Pet parasites: Fleas, Worms, Mites and Ticks

Fleas (dogs and cats)

Adult fleas are tiny dark brown, wingless insects which can jump up to 165 times their own length and are easily spread by contact from one animal to another.
    

In order to survive and breed, fleas need to feed on the blood of our pets. They cling onto fur with their claws and bite the skin with a needle-like mouth. For young puppies and kittens, this blood loss can cause anaemia which is potentially life-threatening. In adult dogs and cats (and humans!) the main problem is the flea bite, which leads to irritation and skin allergy problems. Fleas are also involved in the transmission of tapeworms.
    

A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day and these fall into the environment such as your pet’s bedding or the carpet. These larvae then develop into adults that will jump onto your pet where they will bite, feed and so the cycle continues.
    

How to stop the itch

If your pet has a heavy infestation, you may see fleas on close examination of the coat.
      

The best way to check for fleas is to check for “flea dirt” which are brown/black specks seen in your pet’s coat (‘flea dirt’ is really dried specks of blood extracted by the flea). Comb through your pet’s coat onto a wet piece of kitchen roll or paper. If the specks turn red/brown, then you know your pet has fleas. Don’t wait for your pet to itch or scratch before thinking about flea treatment. Effective and regular flea control will help make sure your pet and your house stay flea free. At Companion Care, our vets can prescribe effective treatments that when used regularly, will prevent flea infestation. Request an appointment.

Roundworms (dogs and cats)

Roundworms are large white worms, with cylindrical bodies. 

The adult roundworm lives in the small intestine and feeds on the gut contents. Dogs and cats of any age can get roundworms but they are most likely to have roundworms when they are very young. Worms are often passed from a mother to her puppies or kittens before birth or shortly after, through her milk. They can also be spread between animals by ingestion of worm eggs from the faeces of an infected animal or by ingesting an intermediate host – such as rodents or birds.

Does my pet have roundworm?

There are often no visible signs of roundworm, however, a pot belly, poor growth, diarrhoea or poor coat could be indicators. 

Regular worming is the best way to protect your pet against roundworm, our vets can prescribe a tablet or spot-on treatment.

Ear Mites (dogs, cats and rabbits)

There are several types of mites that can live in your pet’s ear, but the most common are Otodectes cynotis - tiny, eight-legged parasites that feed on the wax and oils within the ear canal. They are highly contagious and constant re-infestation can be a problem. Ear mites do not burrow into the skin but live on the surface of the outer ear canal causing irritation.

Does my pet have ear mites?

Ear mites are commonly seen at a young age in puppies and kittens. Your pet may carry ear mites without showing any signs, however, excessive scratching and rubbing of ears, head shaking, a black or brown waxy secretion with a strong smell are all indicators that something might be wrong. Treatment for ear mites is case dependent. There are medications that our vets will prescribe that can be applied directly in the ear, or parasite medications that are applied to the skin. Certain types of bacterial infections can mimic the signs of ear mites so it’s best to get your pet checked by the vet if you suspect something is wrong.