Parasite protection

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the blood of pets and wildlife. They reproduce rapidly, laying hundreds of eggs that can quickly lead to a household infestation.

Fleas are often difficult to spot because they are small and fast-moving. You may be more likely to find “flea dirt” (flea droppings), which appears as tiny dark specks in your pet’s coat. Some pets, particularly cats, groom excessively when affected, removing evidence of fleas before they can be seen.

The best way to prevent an infestation is regular use of an effective flea treatment. Once fleas become established in the home, eradication can take several weeks. Many flea treatments are available, but not all products are equally effective.

TREATING A FLEA INFESTATION

All pets in the household should be treated with an effective flea product. The home must also be treated, as around 95% of the flea population exists in the environment rather than on your pet.

Flea pupae are protected by a tough cocoon, making them resistant to many treatments. These pupae must hatch before they can be eliminated, which is why infestations can take time to clear.

To help eliminate fleas:

• Turn up the heating to encourage faster hatching.
• Vacuum regularly to remove fleas and stimulate pupae to emerge.
• Wash pet bedding (and any bedding pets use) on a hot cycle.
• Treat carpets and furniture with a suitable flea spray, following instructions carefully.
• Don’t forget to treat carpets and upholstery in the car.

Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD)

This is where the pet becomes allergic to flea saliva. Every time a flea bites it causes intense irritation. This leads to intense scratching and scabs especially around the head and neck and at the base of the tail. Often the pet, especially cats, will pull out a lot of fur with resulting bald areas.

Mites are microscopic parasites and live on or in the skin, and while you’re unlikely to spot them with the naked eye, your pet will feel their presence. Mite infestations often lead to intense itching, scratching, and skin damage, sometimes making pets utterly miserable.

Here are the main culprits to be aware of:

• Sarcoptes (Scabies or Fox Mange): Causes severe itching and is highly contagious, even to humans. Most common in dogs.
• Ear Mites (Otodectes): Frequently seen in puppies and kittens. These mites cause very itchy ears and a thick, brown waxy discharge.
• Cheyletiella (Walking Dandruff): Produces dandruff-like flakes and irritation along the back. It can occasionally affect humans too.
• Harvest Mites: Bright orange and usually found in late summer, especially around the head, feet and belly after walking through long grass.
• Demodex: Lives deep in hair follicles and oil glands. These mites aren’t contagious but can cause skin issues when an animal’s immune system is under pressure.

Getting the right diagnosis and treatment

Mite infestations can sometimes be tricky to confirm, and treatments vary depending on the type of mite involved. If you notice your pet scratching more than usual, especially if there’s hair loss or sore skin, it’s worth a trip to the vet. The earlier it’s caught, the easier it is to treat, and the more comfortable your pet will be.

Lungworm is an emerging parasite that affects dogs in the UK. It has become very common in Southern England and South Wales and cases are increasingly occurring in Northern England and Scotland. This is a potentially fatal disease so something we all need be aware of.

Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is a parasite that can cause breathing problems and coughing due to its effects on the lungs. It can also affect blood clotting which can potentially cause nose bleeds, bleeding into the eye and excessive bleeding from minor wounds, among other signs.

How do dogs catch it?

Lungworm parasites can be carried by dogs and foxes, so it appears increasing numbers of foxes, especially in urban areas, increases the spread of the parasite. Dogs become infected by ingesting slugs or snails (or their slime) as these contain the infective larvae. Any dog eating slugs, snails or grass in an affected area is at risk.

Larvae may also be ingested by dogs when drinking from puddles. Dog toys or bowls left out in the garden at night are thought to be a source of infection as they attract slugs and snails and may get covered in slime. The parasite does not pass directly from dog to dog. However, picking up dog faeces will reduce the level of parasites getting into the slug/snail population.

Interesting fact…lungworm does not affect cats!

What are the symptoms to look for?

Lungworm disease can easily be missed as often the signs can mimic a lot of other diseases e.g. clotting disorders, bronchitis, neurological signs, anaemia, general malaise etc.

Diagnosis is either from finding larvae in faeces of an affected dog or from a blood test detecting presence of the parasite. Also, chest X-rays or endoscopy of the airways may be used if there are respiratory signs.

Treatment

Prompt treatment is needed of affected cases as the disease can be fatal, unfortunately. However, cases caught early enough can be treated and will usually recover.

Prevention of this parasite is with monthly use of a suitable anti parasitic. Routine combined roundworm/tapeworm treatments are ineffective against this parasite. Only those products available from your vet or on prescription will be effective. Milbemycin (e.g. Milbemax) will prevent this parasite but needs to be given monthly. Other measures to reduce risk of infection include:

•             trying to stop your dog eating slugs or snails
•             avoiding leaving toys outside overnight
•             regularly cleaning outside water bowls
•             picking up poo – this reduces the spread of the parasite