Which of the following is NOT a common external parasite found in dogs and cats?

The correct answer identifies ants as not being a common external parasite found in dogs and cats. While ants are insects that can be found in environments shared with pets, they do not typically infest animals like fleas, ticks, or mites do. Fleas and ticks are well-known external parasites that latch onto pets to feed on their blood, causing discomfort and potentially transmitting diseases. Mites, on the other hand, can cause skin conditions such as mange and are also classified as external parasites that specifically infest animals.

In contrast, ants do not have a parasitic relationship with dogs and cats; they do not feed on them or cause infestations. Instead, ants may be found in areas where food or waste attracts them, but they do not pose a direct health threat to pets in the same way that fleas, ticks, and mites do. Hence, recognizing that ants do not qualify as external parasites reinforces the understanding of the common external parasites that affect our furry companions.