that lives in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels. Even a small infestation can interfere with normal heart function, while an untreated infestation can cause long-term organ damage and death.

Heartworms continue to grow and can block the flow of blood. Dogs may be reluctant to eat or exercise. Their lungs can be affected, causing labored breathing and a cough. See more about heartworm

Signs of Giardia and other stomach bugs: Does your dog have diarrhea and weight loss?

Single-celled gastrointestinal parasites like Giardia and coccidia can cause life-threatening watery or bloody diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and general ill health in dogs. Please seek immediate veterinary care — an untreated single-celled parasite infection isn’t just dangerous for your dog; it can also spread to other pets and people. See more about single-celled parasites

How to tell if your dog has fleas or ticks: Is your dog always scratching? Did you find a tick on your dog?

Worms are internal parasites, while external parasites in dogs include fleas and ticks. Your veterinary team can suggest a number of different solutions to prevent and treat fleas and ticks. We can also talk to you about managing the risks from parasite-carried infection, like Lyme disease from ticks.

See more about fleas
See more about ticks

A Pekingese biting it's backside

Signs of ear mites: Is your dog scratching their ear? Do you see black or brown “coffee grounds” in their ear canal?

Both cats and dogs can develop itchy infestations of tiny, spider-like ear mites inside their ears. Look for dry or greasy brown or black gunk, as well as signs like head shaking, pawing or scratching their ears, and dragging their ears over furniture or on the ground.

Dogs with ear symptoms should see the vet. It’s very important not to self-diagnose or self-treat ear issues to avoid making matters worse for your pet. See more about ear mites

Clinical signs of mites and other skin parasites: Does your dog have bald, rough red patches on their skin?

In addition to fleas and ticks, dogs can develop other issues with parasites like mites, fungus, and even maggots. Treating these issues promptly can help your pet be more comfortable and prevent secondary infections. Please reach out to your veterinary team. See more about mites and other skin parasites

OWP

An Optimum Wellness Plan is a smart way to prevent pests

Our Optimum Wellness Plans® are affordable yearlong packages of essential preventive care. They're designed for different needs, ages, and lifestyles, and include options to easily add parasite control for fleas, ticks, and more.

Talk to your Banfield vet to find out which package is best for your pet.

Lean more about our packages

Mentioned in this article

A gray and white dog sitting with its owner

Does your dog have worms?

Puppies and adult dogs are at risk.

Spot the signs

A gray and white cat scratching under it's head

Why is my pet so itchy?

Scratching can mean fleas, allergies, or infections.

Find the cause

A black and white dog scratching itself

All about fleas and dogs

Tiny insects. Big threat.

Learn about fleas

A brown and gray cat roaming a field with it's owner

Ticks are trouble for dogs

Here’s how to prevent and treat them.

The truth about ticks

A dog licking it's cat friend outside

Banfield’s guide to skin rashes

Causes and symptoms of skin rashes.

Read about rashes

Worried about your pet? Ping Pet Chat!

Whether it's 3 a.m. or 3 p.m., connect with a real veterinary professional for immediate petcare advice. It's included in all Optimum Wellness Plans®!

Log in to start chatting

Save at the Banfield Shop

Our mission is to provide high-quality prescription meds for the pet you love. We believe in safe, effective petcare, so we thoroughly assess every item we carry. We offer discounts on eligible products with your pet’s Optimum Wellness Plan. And you can easily schedule deliveries with our super convenient AutoShip program.

Save at the Banfield Shop

Banfield can help prevent and treat parasites in pets

Regular wellness exams that include a full physical and fecal exam can help keep your furball happy and healthy. Kittens and puppies should start regular appointments when they’re about 6 weeks old, and then come in twice a year once they’re 5 months old. At your visits, we’ll check your little love from nose to tail, discuss age, needs, and lifestyle, and recommend trusted prevention medication to help fight off nasty critters that might feed on your pet.

A shaggy dog getting examined by a vet and vet tech

Even if your pet is on a regular preventive for fleas, ticks, worms, mange, and other bugs, please make an appointment as soon as possible if you spot potential symptoms. Sooner is always better in helping to prevent a big infestation for your furry friend.

Back to top

You may also be interested in...

A gold dog scratching behind its ear

Why is my dog scratching their ear?

Sometimes a scratch is more than a little tickle.

Decode ear scratching

A brown and white dog toweled off after a bath

Home skin and coat care

Hands-on tips for bath time, tackling fleas, and more.

Take care of your pet

A shaggy dog getting checked for fleas

How to get rid of fleas

Treatments for your pet and the environment.

Go away, fleas