Parasite Prevention
at Small Friends Veterinary Hospital
Parasites such as fleas, ticks, worms, and heartworm can cause serious illness in dogs and cats. While Canberra has a lower parasite risk than more humid regions, pets can still be exposed, especially when travelling to coastal or bush areas. Preventative care is the best way to protect your small friend’s health and well-being.
- Flea Prevention and Control
Fleas are small biting insects that feed on blood and can live in carpets, bedding, and floorboards when not on your pet. They multiply quickly and can remain dormant in the environment for months.
Fleas can cause:
- Severe itching and skin irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Transmission of tapeworm
Prevention:
Monthly flea treatments are the most effective and easiest way to prevent infestations. Once fleas establish in a home, treatment of both the pet and environment may be required.
- Tick Prevention and Safety
Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that can cause serious illness, including paralysis. Paralysis ticks inject a toxin that affects the nervous system and can lead to breathing problems and death if untreated.
Early signs of tick paralysis may include:
- Wobbly or weak legs
- Change in bark or voice
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
Protecting your small friend from ticks:
- Perform daily tick searches, especially around ears, lips, neck, paws, and tail
- Use preventative tick products as directed
- Carry a tick hook for safe removal
- Avoid irritant substances when removing ticks
- Continue checking for ticks for two weeks after returning from high-risk areas
If your pet shows signs of tick paralysis, seek veterinary care immediately.
- Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite spread by mosquitoes. The worms grow in the heart and lungs and can lead to heart failure and death.
Heartworm prevention options include:
- Monthly oral tablets
- Annual injection given at the time of vaccination or health check
A simple blood test may be required before starting heartworm prevention. Prevention plans should be tailored to your dog’s age and health status.
Heartworm in cats is very rare and routine prevention is not usually recommended.
- Worming (Intestinal Parasites)
Worming protects against intestinal parasites that can cause:
- Diarrhoea
- Weight loss
- Poor growth
- Anaemia
- Swollen abdomen
Some intestinal worms can also be transmitted to humans.
Dogs should be protected against:
- Roundworm
- Hookworm
- Whipworm
- Tapeworm
Cats should be protected against:
- Roundworm
- Hookworm
- Tapeworm
Puppies and kittens require more frequent worming due to lower immunity. Adult pets are usually wormed every three months for life.
Spot-on and tablet treatments are available, including options for pets that are difficult to tablet.
- Why Parasite Prevention Matters
Regular parasite prevention:
- Protects your small friend from serious disease
- Reduces the risk of parasites spreading in your home
- Supports long-term health and comfort
- Helps protect human family members from zoonotic parasites
Our team can help create a parasite prevention plan tailored to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and travel habits.
Protect Your Pet from Parasites
Give your small friend year-round protection from fleas, ticks, worms, and heartworm with a personalised parasite prevention plan.