Fleas, Ticks and Worms: Protecting Your Pet Year-Round

Parasites might be small, but they can cause some surprisingly big problems for our pets. Fleas, ticks and worms can lead to everything from itching and digestive upset to more serious health complications, which is why parasite prevention is such an important part of routine pet care.

Although we often associate parasites with warmer weather, they are not just a spring and summer problem. Fleas can survive comfortably inside our heated homes, while ticks and different types of worms can pose a risk at various times throughout the year.

The right protection will depend on your pet, their species, lifestyle and individual risk factors. Here is what pet owners need to know.

Fleas: more than just an itch

Fleas are one of the most common parasites affecting dogs and cats. They feed on blood and can cause significant irritation, resulting in scratching, biting, overgrooming, redness and hair loss. Some pets are particularly sensitive to flea saliva and can develop flea allergy dermatitis, where even a small number of flea bites may trigger considerable discomfort.

Heavy flea infestations can also contribute to anaemia, particularly in young or vulnerable animals. Fleas can carry tapeworm too, which means a dog or cat who accidentally swallows an infected flea while grooming may subsequently develop a tapeworm infection.

One of the challenges with fleas is that the adults you see on your pet are only a small part of the problem. Eggs and developing flea stages can be present in carpets, bedding, furniture and other areas where your pet spends time. If an infestation develops, treating the environment as well as all susceptible pets in the household will be necessary.

Because fleas can develop indoors throughout the year, keeping preventative treatment up to date can help to stop an infestation becoming established in the first place.

Ticks: small parasites with potential consequences

Ticks attach themselves to animals and feed on their blood. They can be active throughout the year, though they’re typically more active from March to October, with peak activity between April and July.

Dogs who regularly explore woodland, long grass and countryside environments may be particularly likely to encounter them, although cats can also pick them up.

You may feel a tick as a small lump while stroking your pet. Checking your dog after walks, particularly around their head, ears, neck, feet and between their toes, is a useful habit. Cats who spend a lot of time outdoors should also be checked regularly.

Ticks can transmit infections, so appropriate prevention and prompt removal are important. If you find a tick, it should be removed carefully using a suitable tick-removal tool rather than being pulled, squeezed or covered in substances intended to make it detach.

Not every pet has the same tick risk. Your vet can help you decide whether regular tick prevention is appropriate based on your pet’s lifestyle, where they walk and whether they travel outside of the UK.

Worms: different pets face different risks

“Worms” covers several different internal parasites, and the risks vary between species.

Dogs can be affected by parasites including roundworms, tapeworms and lungworm. Lungworm is particularly important because infection can potentially lead to serious illness. Dogs can become infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum through contact with infected slugs and snails they encounter outdoors.

Cats can also develop roundworm and tapeworm infections. Cats who hunt and eat prey may have an increased exposure to certain worms, while fleas can also play a role in transmitting tapeworm.

Puppies and kittens require particular attention because some worms, such as Toxocara, can be passed from their mother or acquired early in life.

Our veterinary team can advise you about the parasites relevant to your pet and whether preventative treatment or monitoring is recommended.

Why parasite treatment should be tailored to your pet

There is no single parasite prevention programme that is suitable for every animal. Factors such as your pet’s age, weight, species, health, whether they hunt, their access to the outdoors, travel and the other animals and humans in your household can all influence their risk (as some of these parasites pose a particular risk to children, older or more vulnerable people).

This is also why it is important to use products intended specifically for your pet. Never use one pet’s parasite medication on another without veterinary advice. Some flea treatments designed for dogs, for example, contain permethrin at concentrations that are extremely toxic to cats.

If you are unsure about which product to use or how frequently your pet needs treatment, speak to our veterinary team. We can help you choose an appropriate parasite control plan based on their individual needs.

Making year-round preventative care easier

It is easy for flea or worm treatment to slip down the to-do list, particularly when your pet looks perfectly healthy.

Our Pet Health Plan is designed to make routine preventative healthcare easier to manage, while allowing you to spread the cost through a monthly payment.

For dogs and cats, the plan includes monthly flea and worm treatments, with lungworm protection included when the appropriate combination of products is used. It also includes an annual health check and booster vaccination, plus a six-monthly health check or flexible veterinary consultation.

Members also receive 10% off additional parasite control, which may be helpful if your pet requires protection beyond the treatments routinely included in their plan.

For added convenience, flea and worm treatments can be delivered directly to your door, helping you stay on top of your pet’s preventative care throughout the year.

Head over to our website for more information about our Pet Health Plans

https://foresthousevets.com/pet-health-plans/

Keep your pet protected

Parasites are easier to prevent than to deal with once they have become established. Keeping your pet’s preventative treatment up to date can help protect their health, keep them comfortable and reduce the chances of unwanted parasites making themselves at home.

If you are unsure whether your pet’s current flea, tick or worm protection is right for them, speak to our team. We can help create a preventative healthcare routine suited to your pet’s individual needs.

Want to make routine preventative care easier? Find out more about our Pet Health Plan and how it can help you spread the cost of your pet’s essential healthcare throughout the year.