Parasites are more common than you think, and they can cause serious health issues if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to take a proactive approach to your puppy’s parasite prevention.
Here are some of the most common parasites that affect puppies and details on how to prevent them from making a home in your puppy.
Fleas: the itchy enemy
Fleas are tiny insects that feed on your puppy’s blood and make them feel itchy. They can also cause allergic reactions, skin infections, and anaemia, especially in young puppies. Fleas can also infest your home and spread to other pets and humans.
How to protect your puppy from fleas
To keep your puppy flea-free, you need to use a flea preventative all year round. There are different types of flea treatments available, such as spot-on liquids, collars, tablets, or chews. You need to choose one that suits your puppy’s age and weight and apply it according to the instructions.
Ticks: the deadly threat
Ticks are small arachnids that attach to your puppy’s skin and suck their blood. There are multiple species of ticks in Australia. The deadly paralysis tick injects a toxin that can cause paralysis and death if left untreated. Other species, like the brown dog tick, transmit diseases such as canine ehrlichiosis.
How to protect your puppy from ticks
To protect your puppy from ticks, you need to use a tick preventative all year round. There are different types of tick treatments available, such as spot-on liquids, collars, and chews. You need to choose one that suits your puppy’s age and weight and apply it according to the instructions.
Tick treatments are not a replacement for daily tick checks. Carefully look through your puppy’s coat every day to check for ticks and remove them early.
Intestinal Worms: the hidden enemy
Intestinal worms live in your puppy’s intestines. They can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, and malnutrition. Some intestinal worms can be transmitted to humans and cause serious diseases. The most common worms that affect puppies are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms.
How to protect your puppy from intestinal worms
To prevent your puppy from being affected by worms, you need to use a worm medication regularly. There are different types of worm treatments available, such as tablets or chews. You need to choose one that suits your puppy’s age and weight and give it to them according to the instructions.
To help reduce the risk of reinfection, be sure to keep your puppy’s environment clean and dispose of their faeces daily.
Heartworm: The Silent Killer
Heartworm is a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquitos inject the worm larvae into the bloodstream of the host. The adult heartworm lives in the heart and blood vessels. In severe cases, heartworm can cause heart failure and lung damage. Often symptoms of infection are not apparent until the infection is advanced, so prevention is the best option.
How to protect your puppy from heartworm
To prevent your puppy from getting heartworm, you need to stay up to date with heartworm prevention. There are different types of heartworm preventatives available, such as monthly spot-on liquids, tablets, or chews and an annual heartworm prevention option available from your veterinarian. You need to choose one that suits your puppy’s age and weight and give it to them according to the instructions.
What’s the best parasite protection for your puppy?
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all parasite prevention for puppies. The products you use will depend on several factors, including your location, the puppy’s age and weight, and personal preferences.
Our Flea, Tick and Worm Treatment Finder is a simple and easy way to find the best combination of parasite prevention products for your puppy. All you need to do is enter your puppy’s details, such as age, weight, and breed, and the tool will recommend the most suitable products for them. You can also check with your local Greencross Vets if you have any questions or concerns.
Don’t let parasites ruin your puppy’s health and happiness. Visit your local Petbarn or Greencross Vets today and get the best parasite protection for your puppy.