Parasite Control

Fleas, ticks, worms, and mites can all cause discomfort or serious illness. We’ll help you choose the right parasite prevention for your pet and lifestyle, keeping them protected all year round, including against heartworm.

Heartworm

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition found across mainland Australia. Dogs are more susceptible than cats, and the disease also tends to be more severe in dogs. Adult heartworms can grow up to 30 cm in length and live within the heart and large blood vessels, causing damage that leads to heart failure if untreated.

Heartworm larvae (microfilariae) circulate in the bloodstream and are spread by mosquitoes, meaning prevention is far safer and easier than treatment. Year-round heartworm protection is essential for all dogs, even those who spend most of their time indoors.

Fleas

Fleas are more than just a nuisance, they can cause skin disease, transmit infections, and in some pets, trigger flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), an intensely itchy condition that leads to hair loss and skin infections. Even a few fleas can cause significant irritation in allergic pets, making continuous flea control vital.

Fleas are most commonly picked up from the environment, such as the park, beach, or backyard, rather than from other pets. Regular use of effective flea prevention will help keep both your pet and your home flea-free.

Ticks

Paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) are one of Australia’s most dangerous parasites, capable of causing life-threatening paralysis in cats and dogs. They are most common along the east coast from Queensland to Victoria, with peak risk during spring and summer.

To reduce risk, if you are travelling to a coastal area:

• Use tick control products year-round.
• Check your pet daily, especially after time outdoors.
• Keep lawns trimmed and clear of leaf litter.
• If you find a tick, remove it immediately and seek veterinary care.

Brown dog ticks and bush ticks don’t cause paralysis but can transmit blood-borne diseases such as Babesia, which causes anaemia.

Read more about Paralysis Ticks in our article, It’s Tick Season Again. 

Intestinal Worms

Roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm are all common in Australian pets. Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable, and some worms can also infect humans. Regular worming helps protect both your pets and your family from illness.

Mites

Mites can live on or in your pet’s skin and cause irritation, hair loss, or infection.

• Demodex mites are normally harmless but can overgrow when a pet’s immune system is weakened.
• Sarcoptes mites cause intense itching and can spread to other pets and occasionally humans.
• Ear mites affect cats and dogs, leading to scratching, head shaking, and dark, waxy ear discharge.

If you suspect your pet may have a parasitic infection, or if you haven’t used a preventative treatment in a while and need some advice, just give our friendly team a call or pop in and see us and we’ll be happy to advise you on what you need to do to get up your pet to date again.