Protecting puppies from parasites

There are various nasty parasites you need to protect your new puppy from, including heartworms, intestinal worms, fleas and ticks. Whilst some treatments cover all of these parasites, it's best to talk to your vet about the treatment that's right for your dog type and location.

Whether it's oral chews, spot-on products or injections under the skin, it's important to get on top of parasite treatments as soon as you bring your puppy home, as introducing them to new environments can increase their exposure to disease.

There are various nasty parasites you need to protect your new puppy from, including intestinal worms and fleas.

Whether it's oral chews or spot-on products, it's important to get on top of parasite treatments as soon as you bring your puppy home, as introducing them to new environments can increase their exposure to disease.

Fleas and ticks

Fleas

Fleas

Fleas commonly cause itching, skin disease and allergic reactions in pups. What's more, they can be challenging to diagnose, as a puppy with flea allergy dermatitis may never actually be seen with fleas! That's why flea treatments should be given every month of the year to prevent and control flea infestations effectively. Please consult our veterinary team for the best advice on flea prevention for your puppy.

Fleas commonly cause itching, skin disease and allergic reactions in pups. What's more, they can be challenging to diagnose, as a puppy with flea allergy dermatitis may never actually be seen with fleas! That's why flea treatments should be given every month of the year to prevent and control flea infestations effectively.

Ticks

There are several types of ticks in Australia, with varying degrees of risk – from the nuisance bush tick to the deadly paralysis tick. Paralysis ticks are a common parasite for those living near the eastern seaboard of Australia. They can result in symptoms such as breathing diffculty, weakness, paralysis of the legs and vomiting.

Intestinal Worms

Another parasite you need to protect your new pup from are intestinal worms. Intestinal worms live in the intestines and feed on the nutrients that the puppy consumes. If left untreated, they can cause a wide range of health problems, from malnutrition to anaemia and even death. The most common way puppies become infected is by ingesting the eggs of the parasites, which can be found in contaminated soil, faeces, and other sources.

To protect your puppy from these parasites, regular deworming treatments should be provided.

Intestinal worms are parasites that live in the intestines and feed off the nutrients thatthe puppy consumes. If left untreated, these parasites can cause a wide range of health problems, from malnutrition to anaemia and even death. The most common way for puppies to become infected is by ingesting the eggs of the parasites, which can be found in contaminated soil, faeces, and other sources.

To protect your puppy regular worming treatments should be provided. Following the below worming protocol will keep your puppy free from intestinal worms:

You should deworm your puppy regularly:

• every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age
• then once a month until 6 months of age,
• And every 3−6 months for life (more often when they're around young children)

Heart Worms

Heartworms are parasites transmitted by mosquitoes that live in the heart and lungs of pets and can cause serious damage to their health, and often death. Heartworm prevention is the best way to ensure your puppy stays healthy and free from these parasites.

An annual heartworm injection is the most reliable way to protect your puppy from heartworm as it doesn't rely on you remembering to treat them monthly. This can be given from as early as twelve weeks of age. Monthly heartworm medications are also available, however, this is best discussed with your vet as it can be fatal to administer a treatment when there is an active heartworm infestation.

Heartworm protection is recommended in most areas of Australia, however, Tasmania is considered low risk. Please check with your vet, whether heartworm protection is recommended for your pet.

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