Abstract

This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of ectoparasites amongst household dogs in
Sagamu, Ogun State. Ectoparasites were carefully collected from parts of each dog’s body by combing and
scraping the skin and were morphologically identified using dichotomous keys with the aid of a hand lens and
microscope. Also, structured questionnaires were administered to dog owners to assess their knowledge and
practices towards the ectoparasites. Quantitative Parasitology and Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(version 25) were used for statistical analyses. Out of the 142 residential dogs examined for ectoparasitic
infestations, 77 (54.2%) were infested with 7 types of ectoparasites. Prevalence of the ectoparasites were
Rhipicephalus sanguineus (21.8%); Haemaphysalis leachi (15.5%); Dermacentor spp (11.3%); Cordylobia
anthropophaga (4.9%); Sarcoptes scabei (4.9%); Ctenocephalides canis (7.7%) and Heterodoxus spiniger
(3.7%). More female dogs were infected with ticks while more male dogs were infected with S. scabei, C. canis
and H. spiniger. Although there was no statistical significance, puppies under 12 months old were observed to
be infested with all the species of ectoparasites detected. There was a significant relationship between the
frequency of bathing amongst dogs and the levels of infestations. Dogs raised for security were more infested
(73.3%) as there was a relationship between the purpose of keeping dogs and ectoparasitic infestation.
Enlightenment programs on the implication of ectoparasites on animals living in close proximity with humans
are immensely needed.

Key words: Ectoparasites, Household Dogs, Prevalence, Nigeria, Sagamu