Parasite Control for Pets
Keeping your pet protected from parasites is one of the most important responsibilities of pet ownership. Parasites can severely affect your animal’s health and quality of life, but with the right prevention, most of these problems can be avoided.
Intestinal Worms
Intestinal worms are a common problem in both dogs and cats, with species such as hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, and tapeworm affecting the gastrointestinal system. These parasites can lead to a range of health issues, including diarrhoea, weight loss, lethargy, poor body condition, and blood loss. Hookworm poses a particular threat to puppies, as it can infect entire litters and cause life-threatening anaemia.
Worming your pet regularly is crucial. Puppies, in particular, require frequent worming every two weeks until they reach 12 weeks of age. While there are many worming products available, they vary in quality and effectiveness. We recommend speaking with the team at Humpty Doo Veterinary Hospital to ensure you’re using a product that offers reliable protection.
Heartworm Prevention in Dogs
Heartworm is one of the most dangerous parasites affecting dogs and is transmitted by mosquitoes. Once infected, the worms grow and can reach lengths of up to 30 centimetres, lodging in the heart and eventually leading to heart failure and death. Heartworm is extremely difficult and expensive to treat, making prevention absolutely essential.
It’s important to understand that standard intestinal worming tablets do not protect against heartworm. At Humpty Doo Veterinary Hospital, we recommend a yearly injection to provide continuous protection. Alternatively, there are monthly oral and topical options available. Our staff can help you decide which method is best suited to your dog’s lifestyle.
Brown Dog Ticks
The brown dog tick is a significant concern in the Northern Territory, particularly during the build-up season. While ticks may initially appear to be a simple nuisance, a heavy infestation can lead to serious health problems such as blood loss, lethargy, weight loss, and chronic skin conditions.
More alarmingly, these ticks can transmit blood parasites like Ehrlichia canis and Babesia canis. These infections enter the dog’s bloodstream during feeding and can cause blood loss (anaemia) and clotting disorders, organ damage, and in severe cases, death. Regular tick prevention and prompt removal are critical in avoiding these risks.
Flea Control
Fleas are another common external parasite found on both dogs and cats. They cause intense itching, hair loss, and can lead to allergic reactions or skin infections. Additionally, fleas can transmit other parasites, including tapeworms.
Flea prevention is typically managed with monthly treatments, either through spot-on applications or oral tablets. Choosing the right product is vital—particularly for cats, as many flea treatments intended for dogs (especially those containing pyrethrins) are toxic to felines. If you’re unsure, our team at Humpty Doo Veterinary Hospital is here to help you make the safest choice.
