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Parasites
The most common parasites affecting
pets in the UK are fleas and worms.
Fleas:
 Fleas are particularly difficult to
control because they spend a large part of their life cycle off the
pet and therefore in the pet's environment i.e. your house, car etc.
Fleas are not only irritating but can be life threatening in very
young or debilitated animals. They are also responsible for many
skin related allergies and transmit tapeworm to our pets. In rabbits
they carry myxomatosis, a fatal viral disease. We recommend that you
treat your pet against fleas with a veterinary recommended product
on a regular basis even if you don't see fleas on your animal.
Please be aware that many pet-shop and supermarket products are
totally ineffective and that if you have an infestation you may need
to treat the environment as well. Please speak to our nurses about
flea control.
Worms:
 There are currently 10 different
types of worms that can affect your dog or cat in the UK. Some of
these worms are zoonotic which means they can infect humans and
cause problems such as blindness; it is therefore very important
that your animals are wormed regularly - a minimum of every three months,
but in some cases (where animals hunt or scavenge) more often.
Puppies and kittens can be wormed from two weeks of age. Please
discuss your pet's needs with the vet or one of our nursing team.
We recommend you use a veterinary approved wormer. Again, be aware
that many pet shop wormers do not kill all species of worms. Our
nurses offer a weigh and worm service and we also stock a 'spot on'
wormer for cats, who may be difficult to tablet. Please contact
the surgery for more details.
Other parasites:
 There are many other parasites that
can be found on your pet including ticks (right) and mites. Our vets and
nurses will be happy to help with any queries regarding their
treatment and prevention.
Also please be aware that pets travelling
abroad are at much higher risk from parasitic diseases, some of which
are fatal. If your pet has a passport (see Pets
Travel Scheme), please make an appointment to
visit the surgery at least a month before you intend travelling so
that correct preventative treatment can be administered.
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