Types of Parasites in Pets
Your pets are often exposed to environments where they are likely to pick up parasites if not treated to prevent this already. Leadon Vale’s preventative treatments cover parasite prevention for the following:
-Fleas
-Worms
-Ticks
Cats, dogs, rabbits and other small creatures will benefit from parasite prevention treatment. With a consultation at our clinic, a vet will do a health check of your pet to determine the best parasite care for them and their breed. Preventative treatment is kinder to your pet and preventing is easier than treating a parasite. Our parasite prevention strategies are recommended for all pets.
Parasite Prevention Treatments
It’s important to note that treatments for dogs should not be used on cats or other pets, and vice versa. Only follow veterinary advice on the appropriate parasite preventative for your pet and their needs.
If your pet has:
Fleas- Fleas are prevented with spot-on treatments, pills or collars that can applied or administered from home with veterinary-prescribed topical treatments. Any existing fleas will be killed and it prevents the breeding and contracting of any more fleas. These treatments should be done regularly and on recommended schedules. Spot-on treatments should be applied behind your pet's head, in between their shoulders where they can’t reach it. You should follow your vet’s advice with any flea preventative treatments to ensure the safety of your pet but also its effectiveness.
Worms - Worms can be prevented with certain oral treatments. Prescribed worming tablets or treat-like tablets can be taken to prevent tapeworm or other worms such as whipworm, hookworm and roundworm. These preventatives should be taken as recommended but typically they’re done every 3 months. Depending on the age of your pet, consult our practice to ask your questions.
Ticks- Ticks can be picked up in long grass or damp environments, they cling to your dogs and cats. Parasite prevention for ticks can also be spot-on treatment, tablets & collars and treatment may be recommended seasonally depending on where you live.
Signs Your Pet Has a Parasite
If you notice your pet behaving differently or showing the following signs then it’s possible they’ve contracted a parasite and will need veterinary treatment.
External symptoms
- Repeatedly itching
- Licking their fur/body more than usual
- Irritable or restless behaviour like shaking their body and head
- Red or inflamed skin hair loss visible fleas and ticks
- Large amounts of debris in their ears
Internal symptoms
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Respiratory issues
- Loose stools or diarrhoea
- Visible worms in faeces
- Distended abdomen
- Loss of appetite
Treatments If Your Pet Has Parasites
Certain shampoos are recommended for external parasites or antibiotics and medications to kill off the parasite. Worming will need medication and potential surgery.
Keeping your pets and their habitat clean is also essential for preventing the contraction of parasites. Fleas and ticks can be brought into the home and affect you too, so it’s important to wash bedding and keep carpets clean so they can’t be spread around the house.
Regularly grooming your pets also means you can spot any changes in their fur, or skin or visibly spot parasites.
Get in Touch
If you have a new pet, if you're worried your pet has contracted a parasite or if you want to discover other methods of parasite prevention, then book an appointment with us today! Your consultation will allow you to discuss in detail your pet's health needs and find solutions to protect them long-term from fleas, ticks and worms.
