This information has been provided to help you make an informed choice on parasite prevention
What are fleas?
Fleas are small insects that survive by feeding on animal or human blood. Fleas are among the most common external parasites for dogs, though in the UK the most common type of flea to cause infestation on any type of household pet are in fact cat fleas.
Lifestyle factors to consider for your dog
- The household has several dogs, cats (including house cats) or other pet animals present in the household.
- Your pet has free access to places with existing flea infestations or where early flea lifecycle stages may be present e.g. grass and other vegetation, woodland trails, wildlife dens, or in a house infested with pupae and larvae.
- Your pet is known to be at risk of, or suffers from, Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD).
- When re-infestation with fleas is more likely, such as warm conditions (including central heating) and multiple animal households.
What are ticks?
Ticks are oval-shaped, blood-feeding parasites that can crawl and attach to the skin of animals and humans. Ticks climb or drop on to your pet when they brush past vegetation where ticks are present. The size of ticks can vary from 1mm to 1cm in length.
Lifestyle factors to consider for your dog
If your pet lives or walks in an environment with the following factors this will increase the chance of them being exposed to ticks:
- High grass, vegetation or undergrowth
- Woodland trails with fallen leaves, especially in autumn
- Pasture with livestock such as sheep and cattle
- Nature areas with wildlife especially deer and animal burrows
- Ticks can also be found in urban areas so it is good to be vigilant and check for ticks on all pets that venture outside.
- If you travel abroad with your pet be aware that there are many species of tick worldwide. Speak to your vet before you travel for further advice.
What are Roundworms?
There are several parasitic worms that can cause illness in your dog. One of the most important is Toxocara canis, a type of roundworm that can infect your dog’s intestine.
Lifestyle factors to consider for your dog
Puppies are very susceptible to Toxocara canis and can be infected before birth or through their mothers milk. Starting a control plan from as early as two weeks of age is crucial.
Adult dogs can become infected when:
- Ingesting another dog’s poo
- Eating rodents or birds
- Scavenging on wildlife carcasses
- Though unusual, eating undercooked or raw meat
What are Tapeworms?
Tapeworms look like long pieces of tape and can attach to your dog’s intestines. Clinical signs are rare in dogs, sometimes you may only notice tapeworm segments and eggs in your dog’s faeces.
Lifestyle factors to consider for your dog
Another important tapeworm is Echinococcus Multilocularis. This parasite is not present in the UK, but if you travel overseas with your pet, you must treat against it. Ask your vet for more details if you plan to take your dog abroad.
Consider the following aspects of your pet’s lifestyle to assess the risk of tapeworm, does your pet:
- Hunt and eat wildlife?
- Eat unprocessed raw food or have access to animal carcasses?
- Have unmonitored, off lead, access to pasture?
- Live in an Echinococcus granulosus endemic area?
What is Lungworm?
Lungworm, Angiostrongylus vasorum, is a parasite that can affect a dog’s heart, lungs and blood vessels. The most common way for dogs to get infected is from slugs, snails or eating the faeces of infected animals e.g. fox poo. If left untreated, lungworms can have severe health consequences for dogs.
Note: Due to UK veterinary legislation, you can only purchase products for lungworm via your vet.
Lifestyle factors to consider for your dog
Firstly, ask your vet if lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) cases have been detected locally or where you may travel with your dog. Then also consider your dog’s outdoor habits, do they:
- Consume slugs or snails?
- Eat grass?
- Eat the faeces of other dogs or animals?
- Drink from outdoor water bowls?
- Have a history of previous lungworm infection?
What are Hookworms
For the most predominant companion animal hookworm species found in the UK, the risk is associated with situations in which larvae have the opportunity to accumulate in the environment.
Lifestyle factors to consider for your dog
Hookworm is typically linked to pets, especially younger animals, being exposed to areas where dog or fox faeces have not been collected. This can include examples such as:
- Outdoor kennels.
- Parks or communal dog areas were large amounts of faeces not being collected.
- Outdoor spaces shared by foxes.
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