Parasites
The key to keeping your pet in top shape
Intestinal worms
Intestinal worms live inside your pet’s digestive tract and can cause:
- Weight loss and poor growth
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Weakness, anaemia, and in severe cases, death
Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable. Regular worming protects both your pet and your family as some intestinal worms can be passed to people through contaminated soil or contact with pet waste.
Tip: Always wash your hands after cleaning the litter tray or picking up after your dog.
Heartworm
Heartworm is a life-threatening parasite infestation for dogs. Spread by mosquitoes, the microscopic parasite attaches to the inside of the dog’s heart, before growing into an adult worm – they can be up to 30 cm long, eventually causing heart failure and death.
Heartworm has recently been detected in foxes on the Mornington Peninsula, so prevention is crucial. Treatment is difficult, but prevention is simple: we recommend a once-yearly injection, often given at your dog’s annual health check. There are other options too, so just ask.
Note: Standard “all-wormer” tablets do not protect against heartworm.
Fleas
Fleas are the most common external pet parasites we see in dogs and cats. Even one bite can trigger intense itching, hair loss, skin infections or allergic reactions. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms.
There are many flea control products available, but not all are equally effective and some dog treatments are unsafe for cats. Our team can tailor a flea prevention plan that keeps your pet protected year-round.
Paralysis ticks
While uncommon on the Mornington Peninsula, paralysis ticks are deadly. They attach to your pet’s skin, feed on blood and release a toxin that causes progressive paralysis. Early signs include a change in bark or meow, weakness and difficulty breathing.
If your pet seems not quite right, and you’ve traveled outside of Melbourne, let us know. Ticks can be carried back on clothes and camping equipment, so your pet doesn’t even have to have travelled!
Fortunately, effective tick preventatives are available. Ask our team which product is right for your pet and location.
Keeping parasites at bay
Protecting your pet from parasites means protecting the whole family. Book an appointment or ask us during your next visit about a customised pet parasite prevention program because a parasite-free pet is a happy, healthy pet.
