Intestinal worms can cause diarrhoea and poor growth in puppies. Pups can be born with worms already inside them so regular treatment from a young age is recommended. Puppies must be wormed repeatedly as follows:

• Every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then
• Every month until 6 months old, then

Every 3-6 months for life (more often if associating with young children)

This parasite is spread by mosquitos. These worms can cause fatal damage to the lungs and heart of infected dogs. All dogs in Sydney must be protected against heartworm at all times of the year.

Puppies start heartworm protection at 10-14 weeks of age.

Options include an annual preventative injection, or there are oral products given monthly.

Fleas are the most problematic parasite in the world.  They cause dermatitis and make your pet miserably itchy. Some dogs will be allergic to flea saliva and only a small exposure can be enough to trigger a severe problem. Anaemia can also occur in puppies that have not been protected. There are many safe and effective products that are easy to use to protect your pet against fleas.

Keep in mind that 95% of flea eggs, larva and pupae live in the environment and not on your pet at anyone time. That could be your carpets, beds, and sofas. Taking a proactive approach to flea prevention with your pets will also keep your home flea free too!

Year-round protection is required in Sydney.  The flea life cycle may slow down in winter but if you take a break from treating your pet it is likely you will experience a flea explosion in Spring and this will take time to get under control again.

Paralysis ticks are common in many parts of Sydney, especially near bushland and water. They cause paralysis of all the muscles and if untreated, pets die from respiratory failure. Treatment can be expensive and involves the administration of an intravenous antitoxin. Severely affected animals may need to be placed on a ventilator to be saved. Ticks are most prevalent from August through to April, but they can be found all year round, and all year round prevention is recommended.

Newer preventatives in recent years have greatly reduced the number of cases of tick poisoning that require treatment. They are safe, effective and very easy to administer.

We also recommend checking you pet for ticks every day. This is done by running your fingertips over the skin, feeling for lumps. Most ticks are found on the head, neck and ears but you must check the skin all over the dog.

Early treatment for tick poisoning is important. The sooner they are treated, the less likely they may be to have life threatening complications. If you suspect your pet may have tick poisoning (even if you have not found a tick) please seek immediate veterinary attention.

Signs of tick paralysis may include one or more of the following:

• Wobbly back legs
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting or retching
• Change of voice or bark
• Coughing or grunting sounds
• Weakness climbing stairs
• Reluctance to jump or even to walk

Intestinal worms can cause gastrointestinal disease in kittens and also lead to poor growth and condition. Kittens musty be wormed repeatedly as follows:

• Every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then
• Every month until 6 months old, then
• Every 3-6 months for life

There are a variety of products available for worming. Preventatives come in several forms such as tablets or topical products.

This worm is spread by mosquitoes and can damage the lungs, however the disease is uncommon in cats and regular use of preventatives is optional.

Fleas are the most problematic parasite in the world. They can cause severe skin disease (flea allergy dermatitis) and can be difficult to diagnose. A cat suffering from flea allergy may never actually be seen with fleas! All products must be used every month all year to be effective.

There are several new products available that protect against multiple parasites. Speak to your vet about which product suit your kitten or cat.

Check the label carefully when you buy a new flea product- some are safe for dogs but toxic if applied to cats. Please ask our vets if you are in doubt.

Paralysis ticks are common in certain areas of Sydney, especially near bush land and water. They cause paralysis of all the muscles and if untreated, pets die from asphyxiation. Treatment can be expensive and involves the administration of an intravenous antitoxin. Some severely affected cats may need to go onto a ventilator to save them. Ticks are most prevalent from August through to April.

It is exciting we now have simple to use, effective and safe tick prevention for cats. We also recommend a daily tick check and this is done by running your fingertips over the skin, feeling for lumps. Most ticks are found on the head, neck and ears but you must check the skin all over. Signs of tick paralysis may include one or more of the following:

• Coughing or grunting sounds
• Difficult or fast breathing
• Not eating
• Reluctance to jump or even walk
• Vomiting or retching
• Weakness
• Loss or change of voice (meow)
• Wobbly back legs

Prompt and early treatment is important. See immediate veterinary advice if you suspect your cat may have tick poisoning. Not treated early enough there is a higher chance of complications.