Category: Pet Parasites

Comprehensive Guide to Parasites in Pets:

Parasites can cause numerous health issues in pets, ranging from mild discomfort to severe illnesses. Understanding the different types of parasites, how to prevent them, and effective treatments is crucial for keeping your pet healthy.

Fleas

Fleas are small insects that feed on the blood of animals, causing irritation, allergic reactions, and in severe cases, anaemia.

Prevention and Treatment:

Use regular flea preventatives, such as spot-on treatments or flea collars.
Wash pet bedding frequently and vacuum your home to remove flea eggs.
Treat all pets in the household simultaneously to prevent reinfestation.

For more details, visit our Fleas page.

Ticks

Ticks attach to pets and feed on their blood, potentially transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease.

Prevention and Removal:

Check your pet regularly for ticks, especially after outdoor activities.
Use tick prevention treatments, such as spot-on products and tick collars.
Remove ticks carefully with a tick remover to avoid infection.

Learn more about tick removal at Ticks.

Lungworm

Lungworm is a serious parasite in dogs that can lead to respiratory issues and even death if untreated.

Prevention and Treatment:

Prevent your dog from eating slugs, snails, or frogs.
Administer regular lungworm preventatives as advised by your vet.
Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet shows symptoms like coughing or breathing difficulties.

Processionary Caterpillars

These caterpillars have toxic hairs that can cause severe allergic reactions in pets.

Prevention and First Aid:

Avoid areas where processionary caterpillars are present, especially in spring.
Prevent your pet from sniffing or eating caterpillars or their nests.
Seek urgent veterinary help if exposure occurs.

Learn more in our guide on Processionary Caterpillars.

Fly Strike

Fly strike occurs when flies lay eggs on an animal’s skin, and the hatching maggots cause severe wounds.

Prevention and Treatment:

Keep your pet clean and regularly check for wounds or soiling.
Use fly repellents if your pet is vulnerable.
Seek veterinary care immediately if maggots are found on your pet.

Read our full guide on Fly Strike.

Insect Stings

Pets can suffer from bee or wasp stings, causing swelling and, in some cases, severe allergic reactions.

First Aid:

Remove the stinger (if present) with a flat object like a credit card.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Monitor for signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing.

Find more information on Insect Stings.

Preventing Parasites in Pets

Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of parasite infestations. Key measures include:

Using regular parasite preventatives as prescribed by your vet.
Maintaining good

/Pet Parasites /

Processionary caterpillars

Processionary caterpillars are something that can be fatal to animals. You may think a caterpillar can do no harm to either animals or humans but there is one that you may come across in warmer climates. There are reports of them being found in the South of England and there have two main names, the […]

Fleas

Fleas are small flightless insects, parasites of mammals and birds which live off of the blood of their hosts. With their long legs, they have the ability to jump long distances, often 100 times their own body length. This allows them to jump up and horizontally over around 30 cm which, based on their body […]

Insect Stings

Insects stings such as bees, wasps, or other flying or crawling insects. The first thing you need to ensure is that you are not hurt by what hurt them. Also, your pet may act out of character since they may be scared and in pain. You may also need to contact your vet since a […]

Ticks

Ticks are different from a sting because the live tick stays on the body sucks the blood out, and can pass on the infection. When dogs or cats run in many areas (especially woodlands) they can pick up ticks. There are different types of ticks, but they are treated the same. Ticks are an easy […]

Lungworm

One of the things we protect our dog against is the potentially fatal Lungworm. The parasite is carried by slugs and snails which are picked up by your dog in play or eating. Although an infection can be fatal, it is preventable with the correct treatment from your vet or pet professional.

Fly Strike

Fly strike is a dangerous condition where a fly lays its eggs on an animal and these turn into maggots which then feed on the animal. It can affect animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, cats, dogs, and also farm animals. It is more common with dirty animals or animals that are unable to keep […]

Fleas

Fleas are small flightless insects and they are parasites of mammals and birds and live off the blood of their hosts. Fleas have long legs have the ability to jump long distances and some can jump 100 times their body length. This allows them to jump up and horizontally 33 cm which makes them the […]