Parasites are organisms that spend most of their lives on or inside of other living things, and can be found living on or inside almost all animals. As such, Parasites form unique relationships with their host species, which may or may not contribute to discomfort or disease. Parasites always gain some advantage from their relationship with their hosts. When both the parasite and the host benefit from their association, the relationship is called “symbiotic.”
Respiratory parasites can be classified as worms or as insects (mites, maggots). These parasites are found in respiratory passage or blood vessel including the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, and windpipe), or the lower respiratory passage (bronchi, lungs). of the dog. These parasites can affect all systems of the body like respiratory system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system and the circulatory system.
Unhygenic conditions and multiple pet households increase the risk of transmission. Exposure to feces of the infected animals can also lead to parasite infection. Dogs that spend time outdoors and sporting dogs are also at a higher risk due to exposure to contaminated urine and feces, infected animal droppings and water borne parasites in rivers and lakes.
Common symptoms associated with respiratory parasites include
Dog may show few or no signs
Sneezing
Runny nose
Bloody nose
Wheezing
Harsh lung sounds
Behavior changes (brain migration of parasites)
Coma (brain migration of parasites)
