JUMP TO IT – PREVENTING PARASITE PROBLEMS
Parasites can cause serious problems for our pets… and for the humans that interact with them! So, it’s vital to be aware of them and learn how you can keep your pet protected against these pesky parasites.
Individual animals can face varying degrees of risk from different parasites, underscoring the importance of discussing their risk with us. We can provide personalised advice on parasite prevention, tailored to your pet’s specific needs, considering factors such as species, age, lifestyle, and geographical location.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES VERSUS OVER-THE-COUNTER PARASITE PRODUCTS
Numerous options are available for parasite prevention, including spot-on solutions applied to the back of your pet’s neck, tablets which are given orally, and impregnated collars. Opting for veterinary prescription medicines is advisable, rather than over-the-counter products. This is because they have been rigorously tested to ensure that they work effectively and that they are safe for your pet.
Additionally, several preventive measures can be taken to minimise your pet’s risk of parasite infestation, such as:
- maintaining good hygiene practices (e.g., washing hands, disinfecting food bowls)
- refraining from feeding uncooked meat or offal
- consistently cleaning up after your dog.
Preventing parasite issues is far simpler than treating them, and the good news is, our 365 Care Plan has made this super easy!
TACKLING TICKS
Ticks are becoming more common in the UK and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, which can affect dogs and cats, as well as humans. It is a very serious illness and be fatal in some cases.
You should always remove ticks if they are attached to your pet, but never pull them straight out, as this runs the risk of the head being left behind in your pet’s skin. Instead, you can remove them by gently twisting them until they release. You can buy special tick removers to assist you with this, or one of our vet nurses can safely remove them for you.
If your pet frequently visits areas where they are picking up ticks, then you need to consider preventive treatment for them.
FIGHTING FLEAS
Fleas are tiny wingless insects which feed on the bloods of animals, including pets and wildlife. They are one of the most irritating and itchy parasites for your pet and can live on dogs, cats They and even rabbits. While they can’t live on humans, their bites can cause itching and unsightly marks. Flea
As they reproduce very quickly, they can soon have produced hundreds of tiny eggs, which rapidly cause an infestation in the house. Eggs have remarkable resilience, surviving for months in the environment, leading to prolonged infestations that require considerable effort and expense to eradicate. Anyone who has had this problem knows how difficult this can be to clear!
Preventing these unwelcome intruders is significantly simpler than dealing with an established infestation.
MANAGING MITES
Mites can infest the skin and ears of dogs, cats, rabbits, and other rodents, which can be very itchy and uncomfortable. Infestations can cause hair loss, scratching and red or dry and scurfy skin. There are many different types of mites, but they can easily be prevented with treatments from us.
WAR ON WORMS
Roundworms – these parasites are prevalent in both dogs and cats. Pets can contract them by sniffing or licking contaminated faeces from other animals, or by consuming infected carcasses. Roundworms are often transmitted to puppies and kittens from their mother before birth and can also be passed through the mother’s milk. Severe infestations can lead to stunted growth, vomiting, and diarrhoea, making it essential to regularly deworm pregnant females, puppies, and kittens.
Certain types of roundworms such as Toxocara canis can pose a serious risk to humans – it is known to cause symptoms such as blindness and seizures. Children are most at risk because they are more likely to play in areas where dogs have toileted and put their fingers in their mouths. Being a responsible pet owner means that you should regularly worm your dog and always pickup their faeces.
Tapeworm – transmitted when dogs and cats eat unprocessed raw food, offal, or other infected animal carcasses. Tapeworm can also be spread via fleas, with dogs and cats becoming infected when they ingest fleas while grooming or scratching. This is another very good reason to use a flea- prevention treatment!
Lungworm – dogs can contract lungworm by consuming infected slugs or snails, or their slime, which can lead to severe health issues like breathing problems, blood clotting disorders, and potentially fatal outcomes. This condition can be effectively prevented through regular administration of a monthly tablet or spot-on treatment. Additionally, minimizing the risk of exposure to infected creatures can be achieved by avoiding leaving toys or bowls outside overnight, as they may attract slugs or snails.
