Pets, like dogs and cats, like to play actively and socialize, which makes them vulnerable to contagious skin conditions. Contact with infected animals at a dog park, at boarding kennels, or on a walk outside can transfer fungal spores, ticks, fleas, and mites.
It is crucial to provide an appropriate dermatological routine to avoid a serious infection, dermatitis, alopecia, and bacterial infections of the skin.
1. Proactive Grooming and Early Parasite Detection
Checking the pet is the first step that prevents the infestation by fleas and fungus.
Everyday Brushing & Inspection: long-haired dog breeds (Golden Retrievers, Shepherds) and cat breeds (Maine Coon, Persians) need a daily combing down to the skin with a flea comb or slicker brush
Focus: ticks and mites love to hide in hard-to-reach places where air does not circulate, such as the toe webbing, inside the ears, under the arms (axilla), and around the groin region.
Inspection: brushing removes adult fleas and “flea dirt” (fleas’ digested blood) to prevent a large-scale infestation of the animal’s skin.
2. Topical Antifungal Treatment: Ketoconazole Shampoo
Fungus will thrive on the skin, especially around the creases or folds and broken skin.
Instructions
Ketoconazole 2% Shampoo (often in combination with Chlorhexidine 2% for broad-spectrum antibacterial activity)
How often: 1 to 2 times a week, throughout the year if there is a high risk of infection
How to apply: apply the shampoo after wetting the coat with warm water and lather it up to the skin. A crucial rule is to leave the shampoo for 5-10 minutes before rinsing; otherwise, it will not have a curative effect.
3. The Parasiticides Protocol for Microscopic Mites & Ticks
To get rid of the mites that are out of sight during a grooming session and deeply embedded into the skin, and ticks that hold firmly on the pet’s skin, a systemic parasite treatment is required.
🩺 Dr.’s Note:
“Ivermectin is a great broad-spectrum parasiticide, but in North America, vet practitioners prescribe it with caution to herding dog breeds (Collies, Australian Shepherds) due to the risk of neurotoxicity. A high dose of Ivermectin may penetrate the blood-brain barrier of dogs with an MDR1 (ABCB1) gene mutation. It is always a good idea to check the weight-specific recommended active ingredient or consider the latest generation of Isoxazolines (Sarolaner, Fluralaner) safer options.”
Systemic Ectoparasiticide & Anthelmintic Dosing Instructions
1. Ivermectin
Target Parasites: Mites (Sarcoptes, Demodex), Microfilaria
Dosage: 0.2-0.6 mg/kg (0.09-0.27 mg/lb)
How: Oral or Subcutaneous (Off-label treatment for severe generalized demodicosis)
Notes: Dogs only. Check the MDR1 gene mutation in Herding breeds before high-dose administration.
2. Sarolaner
Target Parasites: Ticks, Fleas, Mites (Sarcoptes, Demodex)
Dosage: 2.0 mg/kg (0.91 mg/lb)
How: Oral Monthly Chews
Notes: Safer for dogs 6 months of age and older weighing at least 2.8 lbs.
3. Fluralaner
Target Parasites: Ticks, Fleas, Ear Mites (Otodectes)
Dosage: 25.0 mg/kg (11.4 mg/lb)
How: Oral chewable tablet or Topical spot-on (Applied every 12 weeks)
Notes: Approved for Dogs and Cats. A good choice for long-lasting protection as it offers 3-month systemic flea and tick control.
4. Ketoconazole (Systemic Oral Treatment)
Target Parasites / Fungi: Severe generalized Malassezia dermatitis, refractory Dermatophytosis
Dosage: 5.0-10.0 mg/kg (2.27-4.54 mg/lb)
How: Oral once a day with food
Notes: For canines only. Liver enzyme levels (ALT/ALP) should be monitored during prolonged therapy.
4. Dietary Nutrition for Skin & Coat Health
Good-looking pets need a good diet! While topicals heal the infection and kill the parasites, the inside nourishment will give your dog or cat a beautiful coat and healthy skin.
Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3 & 6): Fish oil supplements with high EPA and DHA levels reduce pro-inflammatory prostaglandins production associated with allergic skin disease and help to heal the skin barrier
Keratin and Bio-available Proteins: Hair strands are made of over 90% protein; therefore, a lack of amino acids in a diet results in a dry, flaky skin, brittle hair, and excessive hair loss
Vitamin A & B7 (Biotin): Regulates the maturation process of epithelial cells, controls keratinization; deficiency causes rough, dull coats
5. Decontamination of Environment and Lawns
Treating your pet while ignoring its environment will cause a never-ending battle with ticks, fleas, and mites as their eggs, pupae, and larvae will be waiting for an appropriate time to get on your pet again.
Kennel & Indoors: Wash all the bedding in hot water (>140^\circ\text{F} / 60^\circ\text{C}) weekly. Vacuum the house and use IGRs (insect growth regulators) like Pyriproxyfen product to prevent flea egg hatching
Lawn & Outdoor Run: Spray the areas where your pet plays and sleeps, the lawns, and the outdoor kennels with an outdoor pet parasiticide (Bifenthrin or Permethrin-based lawn sprays)
⚠️ Feline Safety Alert:
Permethrin-based environmental sprays are extremely dangerous for cats. Keep all your cats away from the freshly sprayed outdoor areas or dog kennels until they are completely dry.