ectoparasites of stray dogs in mazandaran, gilan and qazvin provinces, north and center of iran

background: the aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of ectoparasite infestations in stray dogs in mazandaran, gilan and qazvin provinces in fall and winter in 2013(december to march). methods: seventy dogs in 2013, from these provinces were examined for ectoparasite infestation and diagnosis of them based on parasitological methods and identification keys was done. results: the rate of infestation in these areas was 100%, 68.5% and 93.3% respectively. fleas were the most com­mon ectoparasites on dogs in this study followed by lice, ticks, flies and mites respectively. the isolated arthropods were fleas in 77.5%, lice in 50%, ticks in 8.6%, flies in 6.8% and mites in 5.1% of infested dogs. the ectoparasite of the dogs included 4 flea species: ctenocephalides canis (29.8%), c. felis (19.9%), pulex iritans (2.9%) and xenopsi­ella cheopis (0.7%), 1 louse species: trichodectes canis (41.3%), 1 tick species: rhipicephalus sanguinus (0.7%), 1 fly species: hippobosca sp. (1.1%) and 1 mite species: sarcoptes scabiei (3.6%). conclusion: fleas and lice were the most common ectoparasites in stray dogs of the studied area. some ectopara­sites transmit important human disease, therefore regular monitoring of them is a major concern to control the ar­thropods and arthropods-borne diseases.