Answer :
Final answer:
The statement that dogs are susceptible to parasites such as ticks, mites, and fleas is true. Parasites like ticks spread diseases such as Lyme disease and fleas can cause discomfort and other health issues. Prevention is key in protecting pets from these parasites. So, the correct answer is option (a).
Explanation:
The statement that dogs are susceptible to parasites such as ticks, mites, and fleas is true. Dogs, as warm-blooded vertebrates, provide suitable habitats for various terrestrial ectoparasites. These include ticks (Parasitiformes: Acari), fleas (Siphonaptera), and mites. These parasites live on the host's surface and are dependent on their host for resources such as blood, secretions, and skin cells.
Parasites have complex interactions with their hosts and often depend on host dynamics for their survival and reproduction. The interactions between parasites and their hosts can result in the development and spread of diseases. For instance, ticks are vectors for bacteria that cause illnesses such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis in both animals and humans. These diseases are spread when an infected tick bites a host, transferring the bacteria into the host's bloodstream.
Fleas and roundworms are also common parasites in dogs, while plants and even bacteria can be hosts to their respective parasites. Dogs can suffer from a variety of health issues due to parasitic infections, which can range from mild irritations to severe conditions, sometimes even transmitting diseases to humans.
