Parasite Control

Parasite Control

Regular parasite control is an essential part of good pet ownership. Cats and dogs can be unwitting hosts for all sorts of parasitic nasties, from fleas and ticks to various worms. Happily, all can be prevented with the application of regular preventative treatments.

Intestinal worms live in the gastrointestinal system of cats and dogs and include hookworm, roundworm, whipworm and tapeworm. The worms can cause severe diarrhoea and disease, especially in puppies and kittens. Did you know these worms can be transmitted to humans?? Different worms cause different diseases, so it’s important to treat your pets! Treatment usually comes in the form of a simple tablet. Call our friendly team to find out which products we recommend.

Spread by mosquitoes, Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets. It is caused by worms that live in the heart of affected pets, eventually causing heart failure. Dogs are more commonly affected by heartworm disease, but cats may also be at risk. An annual injection to protect your dog against heartworm is recommended. Other products are available including oral medications and a topical spot-on product (intestinal ‘all wormer’ tablets do not protect against heartworm infection.) Talk to us for more information.

Fleas are the most common external parasite in pets, they cause intense itching and hair loss, and can also trigger skin allergies and transmit other parasites. Flea prevention can involve topical treatments and oral treatments. Please be aware that pyrethrin-based flea treatments are toxic to cats. Call us first to ensure you use the right product.

Paralysis ticks are common along the east coast of Australia and can be potentially fatal to pets. Once a paralysis tick attaches to a pet it will engorge itself with blood and inject a potent toxin causing muscle paralysis. If the tick is not removed and a tick anti-serum administered then pets can die due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles. There are topical treatments and oral medications available to protect your pet from these ticks.

Call our friendly veterinary staff today to ensure your pet is protected against parasites.