By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Dogs share our homes, parks and beaches, which means they share parasite risk too. Fleas, paralysis ticks, mites and intestinal worms are everyday concerns in Australia. Heartworm remains a serious mosquito-borne threat in many regions. Spotting signs early and using veterinary prevention is safer than rotating random products when something looks itchy.
Key takeaways
- External parasites include fleas, ticks and mites; internal parasites include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, heartworm and some protozoa.
- Itching, scooting, coughing, diarrhoea and poor growth are common clues, but some dogs show few signs.
- Paralysis tick disease is an emergency in much of eastern Australia.
- Dog products must never be used on cats in the same household without checking safety.
- Related: external parasites A to Z, puppy parasites, heartworm.
Common external parasites
Fleas
Cause itching, allergy dermatitis and tapeworm spread. Flea dirt looks like black pepper that turns red-brown on wet paper. See flea allergy dermatitis and flea life cycle.
Ticks
The Australian paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) can cause ascending paralysis and breathing failure. Bush ticks and other species also attach. Daily searches in tick season plus preventives recommended by your vet are essential. Details: tick paralysis in dogs.
Mites
Sarcoptes (sarcoptic mange) is intensely itchy and contagious. Demodex overgrowth causes patchy hair loss. Ear mites are more common in puppies. See sarcoptic mange and ear mites.
Common internal parasites
- Roundworms and hookworms: especially important in puppies; can affect people.
- Whipworms: cause large-bowel diarrhoea in some dogs. See whipworms.
- Tapeworms: often flea-related; rice-grain segments may be seen. See tapeworm in dogs. Hydatid tapeworm is an important Australian public health parasite linked to dogs and livestock; farm and hunting dogs need veterinary guidance.
- Heartworm: mosquito-borne; prevention is far safer than treating disease. See heartworm prevention.
- Giardia and other protozoa: cause diarrhoea; see Giardia in dogs.
Locally acquired Lyme disease is not confirmed in Australia. Tick concern here centres on paralysis ticks and other local pathogens your vet discusses for your region.
Signs that suggest parasites
- Scratching, chewing paws, hair loss, scabs
- Visible fleas, ticks or worm segments
- Scooting, diarrhoea, vomiting, pot-bellied puppies
- Coughing (heartworm, lungworm or lung irritation)
- Lethargy, pale gums, poor weight gain
- Sudden weakness in tick areas
When it is an emergency
Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, collapse, pale gums, continuous diarrhoea with weakness, or any suspicion of tick paralysis (wobbly gait, change in bark, vomiting, progressive weakness).
How vets identify parasites
History and exam come first, then combing, skin scrapes, ear cytology, faecal tests, heartworm testing, and sometimes bloodwork or imaging. Bring a fresh stool sample if gut signs are present. Tell your vet which preventives you already use and when they were last given.
Treatment principles (no DIY dosing)
Your vet will choose products and schedules for your dog's weight, age and health. Secondary skin infections may need separate care. Heavy flea infestations need environmental treatment because most flea life stages live off the pet. Never use tea tree oil or essential oils as flea treatment. Never induce vomiting for a product exposure unless a veterinarian or the Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) tells you to.
Puppies, seniors and special cases
Puppies need tighter worming schedules because they acquire worms early and shed large numbers of eggs. Seniors and dogs on other medicines need product choices checked for interactions and organ health. Breeding bitches and dogs that hunt or live on farms may need hydatid-aware protocols. Always tell your vet about every chewable, spot-on and tablet already in use.
Prevention that works
- Year-round flea and tick prevention as advised locally
- Heartworm prevention in at-risk areas
- Puppy worming schedules, then adult maintenance
- Prompt faeces pick-up in yards and parks
- Regular coat checks after bushwalks
FAQ
If I see no fleas, can my dog still have them?
Yes. Dogs may groom them away, and eggs and larvae hide in the environment.
Are natural remedies enough?
Many are ineffective or unsafe. Veterinary preventives have known spectra and safety data.
Can my dog give worms to my child?
Some can. Deworming, handwashing, and keeping play areas clean reduce risk.
Why did parasites return after treatment?
Missed environmental control, incomplete product coverage, or reinfection from parks and other pets are common reasons. Recheck with your vet.
Talk with a vet
If your dog is itchy, has diarrhoea, or you need a prevention plan for your postcode, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you sort priorities safely. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Parasitic Diseases of Dogs.
- Australian Veterinary Association. Parasite control guidance for practitioners and owners.
- RSPCA Australia. Dog worming and flea prevention information.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.
