(Quiz) What’s That Pest On My Pet?

Flea bites commonly cause painful, itchy red bumps in cats and dogs. In more sensitive animals, the result could even be hair loss and skin infections, says Dr. Jorge P. Parada, M.D., M.P.H., medical advisor for the National Pest Management Association. Left untreated, one flea can multiply to 1,000 in just 21 days. Fortunately, with all the scratching, licking and irritation they cause, a case of fleas is easy to ID early on. If you see any of these signs on your pet, call your vet right away.

Ticks will cause a red ring around where they’re attached, and some pets will scratch at the area, says holistic veterinarian, speaker and author Dr. Judy Morgan. Some of the more serious diseases they can transmit to your pet include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. If you find a tick, remove it with a slow, steady pull to dislodge the entire tick (including the mouthparts) and snap a pic of it to show your vet, who can then advise you on whether diagnostic tests are warranted.

If a tick is carrying disease-causing bacteria, it usually takes at least 24 hours of feeding to infect your pet, according to Dr. Parada, so you’ll want to find them the day they attach. Upon returning from a hike—or even just a walk in the park—inspect your furry friend’s skin thoroughly. Focus especially on areas with less fur, like belly, armpits, groin and ears.

Heartworm is often transmitted by mosquitoes—and it’s a silent killer, says Dr. Parada. Because it usually takes several years before your pet will show warning signs of the infection, prevention is key. Dr. Mark Verdino, senior vice president and chief of veterinary staff at North Shore Animal League America in Long Island, N.Y., suggests asking your vet about newer flea/tick products that can help repel mosquitoes.

The botfly, also called the Cuterebra, hangs out in grass and is known for depositing larvae on warm-blooded animals. As the larvae grow, it appears as if a boil is developing on the skin of your pet, explains Dr. Parada. Symptoms will be of a lump or bump on the skin, with the pet often licking or scratching. Unlike ticks, you shouldn’t try to remove botflies yourself. Consult your vet when you notice symptoms.

Blacklegged ticks (aka deer ticks) are the main carriers of Lyme disease, but other ticks can have diseases, too, so if your pet goes outside often, consider protecting them with a tick collar or treatment. Typically, it takes 2 to 5 months after being bitten for a dog to experience symptoms of Lyme disease. The most common ones to look for are fever, swollen joints, lethargy and sudden loss of appetite. If you see these signs, head to the vet’s office.

Most prevalent in the summer months, the condition caused by this mite is also referred to as scabies or mange. Mites burrow into the skin, causing intense itching, irritation and hair loss, and can be spread to other animals that come in direct contact. If you suspect your pet may have mites, consult your vet, stat, advises Dr. Verdino.