PARASITES & DISEASES: DEMODECTIC MANGE

DEMODECTIC MANGE: This mange mite is seldom contagious. It causes patchy hair loss. It is uncertain whether demodectic mange infection is inheritable. “Some” German Pinscher puppies have a bout with this during stressful changes of puppy-hood, then fully recover with or without treatment. If your dog has patchy hair loss, contact your veterinarian for his recommendations. Check out the links below on Demodectic Mange.

EHRLICHIOSIS: Dogs get ehrlichiosis from ticks, which can lead to lameness, neurological and eye disorders, kidney problems, and blood disorders. Severe cases of chronic phase ehrlichiosis cannot be cured. It can be fatal. Ask your veterinarian if this is a problem in your area, and follow his suggestions for treatment, if needed.
Canine ehrlichia

A personal experience & information re: ticks

FLEAS: There are so many products to kill and control fleas that dogs no longer need to suffer from this parasite. There are monthly preventatives, conventional sprays and dips, and various natural remedies. Check with your veterinarian for his suggestion on what product might work best for your dog. Check out the links below.

A flea and tick product comparison chart
Another flea & tick comparison chart—can purchase products here
K9advantix –flea/tick/mosquito killer/repellent info & purchase

HEARTWORM: To safeguard your dog against heartworm, have him/her tested annually by your veterinarian and use the heartworm preventative suggested. Mosquitoes transmit worm larvae into the bloodstream. The end result is spaghetti like worms living and growing in the heart (5-8” long). Dogs with untreated heartworm infestation will likely die. Some symptoms of heartworm infestation are a dry cough, shortness of breath, weakness, and listlessness. *NOTE: There is some concern in the dog community that certain dogs may have a high degree of sensitivity to particular heartworm medications. Check out the following links for further information.

Proheart’s site
Information about heartworm prevention
More heartworm information
heartworm preventatives
One blood test for ehrlichia, Lyme disease, heartworm

LYME DISEASE: Ask your veterinarian if this is a problem in your area, and follow his suggestion for treatment, if needed. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. Clinical signs may not appear until long after initial infection. Symptoms include fever, no appetite, onset of acute lameness, and swollen lymph glands. Antibiotics treatment can be effective in early stages. Without treatment, the disease can become chronic. Preventative measures are recommended. See flea & tick links below.

US Police Canine Assoc. of Police Dogs link re Lyme disease

WORMS: Have your German Pinscher checked by your veterinarian at least every 6 months, and follow his suggestion for treatment, if needed. See links below.
Types of worms and prevention
Government information info on ascarid and hookworms)

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