Intestinal worms can cause a range of diseases, from mild issues to potentially fatal conditions, especially in young or malnourished animals. It’s essential to recognize the different types of these parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and heartworm.

Pets can pick up worms in various ways, often from their environment while outdoors—not just through contact with other pets. That’s why prevention is key. The BVC team can help you choose the right worming product to keep your pet safe. Regular deworming is essential for cats and dogs, regardless of past exposure to worms, to prevent intestinal worm infections and protect their health.

Ticks are common parasites of dogs and cats around the world, and Australia is no different. There are three main tick species that infest dogs in Australia: paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks, and bush ticks. 

• Paralysis Ticks:While uncommon, paralysis ticks have been found in the greater Melbourne area to Lakes Entrance in Victoria. They are one of the most dangerous parasites that can affect your pet as they produce a potentially fatal toxin which causes tick paralysis in dogs and cats. 
• Brown dog ticks: The brown dog tick is widely distributed throughout Australia. They can cause skin irritation and heavy infestations may result in anaemia from excessive blood loss. Brown dog ticks can also transmit potentially fatal infections from one dog to another. Ehrlichia canis is one such bacteria that is transmitted by brown dog ticks. This potentially fatal brown dog tick disease was identified for the first time in Australia in 2020.
• Bush tick:Australia is home to bush ticks which are found along parts of the east and west coast. If you find a bush tick on your dog, it is important to remove it. Bush ticks can cause skin irritation and can also transmit potentially fatal diseases when they bite (e.g. babesiosis).

Preventing fleas is always better than treating an infestation. Once you see fleas on your dog or cat, they’ve likely already started laying eggs in your home! Fleas can infest pets at any time, even in the cleanest homes. These pests are part of nature and have evolved to survive on a host.

You don’t need to see adult fleas to know your pet may be dealing with fleas, which can thrive year-round, not just in summer. That’s why using a preventative flea product is essential to control flea burdens and protect your pet—just as you would with regular intestinal worming.

Ear mites cause intense irritation and discomfort for pets. These tiny parasites feed on wax and oils in the ear canals, often leading to head shaking, ear scratching, ear rubbing, and even secondary ear infections.

Heartworm is a dangerous parasite that dogs need protection against. Spread by mosquitoes, heartworm is common across Australia and can lead to serious, potentially fatal conditions in dogs. Preventing heartworm should begin at just three months of age, with an initial injection of Proheart. A second injection is given at nine months, when your dog is near their adult weight, and then boosted annually.

Cats, however, do not require this injection, as heartworm does not typically infect them.

Feel free to contact our team for more information or advice on heartworm prevention for your dog!