Itching and scratching, redness, flaky skin, scabs, hot spots, hair loss. If you observe these uncomfortable signs and more chances are your pet has ectoparasites like ticks or fleas or mites. The bite of one feeding flea for example can send your dog into a whirlwind of scratching, biting and digging at his skin. Also, these parasites can cause other problems like dermatitis, pyoderma, weight loss and anemia as they suck in blood to survive and multiply. These ectoparasites also serve as vectors that spread a large number of diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoa and ricketsia between animals and humans. These ectoparasites may be difficult to get rid of and while you certainly can’t control all of the parasites in your environment, you can take steps to protect your pets from suffering the consequences. Talk to your veterinarian and decide which prevention products will work best for your pets, your environment, and your budget.