Parasites in Pets
Why Prevention Is Always Better Than Cure
Fleas, ticks, and worms may be small, but they can cause big problems for your dog or cat — and sometimes for your family too. These parasites are more than just an annoyance; they can spread dangerous diseases and cause serious health issues. The good news? With the right preventative care, most of these problems can be avoided completely.
Fleas – More Than An Itchy Problem
Fleas can make your pet miserable with constant scratching, but the damage doesn’t stop there. Flea bites can cause:
- Skin infections and hair loss
- Allergic reactions (flea allergy dermatitis)
- Tapeworm infections (fleas can carry tapeworm eggs)
- Anaemia in severe infestations, especially in kittens and puppies
Fleas multiply incredibly fast — one flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day. By the time you notice a few fleas, your home and pet could be hosting hundreds.
🕷 Ticks – Small Bites, Big Risks
Ticks feed on your pet’s blood and can carry dangerous diseases such as:
- Tick-bite fever
- Biliary (Babesiosis) in dogs
- Ehrlichiosis
- Other bacterial infections
These diseases can cause symptoms like fever, weakness, loss of appetite, and in some cases can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
🪱 Worms – Hidden Health Threats
Intestinal worms (like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms) can:
- Steal nutrients from your pet, leading to weight loss
- Cause diarrhoea, vomiting, and a dull coat
- Affect puppies and kittens more severely, slowing growth
- Spread to humans (especially children) in some cases
Heartworm is another serious parasite spread by mosquitoes, that can damage your pet’s heart and lungs.
🛡 Why Prevention is Better Than Cure
1. Easier and Safer
It’s much easier to stop parasites from getting onto your pet than it is to get rid of them once they’ve settled in. Treatment after infestation is often more costly, stressful, and time-consuming.
2. Protects Your Home and Family
Some parasites, like fleas and certain worms, can spread to people. Preventative care keeps your whole household safer.
3. Avoids Serious Illness
Tick-borne diseases and heavy worm burdens can cause permanent organ damage — prevention means your pet never has to face that risk.
4. Saves Money
Preventative products are far cheaper than multiple vet visits, lab tests, and medications needed for treatment.
💡 Prevention Tips from Your Vet
- Use vet-approved flea, tick, and worm preventatives year-round — don’t skip during winter.
- Treat all pets in the household at the same time.
- Regularly wash your pet’s bedding and vacuum carpets and furniture.
- Check your pet for ticks after walks or outdoor play.
- Deworm your pet every 3–6 months, or as advised by your vet.
- Keep your garden and yard clean to reduce tick and flea hiding spots.
🏥 We Can Help
At Driehoek Dierehospitaal, we stock safe and effective flea, tick, and worm prevention products to suit your pet’s lifestyle. Our team can guide you on the best product and schedule for your dog or cat.
📅 Book a parasite prevention check-up today — because keeping them healthy is always easier than treating illness later.
