Preventing pet parasites

Providing regular care and treatment for fleas, ticks, and worms is one of the key services we offer at our practices. Our experienced team is always on hand to dispense effective parasite prevention, treatment products, and advice whenever you need it.

What are fleas, worms, and ticks?

Fleas are small parasites that live on your pet’s body and feed off their blood. Unfortunately, most pets will get fleas at some point in their lives. Fleas can be picked up from other animals and in the natural environment. They can also live for long periods of time as eggs in soft furnishings and carpets.

The most common worms are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms, although lungworm is becoming an increasing problem in Ireland and the UK. While lungworms live in the respiratory system, all other worms live in the gastrointestinal tract and can be easily treated before they cause serious problems. They can be picked up if your pet eats contaminated soil, faeces, or rodents. In fact, many puppies are born with worms that are contracted from their mother’s milk.

Ticks are small parasites that feed off your pet’s blood and can be picked up by pets in the natural environment, specifically places where wild animals have passed through. They often carry bloodborne diseases such as Lyme disease, which causes a number of issues in pets including arthritis and kidney damage.