When your Weimaraner exhibits mild to severe scratching and has irritated skin, then he is probably infested with external parasites. Infestation of external parasites such as fleas, ticks or mites causes discomfort to many dogs such as your Weimaraner. It can even cause serious skin problems or even carry disease. Every dog owner should be aware of the facts about these parasites that could possibly affect their beloved Weimaraner.

Dog Fleas
Fleas are perhaps the most common external parasite affecting dogs. Fleas are small parasites of about 1.5 to 3.3 mm long. They are dark colored and able to move rapidly over your pet's skin. Fleas live their entire lives on their host's body, your pet. They bite their host and suck their blood. Animals with heavy infestation of fleas may become anemic or become infected with tapeworms if they ingest fleas carrying tapeworm eggs. Sign of fleas is flea dirt- black flea droppings you'll find on your pet or in his bed. Killing this type of parasite requires crushing them between the fingernails because of their hard, polished body. Use insecticides to get rid of fleas. You can also wash your dog with a flea-killing shampoo.

Dog Mites
Dog mites cause an illness called mange. There are two common types of mites: demodectic and sarcoptic. Demodectic is the most common form of mange. It causes small and hairless, irritated patches on the dog's coat. This simple skin problem can progress to a severe one especially to a debilitated dog or dog with distemper or infectious hepatitis. Sarcoptic mange or "scabies" burrow into the skin, causing severe itching and thickening of the skin along with hair loss. Mites also enter your dog's ears and the surrounding area. Your dog can obtain ear mites through close contact with an infested pet or its bedding.

Dog Ticks
Just like fleas, dog ticks are parasites feeding on the blood of its host. Dogs usually obtain dog ticks from shrubbery or wild undergrowth. Dog ticks are often found around your dog's neck, in the ears, in the folds between the legs and the body and between the toes. It can be removed from the body of your pet with the help of a small set of tweezers. With the use of tweezers, grab the insect by the head and then pull it gently and steadily. As much as possible, try not to crush the tick's body because its stomach content or the saliva back-flow might increase the possibility of infecting and irritating the host's skin.