Fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm and intestinal worms pose serious health risks, causing discomfort and spreading disease. It is important to focus on prevention to keep your pet safe.

Paralysis Ticks

In Queensland, controlling ticks is especially important as tick paralysis is considered an emergency and can have serious consequences. When a tick latches onto your pet’s skin, it quickly becomes swollen with blood and releases a powerful toxin that can lead to muscle paralysis. If not treated swiftly with an anti-toxin, this paralysis can affect the muscles responsible for breathing, potentially resulting in death. To safeguard your pet from ticks, there are various spot-on and oral treatments available, which often provide comprehensive protection against multiple types of parasites.

Heartworm

is an increasing concern in our area and requires specific treatment that’s different from regular worming — something that can easily be missed but is important to manage. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes, where infected insects deposit the larval heartworms into the animal. The larvae then migrate towards the heart and lungs where they can grow up to 30cm long. After reaching maturity they can start to reproduce. These worms cause severe damage by clogging the heart and major blood vessels, leading to circulatory problems, respiratory distress (dyspnoea), and eventual heart failure. Adult worms can live for 5 to 7 years in a dog.

If your current worming treatment covers heartworm, it’s important to follow the specific schedule provided, as it may differ from regular worming protocols.

Many deworming products target the four most prevalent types of intestinal parasites.

For further guidance on parasite prevention, consider scheduling a check-up with veterinarian.

The dedicated team at Jacobs Well Veterinary Surgery is here to provide your pets with the care they need while equipping you with the knowledge to keep them healthy.