Intestinal worms can cause disease that ranges from mild to potentially fatal, particularly in young, malnourished animals. When it comes to these nasty parasites, there are a number of different types you need to be aware of, which include; Roundworms, hookworms, Whipworms, Tapeworms and Heartworm.

Pets can be exposed to worms in many ways, including picking them up in the environment while outside, not just from contact with other pets. This means prevention is the best treatment for your pet and the team at BVC can point you in the right direction in choosing a worming product to suit. It is crucial that deworming is performed, regardless of whether your pet has had worms in the past or not. Cats and Dogs need to be dewormed at regular intervals to prevent intestinal worms.

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).

When it comes to fleas, prevention is definitely better than cure. By the time you see fleas on your dog or cat, chances are they have already started laying eggs to infest your house! An infestation can happen to your pet at any time, even if you have a very clean house. Fleas are a part of our natural world; they are an insect that has evolved to live off a host. Believe it or not, you don’t have to see adult fleas for your pet to be exposed to flea burdens and fleas can occur all year round, not just in the summer time. For this reason, just like with intestinal worming prevention, using a preventative flea product is the best way to prevent and control flea burdens that can affect your pet.

Ear mites can cause intense ear irritation and discomfort for your pet. These tiny parasites feed on wax and oils in the ear canals and can result in head shaking, scratching, rubbing of the ears and secondary ear infections.

Heartworm is another form of parasite that dogs should be protected against. Dog heartworms are a parasite spread by mosquitoes. Heartworm in dogs is prevalent across Australia and can be a serious and potentially fatal condition. Prevention of heartworm needs to begin as early as three months of age. In the beginning, heartworm preventative is given in the form of an injection called Proheart. A booster of this injection is then given at 9 months of age when your dog is close to their adult weight, with a booster every year after that. 

Heartworm

Heartworm is another form of parasite that dogs should be protected against. Dog heartworms are a parasite spread by mosquitoes. Heartworm in dogs is prevalent across Australia and can be a serious and potentially fatal condition. Prevention of heartworm needs to begin as early as three months of age. In the beginning, heartworm preventative is given in the form of an injection called Proheart. A booster of this injection is then given at 9 months of age when your dog is close to their adult weight, with a booster every year after that.

Our feline friends do not need this injection as this parasite does not seem to infect them!

Please feel free to contact the team for more information or advice.