Flea Treatment For Dogs
‘Prevention is better than cure’ – with fleas, this can be very true!
Since parasites are a constant in our surroundings, dogs are susceptible to catching them. However, you can protect your pet by frequently giving them tick, flea, and worm treatments.
All year-round flea, tick and worming treatment is just one of the many benefits of joining our Pet Health for Life Plan.
Dog Flea Treatment in Oxford
- In just 21 days 1 flea can have multiplied to 1000!!
- Some dogs are allergic to fleas and react very badly to only a few bites causing hair loss and severe skin reactions.
- Fleas don't live on people, but they still bite; ticks like to attach themselves to humans, they can then transmit diseases like Lyme disease.
- For the health of your dog and your family, it is essential that you use treatments against the most common parasites throughout your dogs life.
Ticks in Dogs
Ticks have eight legs and are linked to spiders. Ticks come in a variety of kinds and range in length from 1 mm to 1 cm. They enlarge and become more visible as they consume your dog's blood. They may be found in home gardens as well as meadows and forests. They may be found across the United Kingdom.
Although ticks are active all year round, you are most likely to encounter them in the spring and autumn. When ticks reach their environment, especially in the tall grass, they creep or fall onto your dog's coat instead of flying or jumping like many other parasites do. After they're on your dog, they pierce the skin and consume blood.
In addition to being bothersome and painful, fleas pose a major health risk to your cat. Anaemia can be caused by severe flea infestations in dogs and puppies with compromised immune systems because the parasites cause blood loss. Remember, fleas enter your home easily and feed on people.
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Fleas in Dogs
Fleas are tiny, dark-brown insects that are widespread in the UK. Dog fleas are not only a summertime concern; they may survive and cause issues for your pet all year long.
Flea infections in dogs are often contracted by contact with other animals or exposure to flea-infested environments. Fleas can jump from their host or the surroundings to your dog due to their powerful hind legs.
Although fleas can irritate and cause discomfort, they can also seriously endanger your cat's health. The blood loss caused by severe flea infestations can result in anaemia, which can kill pups and dogs with weakened immune systems. It is important to remember that fleas feed on humans and can easily enter your house.
There are several flea treatments available that offer year-round protection. To choose the safest, most sustainable, and most effective product for your dog, it is essential to speak with your veterinarian. The best long-term flea control strategies include spot treatments and medicine administered as injections and pills. While some medications target adult fleas, others disrupt flea development, and some of the more recent products on the market do both
Worms in Dogs
Worms in our canine companions may be a very disagreeable concept, and some of them might pose a risk to both adults and children. However, a crucial component of good dog ownership is being aware of the choices for worm prevention.
Regardless of where they reside or how much time they spend outside, all dogs are susceptible to worms. We are concerned about three different kinds of worms: lungworms, tapeworms, and roundworms. Worms are often spread by the oral-fecal route.
This implies that your pet could have encountered tiny parasite eggs found in faeces. Fleas may spread some worms, such tapeworms. Dogs who inadvertently consume fleas become affected because the parasite resides within the flea. Dogs that consume raw meat may get some tapeworms.
It is advised that most dogs take some kind of worm prevention medication all year long. Based on your dog's lifestyle and the worms that are prevalent in your area of the United Kingdom, your veterinarian will advise you on the best course of action.
Book a flea and worm treatment appointment
Worms in Dogs: Lungworm, Roundworm & Tapeworm
Understanding and utilising worm prevention measures is essential to dog ownership; doing so can spare you from having to deal with your pet's unpleasant worm-related thoughts.
No matter where they reside or how much time they spend outside, all dogs are susceptible to worms. Lungworm, tapeworm, and roundworm are the three most prevalent worm species.
Worms are often spread by fecal-oral means, which means your pet has come into contact with tiny parasite eggs that are present in their faeces. Because tapeworms reside within fleas, they can spread through them. As a result, when a dog eats a flea, it has swallowed the tapeworm and contracted the infection. Raw foods are another way that certain tapeworms may spread.
Dogs can die from lungworm, a parasite that is carried by foxes, slugs, and snails. 613 instances of lungworm* have been documented within 50 miles of our practices.
For the majority of dogs, worm preventive therapy is advised throughout the year. Your veterinarian will recommend the best treatments for your dog based on your location in the UK and your dog's lifestyle.
Lungworm Advice for Dog Owners
Dogs can get lungworm, which is a potentially dangerous and occasionally lethal illness. At Boundary Vets, we strongly advise dog owners to prevent lungworm by being aware of its symptoms.
Dogs' hearts and lungs are home to a parasitic worm that causes lungworm. Canines that spend a lot of time outside are more likely to get the ailment, which is contracted after ingesting slugs, snails, or frogs that are harbouring the lungworm larvae.
Lungworm in dogs might have mild early symptoms that are easy to miss or confuse with other illnesses. Coughing, respiratory problems, decreased appetite, weight loss, and fatigue are some of these symptoms. Consult a veterinarian right away if your dog exhibits any of these symptoms or if you think they may have a lungworm infection.
Medications intended to destroy the worms and lessen lung inflammation and damage are often used to treat lungworms. Dogs may occasionally require hospitalisation for supporting care.
To help prevent lungworm infection, we recommend the following tips:
- Minimise your dog's exposure to snails, slugs and frogs.
- Clean your dog's water bowl regularly and avoid letting them drink from puddles or other outdoor water sources.
- Consider using a monthly preventative treatment that protects against lungworm.
- Regularly deworm your dog according to your vet's advice.
You can contribute to the health and happiness of your pet by heeding these suggestions and getting your dog checked out right away if you think they may have lungworm.
Spread the Cost of Parasite Prevention With Pet Health for Life
For your pet's regular medical treatment, our Pet Health for Life Plan is an excellent way to split the expense and save money. The necessary medicines to maintain your dog free of fleas, worms, and ticks will be provided, along with regular examinations that will keep your dog healthy and happy.
FAQs
What are the signs of lungworm in dogs?
Lungworm in dogs is a parasitic infection that can cause a range of symptoms. The signs of lungworm can vary depending on the severity of the infection, the age and health of the dog, and other factors. Here are some of the common signs of lungworm in dogs:
- Coughing - this is one of the most common signs of lungworm infection in dogs. The cough may be persistent and can sometimes be accompanied by phlegm or blood.
- Breathing difficulties - lungworm can cause breathing difficulties, including shortness of breath and wheezing.
- Decreased appetite - dogs with lungworm may show a decreased appetite and a general lack of interest in food.
- Weight loss - if the lungworm infection is severe, the dog may begin to lose weight rapidly.
- Lethargy - dogs with lungworm may show a lack of energy and interest in exercise or play.
- Vomiting - in some cases, lungworm infection can cause dogs to vomit.
- Changes in behaviour - dogs with lungworm may exhibit changes in behaviour, such as restlessness, agitation, or depression.
If you suspect that your dog may have lungworm, it is important to take them to see your vet as soon as possible. Lungworm can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, but it can be successfully treated if caught early.
How do dogs get lungworm?
Dogs can get lungworm by ingesting snails, slugs or frogs infected with lungworm larvae. This can happen when dogs accidentally eat these creatures, drink contaminated water or eat grass that has come into contact with infected snails or slugs. Lungworm infection is more common in dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with snails and slugs, providing clean drinking water and regular deworming.
Can a dog recover from lungworm?
Yes, with appropriate treatment, dogs can recover from lungworm. Treatment usually involves medication to kill the worms and supportive care. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a successful recovery. Preventative measures, such as regular deworming and minimising exposure to snails and slugs, can also help to reduce the risk of lungworm infection.
What are the first signs of lungworm in dogs?
The first signs of lungworm in dogs can include coughing, difficulty breathing, reduced appetite, weight loss and lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms or suspect a lungworm infection, it is important to seek veterinary advice immediately for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
How quickly does lungworm take to develop?
The time it takes for lungworm to develop in a dog can vary depending on several factors, including the dog's age, immune system and the severity of the infection. In general, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for a dog to develop symptoms of lungworm after being infected with the parasite. However, some dogs may not show any symptoms at all, making it difficult to know if they have been infected. If you suspect that your dog may have been exposed to lungworm, it is important to speak to your vet and have your dog tested for the parasite to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment if necessary.
Flea Treatment For Dogs FAQs
Dog Flea & Worm FAQs
What is the best worming treatment for dogs?
There are many products available with new products emerging each year. We are here to help with selecting the best-suited protection for you and your dog. We offer the most up-to-date advice and treatments available. We dispense prescription-only parasite treatments which are more effective than over-the-counter treatments and are often combined to tackle other parasites in one medication.
Under UK law, only veterinary surgeons can prescribe prescription medications as they are required to health assess a dog before prescribing them. For flea and worm treatments, vets usually require a health check every 12 months, which can fall under your pet's annual booster health check.
Please note other classes of medications vary with the frequency of health checks required.
What do dogs do when they have worms?
Worms (excluding tapeworm) are rarely seen, so it is difficult to know if your dog does have worms. Therefore, prevention is much safer for your dog. Tapeworms can appear as rice-like grains around the anus or in faeces. It is essential that you give regular treatments, especially if you have children. Puppies are also at a higher risk of worms. Worms are zoonotic meaning they can pass from animals to people.
Symptoms usually occur in high levels of infestation – these symptoms include:
- diarrhoea
- vomiting
- swollen abdomen
- lethargy
- nutritional deficiencies
- dehydration
- cough (in roundworm and hookworm infections)
- pneumonia (in serious cases of roundworm)
If you would like to discuss a worming treatment plan with our vet, you can contact us, and we can provide the most up to date and evidence-based recommendations.
*Source: My Pet and I, March 2023
