Parasites

As the weather warms up, we start to see more parasite problems for all sorts of pets.
Here are some of the more common parasites we come across and how to prevent or treat them.

Ticks

Ticks can be found in every state of Australia. There are many different species of ticks, and some pose a significant threat to the wellbeing of our pets. The main species of tick we are concerned about for our pets is the paralysis tick.

  • Paralysis ticks are particularly dangerous, as they deliver a neurotoxin into our pet’s bloodstream as they feed, leading to severe paralysis of the muscles – including the heart, proving fatal.

The presence of ticks in the Canberra region has increased over recent years and remains very high in all Coastal regions of NSW.

Year-round PREVENTATIVE TREATMENT is the best way to keep your pet safe from Tick Paralysis.

Keeping your dog protected from ticks is easy!  Call to us today for our recommendation of a suitable preventative for your pet.

Signs of Paralysis Tick poisoning:

Dogs:

  • Panting
  • Wobbly or weak back legs
  • Vomiting
  • Excessive salivation

Cats:

  • Loss or change in voice
  • Inability to move/walk – weak back legs
  • Laboured or fast breathing
  • Increased salivation
  • Vomiting
  • Lack of appetite
  • Lethargy

If you suspect your pet might have a tick, please contact us IMMEDIATELY for treatment.  Prognosis is good if treatment is started early.

Intestinal worms

Many different worms can affect our pets. Some species are not exclusive to cats and dogs, but rodents, birds, and reptiles too. Some more common worms we see are:

  • Roundworm
  • Hookworm
  • Tapeworm
  • Whipworm
  • Heartworm

These worms can be transmitted in several ways, including:

  • Coming into contact with (or eating) soil, grass, or faeces containing larvae or eggs,
  • Coming into direct contact with an infected animal
  • Transmitted in-utero or through milk fed to babies
  • Via insects, such as mosquitoes and fleas

Symptoms associated with worm infestations can include:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Bloody stools
  • Anaemia
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Visible worms – either in stools or around the anus
  • Lung disease

Prevention is the best cur!  Regular preventative medication is available to keep your pet healthy and happy.  Speak with our friendly team to work out the best care for all your pet’s worming and parasite prevention needs

Fleas

Fleas are relatively easy to spot, and if not, your pet will let you know! Look out for these clues:

  • Your pet might constantly be scratching or chewing and become quite irritable.
  • You might notice red, sore-looking bumps or blisters on your pet’s skin.
  • If you look close enough, you might see ‘flea dirt’ – this is a flea waste product that looks like tiny little flecks of pepper.
  • Sometimes, you can even see the fleas moving around themselves – tiny little brown or black wingless insects, with an incredible jump!

Flea bites are incredibly itchy for your pets, and can also lead to serious wound infections, anaemia, tapeworms, and dermatitis.

Moving swiftly is the key to flea treatment! In clinic, we offer a wide range of products and tools to treat your pet for fleas, and we can offer some very helpful tips for dealing with an outbreak. Give us a call if you have any questions, or book online to organise an appointment.