Parasites in Cats & Dogs
Where you live and your local environment directly affects the parasites that your pet is exposed to. The risk could be lurking in the park or in your garden.
​
Internal Parasites (Endoparasites - live inside the animal) include Roundworm, Tapeworm, Lungworm, Hookworm, Heartworm, Whipworm. Internal Parasites live, feed and breed inside the pet's internal organs. They are contracted by ingesting poo and other organisms (including fleas, slugs, snails, mice) and the health problems and disesase risk they pose can even be fatal.
​
External Parasites (Ectoparasites - live on surface of animal) include Fleas, Ticks, Ear Mites, Mange Mites, Biting Lice.
External Parasites will fly, jump or crawl onto a pet. The subsequent biting can cause irritation and discomfort and could lead to major health problems if not treated.
Fleas, Ticks & Worms Myth Busters
​
"Our cat never goes out so he can't get fleas..... can he?"
​
FALSE - fleas and flea eggs can be brought into the house on your clothing and on visitors and visiting animals. Once fleas find a host, e.g. a cat or a human, they'll begin feeding within minutes.
​
"I haven't seen any worms in my pet's poo - so she can't have worms.... can she?"
​
FALSE - worms are not always passed and visible. There are other signs to look out for such as dark stools, diarrhoea, loss of appetite or a swollen abdomen.
​
"We don't live in a tick hotspot so our pet can't have ticks.... can he?"
​
FALSE - ticks are on the move - and they travel fast. If your pet walks through tall grass and there are lots of deer or sheep around , chances are they will bump into ticks.
​
"We feed our pet the best food - so he's healthy all round..... isn't he?"
​
FALSE - a good diet does mean better all-round well-being - but that doesn't make a pet immune to parasites! He still needs regular routine flea, tick and worm protection.
Why purchase parasite protection from your veterinary practice?
​
Your vet has met and knows your pet so can make an assessment of his or her lifestyle and risk from parasites and prescribe a parasite product based on this. Making this assessment is important as parasite products have different ingredients and protect for different lengths of time.
Our veterinary practice has access to the latest parasite products which are not available over the counter.
Our veterinary team have spent years training and continue to learn so we can provide you with the best care for your pets. Our veterinary team can recognise problems which may arise from parasites, such as allergies or diseases transmitted from parasites, and also offer you the best advice on how to manage parasite problems.
