Ascot Veterinary is able to provide parasite control by means of injections, tablets, chewables, spot ons and collars for your small animals. Our veterinarians provide expert advice managing fleas, heartworms, intestinal worms and other parasites that your pet may encounter.
Intestinal worms
Nematodes (roundworms) and Cestodes (flea tapeworms, hydatid tapeworms and hookworms) can cause a range of issues in pets.
Mainly affecting young dogs and puppies, roundworms live freely in the bowel and can cause digestive upset, gas, pot bellied appearances and poor growth. Roundworms are also extremely common in kittens.
Flea tapeworm is the most common tapeworm found in dogs. It rarely causes issues for adults but can affect puppies in a similar way to roundworms. Spread by fleas as the intermediate host, the most effective protection is good flea prevention.
Flea tapeworm is common in cats, with the majority of cats infected by fleas also having a tapeworm infection. Cats who hunt have a higher risk of being infected with tapeworms from eating rats and mice.
Hydatid tapeworm can be spread from animals to humans. Kangaroos, sheep and humans can act as a host, with cysts forming in various organs. To control hydatid tapeworm, never feed your dog offal or undercooked meat.
Hookworms are pathogenic in dogs, burrowing into the lining of the bowel and causing anaemia.
To protect against worms, pups and kittens should be treated every two weeks. Adult pets should be treated every three months. Our veterinary team will guide you through our range of treatment options to find the best solution for your pet.
Fleas
Fleas can be difficult to eradicate as only a small number exist on your pet at a time; flea eggs and larvae live in the pet’s environment and can remain for up to a year. Causing irritation and itching, fleas can be an uncomfortable nuisance for both you and your pets. Some animals are even allergic to flea saliva and can develop flea allergy dermatitis. In severe infestations, dogs and cats may become anaemic. We have a multitude of treatments to minimise your pet’s risk of catching fleas.
Heartworm
Dirofilaria immitis, commonly known as heartworm, is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs. While prophylactic treatment has reduced the incidence of heartworm, prevention is still required. Adult heartworms, found in the heart and large vessels of infected dogs, can live up to five years and produce millions of young larvae. The larvae live in the bloodstream and small vessels and are passed between dogs by mosquitos; eventually developing into adult worms. Infected dogs may not present with symptoms for up to two years, and by then cases may be quite advanced. Clinical signs involve a chronic cough, weakness, lethargy and shortness of breath. Preventative treatments are incredibly effective in protecting your dog against infection.
If you’re concerned about your pet your pet contact Ascot Veterinary for more information about animal parasite control.
