What are the symptoms of a parasite in dogs

Imagine you’re in your Los Angeles apartment, making breakfast while your 1-year-old Corgi, Milo, circles your feet—usually, he’s begging for a scrap of toast, but today he just nuzzles your ankle and lies down. Later, you take him for a walk to the community park, and you notice he’s scratching his belly raw on the grass, even though you gave him a bath last night. When you get home, you clean up his potty pad and gasp: there are tiny white specks in his poop. If you’re a new US dog owner, these little red flags might feel confusing—are they just “dog things,” or signs of parasites? Knowing the symptoms of a parasite in dogs helps you act fast, before Milo gets more uncomfortable.

First, let’s break down why parasites cause these specific signs. Parasites are tiny troublemakers: external ones (like fleas, ticks, or mites) live on your dog’s skin, biting and sucking blood, while internal ones (like roundworms or hookworms) live in their gut, stealing nutrients. My vet in Austin explains it simply: “External parasites irritate the skin, so your dog scratches or licks. Internal ones mess with digestion, so you see weight loss or weird poop.” For example, a flea bite triggers an itchy reaction—Milo’s belly scratching could mean fleas hiding in his fur, even if you don’t see them yet. Ticks carry diseases like Lyme, which might make him tired and limp later. Internal parasites, like the ones causing those white specks, stop Milo from absorbing food—so he eats more but stays skinny. Unlike humans, dogs can’t say “my stomach hurts” or “my skin itches,” so their bodies show it through small, daily changes.

So how do you spot these symptoms for sure? Start with a weekly “parasite check”—make it a calm, positive routine. Lay a soft towel on your apartment floor (cold tile makes Milo tense) and offer a freeze-dried chicken treat to keep him relaxed. For external parasites: Run your fingers through his fur, especially around the ears, belly, and paws—look for tiny black flea dirt (it turns red on a damp paper towel), tick bumps, or bald spots from scratching. For internal parasites: Pay attention during walks and potty time—when you pick up his poop with a bag (always bring them—Seattle fines $250 for skipping!), check for white worms, diarrhea, or blood. Also watch his behavior: Is he sleeping more than usual? Refusing his favorite treats? These could be signs internal parasites are draining his energy. Reward Milo with another treat when the check is done—positive reinforcement means he’ll cooperate next time, not run under the couch.

Now, let’s tie in US rules and culture you can’t ignore. First, compliance: Even if you spot symptoms, don’t skip Milo’s mandatory rabies vaccine—California requires puppies to get their first dose by 4 months old, and Texas fines up to $500 for unvaccinated dogs. Parasite treatment is also part of responsible ownership; many cities (like Chicago) ask for proof of regular parasite prevention when you renew your dog’s license. Second, community and apartment habits: If you think Milo has parasites, avoid dog parks until he’s treated—you don’t want to spread pests to other pups. In your apartment, vacuum carpets and wash his bed in hot water weekly (kills flea eggs) to stop an infestation. And a big cultural rule: Never punish Milo for scratching or having accidents. Yelling or tapping his nose won’t fix the problem—it’ll make him hide his discomfort, so you miss more symptoms. Instead, soothe him and schedule a vet visit.

If you spot any of these symptoms, call your vet right away—they can test for parasites and give safe treatment. At the end of the day, knowing parasite symptoms is about being a careful observer. Milo can’t tell you he’s hurting, but with your help, he’ll be back to begging for toast in no time.