Pesky Parasites

Fleas

Fleas are probably the most common ectoparasite of dogs and cats causing skin irritation, distress and often allergies. They are also responsible for transmitting other infections such as tapeworm. Fleas are also a significant pest to pet owners, with untreated indoor pets giving rise to house infestations leaving pet owners bitten when the flea has mistaken them for an appropriate host.

Ticks

Tick are a common problem in pets especially those that live near woodland areas. They are a relative of spiders and are especially pesky parasites as they can transmit Lyme disease to people.

Mites

Mites may cause your pet harm by giving rise to allergies. There are a couple of common mites that can affect your pet such as Demodectic mites, sarcoptic mites or otherwise known as mange mites. Also harvest or red mites may cause concern. Demodex canis is the most common type of mite that causes mange in dogs. These mites are naturally found on adult dogs, but can cause mange to occur in older dogs or younger puppies with a weakened immune system. Sarcoptes scabiei causes sarcoptic manage which is an intensely itchy skin condition in dogs known as canine scabies. These mites burrow into the skin and trigger an allergic skin reaction in dogs.  Harvest mites are a relative of spiders also and most commonly cause your pet problems during the larval stage where they feed on warm blooded animals. This in turn may result in your pet developing allergies.

Worms

Endoparasites not only affect your pet but may pose a great risk to you too. Worming your pet regularly along with good hygiene practice will lessen the risk of your pet getting ill.

Roundworms often cause intestinal imbalances. Symptoms your pet may have include a pot bellied appearance, vomiting and diarrhoea along with general ill health. They are zoonotic which means they may infect people too, causing a great risk to human health especially in children and immunosuppressed people.

Tapeworms live in the small intestines of your pet and their eggs may be passed in faeces. The intermediate host is the flea therefore appropriate flea protection is also vital in breaking the cycle of infestation. It is difficult to spot symptoms; your pet scooting its bum of the ground could be a sign of tapeworms.

Lungworm has a life cycle which involves snails and foxes. It may affect all ages and breed of dog causing coughing and respiratory problems.