Parasites

There are several proven Flea and Worm treatments for pets that are only available from a qualified Vet and can't be bought 'over the counter'

At Aireworth Vets we can recommend a range of products to get rid of fleas and prevent re-infestation; some are water resistent, some are safe to use on puppies and kittens from 2 days old, some products also eliminate ticks, lice and mites as well as fleas. There are also injections and tablets that help protect pets by preventing the fleas from reproducing.

We can also offer advice and treatment for pets who have developed itchy skin conditions.

Fleas: Whenever your pet goes outside your house, they can pick up fleas from the environment and from other animals. These fleas will then go on to infest your home, the flea eggs can end up in your carpets, furniture and beds and may remain dormant for many months before hatching and continuing the cycle.
Fleas will bite dogs, cats and humans! Some animals become sensitised to flea bites and develop itchy, uncomfortable skin conditions.
You can check for fleas using a flea comb (available to buy from our reception), simply brush your pet's fur then empty the brushings onto a piece of white paper. Flea dirt looks like black flecks. If you wet these flecks with water and they turn brown or red, your pet has fleas!

Ticks: These are insects that attach to your pet and drink their blood. A tick will feed until it is full and then will drop off your pet. They can be removed manually but this carries the risk of leaving the tick's mouth parts behind, which may become infected. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, which can affect humans.

Lice: There are several kinds of lice, which are host specific to either the dog or the cat. They are either 'biting' or 'sucking' lice and both can cause irritation to your pet.

Mites: There are several kinds of mites that can affect your pet. Some will burrow under the skin cauing a highly irritating skin condition called mange. Other surface mites can cause itchy skin in your pet and scabies in humans. Your pet can also be affected by ear mites making them scratch and shake or rub their head.

At Aireworth Vets we recommend that you treat your dog or cat for worms every 3 months.

Because there is no treatment available to protect your cat or dog against worms, regular dosing is vital. We will need an accurate, weight for your cat or dog in order to dispense the correct dosage of worming treatment (especially for collies and collie cross-breeds).

If you have problems persuading your dog or cat to eat tablets, book a nurse appointment and we will do it for you. Alternatively, ask a member of staff for alternative treatments.

For cats. we can recommend a range of wormers which can be mixed with food (or squirted into your cat or kitten’s mouth). We also offer an injection to treat for tapeworm, which can be given by a nurse or a vet.  There are products which can safely be used on pregnant and lactating queens.

Roundworms: These are the biggest concern for puppies and kittens because they can be passed on from the mother during pregnancy or through her milk after birth. They can cause digestive upsets, poor growth and a pot-bellied appearance. Roundworms can cause disease in humans, especially children, and can even lead to blindness.
Wormers can be used in puppies from 2 weeks of age if they weigh over 0.5 kg and kittens from 6 weeks of age if they weigh over 0.5 kg. We recommend that you treat your puppy or kitten every month until it is 6 months old. Why not book a nurse appointment at the same time, so we can weigh your kitten and discuss any concerns or queries that you may have?

Tapeworms: Your cat or dog will pick up tapeworm whilst scavenging and hunting wildlife. They can also get tapeworm from fleas, therefore, it is important to treat for fleas as well.Tapeworm can be identified when the egg packets are passed out in your dog or cat’s faeces and stick to the fur around the anus - they look like grains of rice! Tapeworm doesn’t usually cause any signs in your dog or cat; however, it can be rather unpleasant for you.

A special word about Rabbits

At Aireworth Vets we use Panacur Rabbit Worming Paste to control a prasite called Encephalitazoon Cuniculi. This is spread by infected urine or between mothers and babies and can live in infected areas for weeks.

Signs of the disease include head tilt, blindness, hind limb weakness, kidney disease, seizures and even death. A 9 day course of Panacur Rabbit can help prevent this disease.