Why allow your animals to fall ill when most pesky parasites and harmful diseases can be prevented?
Fleas
Fleas are the most common type of parasite and they typically affect small animals. They live in warm environments – furnishings, fur and grass – and can have up to 50 offspring every single day; so you can imagine they’re quite difficult to get rid of.
Fleas survive by drinking warm blood, and their saliva is an allergen which causes sore, red, itchy bumps on the skin if you or your pet is bitten.
If your companion has fleas, you will most likely see them scratching excessively and demonstrating subdued behaviour. In extreme cases, pets can lose their appetites (as well as weight) and old/young/poorly animals can become anaemic.
Most animals can get fleas including all domestic pets and ferrets. Fleas cannot live on humans but they can bite us if present on our pets or have been brought into our homes. These bites can be unpleasant due to allergen in the flea saliva, and cause horrible itching.
Worms
The most common cause of a tape worm infestation in your pet is when they swallow fleas (which often carry worm eggs) whilst grooming. The worm egg will then hatch in your pet’s stomach before feeding off the food in there.
There are a number of different types of worm. However, they all cause similar symptoms including weight loss, increased appetite, greasy fur and what looks like grains of rice in faeces and vomit.
Lungworms are particularly dangerous as they migrate through the organs until they reach the lungs where they will inflame the soft tissue. This can lead to serious health conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia and in extreme cases, death.
As with fleas, worms can be passed on to humans especially affecting children. If worm eggs get into humans they can travel through the body – for example if they travel to the eyes they can effect sight. Most animals including domestic pets, cattle, horses, sheep, goats and livestock can all get worms.
Treatment & Preventative Measures
The good news is that flea and worm infestations can usually be treated successfully (the earlier the problem is identified, typically the easier it is to treat). However, treatment varies significantly from animal to animal, so it’s extremely important you speak with a veterinary professional before administering any medication for your pet.
At Eden Vets we strongly recommend that all pets are regularly treated for parasites, even if they don’t have an infestation. This is because treatments today can keep fleas, worms and ticks at bay, providing the dosage is never missed.
If you are ever concerned that one of your animals has a parasite, or you would like to discuss preventative treatment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of friendly vets have many years of experience advising pet owners about parasites, and are always more than happy to help should your companion start scratching.
Please note: It’s not just small animals we are able to offer parasite treatment and preventative treatment to, but cattle, horses, sheep and goats too.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday : 8.30 – 7.00
Saturday : 9.00 – 1.00
Sunday : Closed
Outside these opening times the
on call vet is available for emergencies on
01334 650888
