{"id":181178,"date":"2016-09-27T13:40:06","date_gmt":"2016-09-27T03:40:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petcloud.com.au\/d\/flea-and-tick-and-worming-for-dogs-and-cats\/"},"modified":"2025-01-25T17:15:37","modified_gmt":"2025-01-25T07:15:37","slug":"flea-and-tick-and-worming-for-dogs-and-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petcloud.com.au\/d\/blog\/flea-and-tick-and-worming-for-dogs-and-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"What Flea, Tick and Worming should I do for my Dog or Cat?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Small parasites can lead to big problems for your pet that are difficult to treat. So when it comes to fleas, ticks and heartworm, it\u2019s important to prevent them altogether.<\/h3>\n

Fleas<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nFleas are small brown parasitic insects that infest the coat and skin of your pet. Many people think fleas are just an irritation but, if left untreated, they can be fatal to your pet.\u00a0Dr Sae Namekata-Wales from Greencross Vets Strathfield says fleas can cause serious health problems even over short periods.\u00a0\u201cFleas will cause skin disease, tapeworm infection and anaemia in some dogs, especially young puppies,\u201d she says.\u00a0If your pet has fleas, see your local Greencross Vets to discuss what possible treatments \u2013which could include spot-on treatments, chews, tablets or sprays \u2013 will best suit your pet. Also speak to your vet about treating your pet\u2019s living environment.\n

\"Flea<\/a><\/p>\n

Cats have flea treatments like the above example.<\/strong><\/p>\nFor dogs, topical treatments are easy to apply,\u00a0but can wash off. Chewable treatments for dogs can last longer, like the product below.\n

\"Chewable<\/a><\/p>\n

You can easily buy 2 in 1 chewable treatments that kills both\u00a0fleas and ticks for dogs like the above example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Ticks<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nTicks are small, round-looking parasites that burrow into your pet\u2019s skin to feed and breed. While doing so, they can inject a toxin that affects all muscles until they become completely paralysed.\n\n\u201cParalysis ticks cause progressive paralysis in the muscles, which requires anti-toxin treatment and dogs can die from this toxin,\u201d says Dr Namekata-Wales.\u00a0There is no one-stop-shop prevention method, however tick collars, top-spots, chew tablets and spray products will all reduce the likelihood of a tick latching onto your dog<\/a>. Cats are more sensitive to chemicals, so the best way to prevent a tick latching on to your cat is to check it daily.\n

\"Aristopet<\/a><\/p>\n

Aristopet have a tick spray that can be used for both dogs and cats.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Heartworm<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\nHeartworm is a parasite that is transmitted by mosquitos and infects both cats and dogs. The parasite matures in the pet\u2019s organs for six months, becomes a worm, and then migrates to the heart and the blood vessels of the lungs.\n\n\u201cHeartworms live in the dog\u2019s heart and physically damage it. They also clog the vessels leading from the heart,\u201d says Dr Namekata-Wales.\u00a0For dogs, there are almost no signs of heartworm until heart failure. Not only is this condition highly fatal, but treatment for cats and dogs can be complex and expensive \u2013 so prevention is key.\n\n\u201cIf the dog already has been suffering from damage to the heart, lungs and other organs, the body may not be able to tolerate coping with the dead adult worms once medication is given,\u201d says Dr Namekata-Wales.\u00a0For dogs, monthly chewable tablets and top-spot treatments are available. However, the most effective prevention method is to take your dog to the Vet\u00a0for yearly injections. For cats, monthly tablets and top-spot treatments are also available.\n

\"Protect<\/a><\/p>\n

The ALL WORMER above is available for Cats and Dogs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Intestinal Worms<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\nDogs and cats are victims of several intestinal parasites frequently referred to as worms. The most common are the roundworms, tapeworms,\u00a0hookworms, and whipworms. Pet Owners will only be able to see 2 worm types –\u00a0roundworms and tapeworms – unaided (without a microscope).\u00a0Often you will be able to tell if your dog or cat has worms by the symptoms they are exhibiting:\n