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Fleas

Fleas can be a problem in even the most spotless home and the cleanest pet.

 

Only a small amount of fleas are on the pet at any time, the majority are in the environment (house, car, bedding). A female adult flea can lay up to 50 eggs in one day in your home. Fleas hop onto animals to bite and feed on their blood, and of course fleas can also feed on humans.

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Signs of flea infestation are scratching, skin irritation or noticing dark flecks or live fleas on your pet’s coat. Some pets are allergic to flea saliva and can suffer severe skin reactions.

Pets can become infected by contact with other animals or infected environments.

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There are a range of available flea treatments including spot on preparations, medicated collars and tablets. It is important to discuss with your vet which product is suitable for your pet. We also need to weigh your pet to allow us to dose them accurately.

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It is important to treat your pet and the environment in which they live. Regular flea treatments are the key to preventing infestations.

Only give flea treatment prescribed for your pet – some treatments can be toxic to the wrong species.

Ticks

Ticks are common in woodland, grassland heath areas.  You can also find them in your garden, especially if there is a lot of wildlife around.  Ticks will they climb on to your pet as they brush past and feed by sucking their blood.  Whilst feeding ticks can spread serious diseases such as Lyme disease and Babesiosis. 

 

If you find a tick on your pet it is important to remove it quickly and properly, so the head is not left behind.  Your vet will be happy to do this, alternatively you can purchase a tick remover.  Don’t use tweezers or attempt to burn the tick.  Once removed bathe the bite area with salt water. 

 

It is a good idea to prevent ticks, with products that will either kill or repel them.  You can use tablets, spot-ons or collars, talk to you vet to discuss which one would be best for your pet. 

Worms

What are worms?

Healthy animals can carry worms, so it’s important to worm pets regularly. Worms can cause health problems for your pet. Some types of worms can be spread between pets and people and can cause diseases in humans – especially children.

 

What are the signs of worms?

Many infected animals do not show any outward signs, so it’s important to have a worm control programme in place as advised by your vet.  But, if your animal is infected, you may see worms in faeces or vomit, or around your pet’s bottom. Please contact us for advice if you see any changes in your pet‘s health including weight loss, diarrhoea, coat changes, increased appetite or swollen tummy.

 

Where do worms come from?

  • Other infected animals

  • Eating worm eggs or larvae (infected faeces or grass)

  • Raw meat, infected prey animals or infected parasites

 

Reducing risk

  • Begin roundworm treatment early and continue monthly in puppies and kittens up to 6 months old.

  • Maintain regular 3 monthly roundworm and tapeworm treatment in adult dogs and cats.

  • Worm pregnant animals only under the supervision of your vet.

  • Prevent tapeworm infection by flea treating regularly as fleas can carry tapeworm larvae.

  • Clean food and water bowls regularly (only use disinfection that is safe for animals)

  • Clean up faeces as soon as possible.

  • Wash your hands after contact with your pet, and before eating.

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