Parasite control for your pet

Parasite control, during the warmer months we see more parasite problems as the temperature and humidity allows for a faster life-cycle in most insects, and pets are often exposed to more parasites during the warmer, more outdoors-y times. For example people are more likely to travel to the coast during these months and will need extra protection against ticks and heartworm. There are also more puppies and kittens around at this time of year and they need extra protection as overly heavy flea or worm burdens can be deadly to them!

Worms – Intestinal worms are a common issue in puppies and kittens. Regular worming from birth throughout adulthood is recommended to prevent worm burdens. Some worms are even transmissible to people so it’s important to keep your pet worm-free. Some flea and tick products contain a wormer, but most won’t cover all worms so make sure you talk to us about which prevention is best for your pet.

Fleas, Mites and Ticks – These external parasites can cause lots of problems in both young, and adult animals. We can see anaemia from large burdens of fleas in young animals, to skin disease in all ages from mites. Ticks can be an annoyance, such as the bush tick, or transmit blood borne disease in certain parts of the country (which is important if you travel with your pet). With the establishment of Ehrlichiosis in the country during COVID, tick control has become more essential. And of course we can not forget the Australian delight of the Paralysis Tick. Found along the east coast one tick can, and does regularly kill dogs. Prevention comes in the form of topspots and chews of varying duration, and yearly injections. Talk to us about which option suits your lifestyle, and your pet, best.

Heartworm – Heartworm is making a resurgence south of the tropics. We are seeing heartworm in areas that have not reported cases in decades, which is concerning. Spread by mosquito hosts, established Heartworm disease damages lungs and the heart, and eventually causes heart failure. Treatment is expensive, and not without risk to your pet so it is much better to prevent infestation. Some flea and tick controls contain heartworm control which is effective if given continuously, whilst an easier option is a yearly injection.

By vaccinating and worming you are already halfway to completing preventative medicine in your pet! And prevention is just SO much better than cure (and easier, and cheaper).

We can also discuss your pets’ other parasite prevention needs based on their risk such as heartworm protection, tick protection, and of course fleas!