Parasite prevention

Intestinal worms

Dogs and cats can be infected with several different intestinal worms, including hookworm, tapeworm, roundworm and whipworm. Infection usually occurs from walking on, sniffing and licking contaminated surfaces, such as grass or ground where another pet has toileted. Puppies and kittens can also be infected by their mother. Worm larvae can be found in lizards, birds, insects and mice, so pets who hunt can become infected this way as well. Intestinal worms can cause issues such as diarrhoea, weight loss and anaemia, and can cause severe problems in high numbers, especially in young animals. Worms may also be passed to humans through licking or even just patting, and cause illness.

Heartworm

Heartworm is a parasitic worm spread by mosquitoes. These worms set up residence in the blood vessels around your pet’s heart and lungs, causing problems with blood flow. It can take years for symptoms to develop. The most common symptoms in dogs are exercise intolerance, a cough and lethargy. Cats will often show no symptoms, but can die suddenly. Treating heartworm disease is both difficult and lengthy, so the best path is prevention. If there has been a lapse in your pet’s heartworm prevention, a simple blood test can determine whether your pet has a heartworm infection.

Fleas & ticks

Ticks and fleas are both external parasites that suck the blood of your pets. Fleas cause discomfort and itching, may cause allergies, and in large numbers can cause anaemia. They can be difficult to get rid of, as they lay their eggs in the environment, and these eggs can lie dormant for some time before hatching. Treating both the animals in the household and the household itself (often multiple times) is required to get rid of fleas – prevention is definitely easier.

Paralysis ticks are a huge concern in South East Queensland. These parasites can be picked up anywhere, including your own backyard, as they commonly drop off our native wildlife. Paralysis ticks are more common in the warmer months but are still present during winter, so year-round prevention is highly recommended. When paralysis ticks attach to our pets, they release a powerful toxin into the bloodstream. This toxin causes paralysis, and symptoms can continue to get worse for up to 48 hours after the tick is removed. It is also very common for pets to pick up more than one tick.

Symptoms of paralysis tick toxicosis include:

• Retching, gagging and drooling

• Change in voice

• Weakness in back legs

• Difficulty breathing

• Collapsing

• Paralysis

• Death

Paralysis ticks kill thousands of pets each year, and treatment is intensive and expensive. Prevention is better than treatment!

There are now multiple products available for both cats and dogs to prevent all of the above parasites. Different products suit different patients and lifestyles. Have a chat to our friendly staff about the right product for your pet!

Questions? Bookings?

Do you have any questions, or would you like to book an appointment? Please call us on 07 5665 7116 or email info@pinesvet.com.au.