What is a parasite?

A parasite is an organism that lives in or another species (its host, like your pet) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the other's expense.

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Why do I need to protect against parasites?

Parasites transmit diseases and bacteria and can cause secondary health problems for your pets. 

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How often do I need to treat my pet?

Treatment for worms should be done every two weeks from the age of 2 weeks to 12 weeks and every 3 months thereafter for the rest of your pets life. Flea treatments should be done every 2-3 months depending on brand. 

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I think my pet has parasites, what should I do?

You should contact your vet and pick up treatment at your local clinic.

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How much does it cost?

Treatment costs vary from brand to brand, they start from €4.25 . This depends on the pets size and how long the treatment lasts. 

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Fleas

Fleas can be a year round problems for pet owners particularly with pets who live indoors. Fortunately, you can identify the problems and take simple steps to treat or even prevent them.

 

What are fleas?

Fleas are small, brown, wingless, parasitic insects that feed on blood. Adult fleas thrive in the warm, moist conditions. They use their powerful hind legs to jump onto your pet but their larvae can be found in the pets bedding and in the carpets and anywhere your pet has access to.

 

Fleas pose the following risks:

• Transmit diseases, as well as other parasites to pets

• Cause skin irritation and itching

• Can cause anemia if present in large numbers

• Can cause an allergic reaction on your pet's skin

• Can bite you and your family!

• Fleas are only 1/16 to 1/8 inches long yet can irritate both people and their pets. Early detection and preventative care can help keep your home from becoming infested.

 

How do you recognize if your pet has fleas?

Do not wait for your pet to start scratching. Simply checking your pet regularly for fleas is the first step to preventing the problem. The best way to check is to look for "flea dirt" - Small black specs in your pets coat, which are actually dried blood excreted by the fleas. Comb through your pets coat and collect any debris onto a wet piece of white paper or cotton wool. If the specs that fall onto the wet surface dissolve to give red/brown swirls or patches, then your pet likely has fleas.

 

Fleas in your home

If an animal that lives and sleeps indoors has fleas then your home is also part of the problem. Flea eggs, larvae and pupae that can be spread throughout your home by your pets and will develop into new adult fleas within week - or remain dormant for months until conditions allow eggs to hatch.

 

What should you do?

Prevented measures are best. Regular flea treatments such as spot-on's will kill fleas that jump onto your pet before they have a chance to lay eggs and start the cycle again. If your pet already has fleas, a spot on treatment will help deal with the resident fleas but it will also be necessary to wash your pets bedding and hover where ever the pet has access to. Flea sprays are also available for household's having trouble dealing with there flea problems.

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