Owning a pet means their life is entwined with yours. They sleep on our beds, cuddle up with us on the couch, and sit by watching hopefully as we cook dinner every night. As lovely as this close relationship is, it makes it all the more important that we remain vigilant about protecting our pets (and ourselves) from parasites. There are several common parasites in Melbourne which can cause pain, discomfort, and lead to more serious illnesses in pets if left untreated.
DOGS and PUPPIES
Intestinal worms
- For young puppies, intestinal worm treatments need to be given every 2 weeks until the puppy is 12 weeks old.
- For puppies between 12 weeks and six months old, the treatment needs to be administered monthly.
- Treating intestinal worms in adult dogs (over six months old) is quick and easy with a treatment given every three months.
Flea control
We recommend combatting fleas with Nexgard – a monthly chew. This treatment option has the added benefit of tick prevention as well.
Topical flea control treatments from the Advantage range is another convenient way to control these pesky insects.
Heartworm
Heartworm can have devastating health consequences for pets so we are extremely lucky that it isn’t common in Melbourne. Nonetheless, we recommend an annual heartworm prevention injection to ensure your pet remains protected all year round.
Ticks
We recommend using the Nexgard chew monthly to protect your dog from the paralysis tick as it can be used safely in conjunction with other parasite preventatives such as Advocate and Sentinel.
CATS and KITTENS
Intestinal worms
- For kittens, intestinal worm treatment needs to be given every 2 weeks until it reaches 12 weeks of age, and then monthly until the kitten is six months old.
- Cats over six months old only need to be treated for intestinal worms once every three months.
- For pet owners using the Advocate topical treatments for flea prevention, a tapeworm treatment once every three months is all that is required.
- Indoor cats which are fed a commercial diet may not need such frequent intestinal worm treatment, the right treatment regime can be determined in consultation with your vet.
Fleas
We advise using Felpreva, a topical flea preventative for cats and kittens that is applied every three months.
Heartworm
Melbourne cat owners can breathe a sigh of relief! Heartworm treatment is not necessary for cats in the Melbourne area.
Ticks
We advise using Felpreva for paralysis tick prevention.
