Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats

Parasites are common, and most of the problems they cause can be prevented. Fleas, ticks and worms don't just bother your pet. Some can also pass to people.

The main parasites

Fleas

• Cause itching and, in allergic pets, flea allergy dermatitis: itchy, crusted skin, usually over the lower back and tail
• Carry the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum, which your pet swallows when it bites at fleas
• Breed quickly indoors, so treat every pet in the home and wash bedding and vacuum

Ticks

• Can pass on Lyme disease (borreliosis) and other infections
• Are most active in spring and autumn, so protection should cover the whole season they're active
• Should be removed as soon as you find them, with a tick tool, so the mouthparts come out too. Don't squeeze the body or use oil or alcohol

Intestinal worms

• Roundworms: young animals can be infected before birth or through milk. The eggs can infect people, which is why hygiene matters
• Hookworms: feed on blood or gut tissue and can cause diarrhoea and weight loss
• Whipworms: heavy infections cause diarrhoea with mucus or blood
• Tapeworms: you may see small rice-like segments around the anus or in bedding

Heartworm and lungworm

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis), spread by mosquitoes, isn't established in Scandinavia. The risk is a dog that has lived in or travelled to southern Europe, so ask your vet about protection before a trip. Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is spread by slugs and snails and can cause coughing, breathing trouble and bleeding problems. Dogs that eat slugs, snails or grass are most exposed.

How to prevent them

Match protection to your pet's life

Your vet decides how often and with what, based on where your pet goes and what it eats. As a guide from the European parasite council ESCCAP:

• An indoor dog with no contact with prey or raw meat: worming once or twice a year, or a faecal test and treatment only if needed
• A dog that goes outdoors regularly: worming about four times a year, or faecal tests
• A dog that hunts, eats prey or offal, or gets raw meat: up to 12 times a year, depending on risk
• One to three treatments a year isn't enough protection for dogs that spend time outdoors
• Puppies: first worming at 14 days, then every two weeks until two weeks after weaning, then monthly up to six months if the risk stays high. Kittens start at three weeks

Flea and tick products come as spot-ons, tablets and chews, and how often they're given depends on the product. Your vet can choose one that suits your pet and covers the right parasites.

Keep the home and walks clean

• Pick up droppings promptly
• Wash bedding and vacuum often
• Check your pet for ticks after walks in long grass, woods or parks
• Treat all pets in the home at the same time when fleas turn up

Signs of parasites

• Scratching, biting or licking the skin
• Fleas, flea dirt, ticks or worms in the coat, stool or around the anus
• Diarrhoea or vomiting
• Weight loss despite a normal appetite
• Dull coat or irritated skin
• Scooting or licking the anus
• Coughing

Talk to us

We can go through your pet's lifestyle and set up a parasite prevention plan, including a faecal test if that suits your pet. If you're travelling abroad with your pet, some countries require tapeworm treatment before entry. Read more about travelling with pets, or contact the clinic. We're open Monday, Thursday and Friday 10:00 to 16:00, and Tuesday and Wednesday 09:00 to 17:00.