Parasites In Spaniels: Fleas, Ticks, Worms And Mites

Spaniels were made for the hedgerow and the woodland — for mud, grass, wet bracken, and the thrill of scent.
And because they live close to the earth, they often meet the unseen things that live there too:
fleas that bite, ticks that cling, worms that steal nutrition, and mites that itch and inflame.

Not sure if this is urgent? If your spaniel reacts suddenly, seems unwell, or you suspect a tick-related problem, see:

Need help deciding what to do? If itching is intense, your dog seems unwell, or you suspect a tick-related issue, use these guides:

Key guides in this section

Ticks, fleas and parasite prevention

Parasites and digestion risks

Related health hubs

Most parasite problems are manageable, and many are preventable.
But they should never be ignored, because parasites can lead to skin infections, digestive issues, weight loss, anaemia, and recurring health troubles that never quite disappear.

This hub will help you spot the signs early, understand what causes infestations, and build a simple routine that keeps your spaniel safer year-round.

The parasites spaniel owners deal with most

This guide focuses on the most common problems in UK spaniels:

Fleas (itching, biting, flea dirt, allergic flare-ups)
Ticks (attached tick on the skin after walks, risk of infection)
Worms (roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms – depending on exposure)
Mites (ear mites and skin mites causing persistent itching)

Parasites often cause symptoms that look like “allergies” —
so if your dog is itching, chewing paws, shaking their head, or getting sore ears, parasites should always be on your short list.

➡️ Related hub: /spaniel-health/skin-allergies/
➡️ Related hub: /spaniel-health/ear-problems/

The signs parasites may be bothering your spaniel

Parasites don’t always announce themselves loudly. Sometimes they whisper.

Look for:

sudden itching or “snapping” at the skin
chewing at the tail base or rear end
scratching behind ears or along the neck
hair loss in patches
scabs, dandruff, or irritated skin
a strong or musty smell to the coat
red skin between toes
head shaking and ear scratching (mites can be a cause)
poor coat condition, weight loss, or tummy upsets
scooting or licking the bottom
visible worms in stool (occasionally)

If itching has appeared suddenly, parasites are a very likely trigger.

Fleas: small bites, big reactions

Fleas are common — and for some dogs, even one bite can cause days of itching.

Typical flea signs

biting the rear end / tail base
scratching at the neck and back
scabs along the lower back
a restless dog who can’t settle

Flea dirt check (quick and useful)

Part the hair near the tail base and look for tiny black specks.
If you rub them on damp tissue, they may leave a rusty stain.

That’s a strong clue you’re dealing with fleas.

Flea allergy dermatitis (why some dogs itch more)

Some spaniels react intensely to flea saliva.
So the flea problem can look enormous, even when you see very little.

Fleas can also trigger skin flare-ups that then become infections —
so treating quickly matters.

➡️ Related: /spaniel-health/skin-allergies/

Ticks: the woodland hitchhikers

Ticks don’t itch like fleas.
They attach quietly, drink slowly, and hide in places your hand might miss.

Spaniels are especially likely to pick up ticks because they:

push through long grass and brambles
carry thick coat feathering
spend time in wildlife-heavy areas

Where to check for ticks on a spaniel

Run your fingers slowly through the coat, especially around:

ears and ear edges
under the collar
armpits
groin area
between toes
under the tail
along the neck and chest

Ticks often feel like a small bump or a pea under the skin.

If you find a tick

Don’t panic, and don’t crush it.
Remove it carefully (with an appropriate tool if you have one), and monitor the area.

If the tick was embedded deeply, the skin may stay irritated for a short while —
but worsening swelling, pain, or your dog feeling unwell should be checked by a vet.

Worms: the unseen drain on health

Worms can affect digestion, energy, coat condition, and growth — especially in puppies.

Signs worms may be present

loose stools or inconsistent stools
weight loss or difficulty maintaining weight
pot-bellied appearance (more common in young dogs)
scooting
increased appetite or reduced appetite
dull coat
vomiting (occasionally)

Not every dog will show obvious signs — which is why prevention routines exist.

➡️ Related hub: /spaniel-health/digestion/

Mites: the itch that doesn’t leave

Mites are a common cause of persistent irritation, especially around:

ears (ear mites)
skin (itchy patches, flaking, soreness)

Signs of possible mite involvement

intense scratching that doesn’t improve
dark debris in ears
head shaking
irritated patches that return quickly

If mites are suspected, it’s best handled with vet support because treatment needs to be targeted.

The “spaniel parasite loop” (how issues become chronic)

This is the pattern many owners get stuck in:

a parasite bites or irritates the skin
your spaniel scratches and chews
the skin barrier breaks down
bacteria or yeast take hold
the dog itches more
the ears flare up too
the problem becomes “recurring”

So prevention isn’t just about stopping parasites.
It’s about stopping the chain reaction they can start.

What to do today (a simple plan)

If you suspect parasites right now, do this in order:

Step 1: Check the coat thoroughly

Tail base, ears, chest, armpits, groin, and between the toes.

Step 2: Reduce your dog’s urge to scratch

Don’t let the skin be destroyed while you figure it out.
If your dog is chewing a sore patch repeatedly, that needs immediate management.

Step 3: Wash bedding and vacuum

Parasites don’t just live on the dog.
They live in the environment too.

Step 4: Build your prevention routine

Consistency always wins with parasites.
It’s not one treatment once — it’s habits, checks, and prevention.

Preventing parasites in spaniels (your easy routine)

A good parasite routine is calm, simple, and repeatable.

Weekly

check ears, toes, tail base
quick coat scan after walks in long grass
keep bedding clean and dry

After high-risk walks

tick check immediately
towel dry damp coat
remove debris caught in feathering

Monthly (or as appropriate)

Parasite prevention is usually most effective when it’s consistent.
Your vet can advise what’s best for your dog’s lifestyle and risk level.

What NOT to do

Avoid these common mistakes:

ignoring itching and hoping it passes
assuming “it must be allergies” without checking for fleas/ticks
over-bathing constantly (can worsen irritated skin)
using random home remedies without knowing the cause
letting your dog “just scratch” until it becomes infected

Parasite problems are easiest when they are caught early —
before they grow teeth.

Parasites in Spaniels: Fleas, Ticks, Worms and Mites