Common dog parasites

They are small, discrete and are experts at avoiding detection. But look closely and you may find parasites hiding on your dog. External parasites like fleas, ticks and mites can be found hiding in your dog’s coat, or living on or in their skin, while internal parasites like heartworm and intestinal worms live inside their body. Whether internal or external, these parasites can all cause disease. That’s why you need to keep your dog protected, inside and out.

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The flea lifecycle – break it to get rid of fleas

While you might not be surprised to find fleas on your dog, you may be surprised to learn that adult fleas (the ones you see) make up only about 5% of the total population. The remaining 95% (eggs, larvae and pupae) are found in carpets and bedding - in fact anywhere in your house! Each female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day so it doesn’t take long for an infestation to take hold. NexGard^® for Dogs and NexGard SPECTRA^® for Dogs kill adult fleas fast, before they can start to lay eggs, helping protect your dog and its environment.

Learn more about fleas

B01 - What do fleas look like and how do I spot them?

Dog Fleas

What do fleas look like and how do I spot them?

What do fleas look like.....

B02 - Flea treatment for dogs

Dog Fleas

Flea treatment for dogs

Read about flea treatments for dogs

B13 - Everything you need to know about fleas on dogs and puppies

Dog Fleas

All you need to know about fleas on dogs

The Australian paralysis tick can be deadly

Australia is home to a number of tick species that can infest dogs. Of greatest concern is the deadly paralysis tick. They are found along the east coast and a single paralysis tick can kill a dog if left untreated. They are most common in spring and summer but can be found throughout the year, so any dog that lives in, or visits a paralysis tick area, should always be protected.

Click to see common ticks infesting dogs in Australia

Paralysis Tick

(Unfed)

Finding and removing ticks as early as possible is essential. Until they start feeding they are small in size.

Paralysis Tick

(Partially fed)

Once attached, the tick becomes embedded in the skin, injecting toxin as it feeds on blood and increases in size.

Paralysis Tick

(Engorged)

Engorged adult ticks can reach about 1 cm in length. The toxin can cause paralysis and even death if not treated quickly

Brown Dog Tick

(Unfed)

Brown dog ticks are found across Australia. They can cause skin irritation and anaemia with heavy infestations.

Brown Dog Tick

(Engorged)

Brown dog ticks may also transmit microscopic parasites such as Babesia, which can result in severe anaemia.

Bush Tick

(Unfed)

Bush ticks are found along parts of the wast and west coast of Australia. They can cause skin irritation and can transmit infectious diseases.

Learn more about ticks on dogs

B03 - How to spot ticks

Dog Ticks

What do ticks look like & how to spot them

Know what to look for

B04 - How to remove ticks from your dog

Dog Ticks

How to remove ticks on dogs

Practical tips

B21 - Brown Dog Tick

Dog Ticks

Brown dog tick - symptoms, prevention & treatment

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Does your dog have mites?

Mite infestation, also called mange, can cause severe skin or ear irritation and impact your dog’s quality of life. Some mites can also be transmitted from dogs to humans, causing a disease known as scabies.

Simple, monthly dosing of NexGard for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs helps keep your dog healthy by treating and controlling mange and ear mites.

Protect against mites

Learn more about mites

B05 - Does my dog have ear mites

Dog Mites

Does my dog have ear mites?

Know what to look for

B06 - How to spot mites on dogs

Dog Mites

What do mites look like on dogs?

Practical tips

B26 - Mites on dogs – Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment

Dog Mites

Dog mites - symptoms, prevention & treatment

Learn more about Mites on dogs

Why protect against heartworm disease?

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease seen in all mainland states of Australia. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes no signs of illness initially. As they grow in the heart and blood vessels, they can cause severe lung and heart damage. Give your dog NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs or HeartGard^30® PLUS monthly to protect your dog against heartworm disease.

Protect from heartworm

What is heartworm disease?

B10 - What is heartworm disease

Dog Worms

Heartworm prevention for dogs & heartworm treatment

Intestinal worms

Intestinal worms are spread via dog faeces, so can be picked up anywhere from the backyard to the dog park. In very young dogs, or if present in high numbers, intestinal worms can cause gastrointestinal disease, malnutrition and anaemia. Some worms may also infect humans. NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs and ParaGard Allwormer for Dogs provide protection against the intestinal worms that commonly affect dogs in Australia.