Common parasites among pets (dogs and cats) in Uganda

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Pets in Uganda are affected by ecto and endoparasites. i.e., endoparasites such as worms. Ectoparasites include ticks, fleas, mites, louse, and myiatic larvae.

In this blog post, we list the common parasites among dogs and cats in Uganda, how to prevent or treat them, and the best drugs available for parasites among pets.

Are parasites harmful to pets?

Parasites cause a lot of discomfort and affect the general health state of your pet by:

They spread diseases to your pet, i.e., ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, etc.

They cause diseases in pets, e.g., mange.

Suck blood that makes the pet anemic and unthrifty.

They cause allergies, e.g., flea allergy dermatitis.

What are the most common parasites among dogs and cats in Uganda?

FLEAS

FLEAS are small, wingless, reddish brown, fast-moving, laterally flattened insects. They bite dogs to suckle blood as a way of feeding; biting causes pain and releases a chemical substance that leads to skin irritation. (FLEA ALLERGY DERMATITIS)

MITES

MITES are microscopic parasites that can be topical or burrowed in the skin. Skin irritation is due to cutaneous hypersensitivity and inflammatory exudate caused by the mouth parts and saliva from the mites. The exudate is the source of food for mites.

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TICKS

TICKS: The brown dog tick is the most common type. Feed on blood obtained after biting and suckling the dogs. From bites, they cause pain and also release a chemical that irritates the skin.

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Worms

Roundworms (Toxacara canis, Toxascaris leonina, heartworms, etc.) are white or light brown and resemble spaghetti when vomited or defecated.

Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum) are long, flat, and segmented whitish or creamy worms that invade the intestines. They can be passed out as a whole or as proglottids via feces. Proglottids resemble grains of rice when released in feces.

MYIATIC LARVAE

CUTANEOUS MYIASIS; skin Myiasis is a condition where myiatic flies lay eggs. The laid eggs penetrate the skin, transform into larvae (maggots), and manifest as rounded skin swellings that can be reddened when unripe (maggots can’t be squeezed out) or yellowish when ripe (maggots can be squeezed out).

The penetration of the eggs and larvae migration causes pain and skin irritation.

How can I prevent or treat parasites in my pet?

First, know the type of parasite in your pet before using anti-parasitic drugs. The most commonly used treatments against parasites in Uganda are:

Routine deworming. (Use a dewormer that is effective against roundworms and tapeworms.)

Wash your pet using an acaricide muzzle your pet to prevent him from licking the acaricide.

Use medicated shampoo weekly or after two weeks, depending on the number of parasites your pet has.

Apply anti-parasitic pour-on oils to the pet’s skin on the top part of the neck and head.

Give your pet anti-parasite chewable tablets that last 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on the brand used.

Apply anti-parasitic powder; the pet should not lick the powder.

Keep the environment clean, dust-free, and sand-free to eliminate breeding areas for fleas.

Are parasites in Uganda resistant to drugs?

Yes, ticks and worms are resistant to many drugs. Contact your local veterinarian to find the most effective treatment for your region.

What are the best drugs for parasites among pets in Uganda?

Many drugs are available on the Ugandan market. For the best results, follow the instructions provided by your vet.

Anti-parasitic chewable tablets last 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on the brand used. The most common tablets are Bravecto and Simparica.

Acaricides are effective against ticks and mites but are poisonous to dogs and cats if licked. Muzzle your pet when applying acaricides until their fur is completely dry.

Anti-parasitic pour-on oils are effective against ticks, fleas, and mites. Apply to the skin on the top of the neck and head, where pets cannot lick. Fipronil is the most common product on the market.

The anti-parasitic powder is highly effective against ticks, fleas, and mites. Apply it to your pet’s skin twice a week. Sevin dust is the most commonly used product.