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Worm and flea treatment - how to keep your pet healthy

Veterinary Surgeons

Worms and fleas will infect most cats, dogs and other pets at least once in their lifetime. As a pet owner, you can ensure that your pets are protected from the pain and discomfort of fleas and worms by seeking treatment and advice from a veterinary clinic.

worm and flea treatment

To maintain the general health and wellbeing of your pet you will be required to be aware health risks. Fleas and worms are two of those risks and they can both be prevented with the administration of medications at home or with treatment by a vet. An animal doctor will give you advice on the best medications for worms and fleas, either to treat or prevent infestation. The veterinarian may choose to treat your pet at the animal clinical or provide you with the necessary medications for home treatment.

Fleas are common parasites that infect dogs and cats. Most dogs and cats will catch fleas at some time in their lives and it is important to start treatment to eradicate the fleas as soon as you become aware of their presence on your pet. If you delay treatment, not only will you cause harm and discomfort to your pet, you will risk further infestation of other pets as well as infestation of items in the home where fleas like to breed, such as bedding and other soft furnishings. A veterinarian surgeon is the best person to provide advice on the treatment and prevention of fleas and all vet clinics will have products available for sale that the vet recommends or prescribes.

Treatment can be administered in several ways. The application of liquid drops under the fur on the scruff of the neck is a fast acting, easy to apply and convenient way to eliminate the presence of fleas and with regular use, prevent future infestation. An oral treatment in either liquid or tablet form is also an effective way to keep your pets and home safe from flea infestation. These treatments can be disguised in the pet's meal and should be given on a regular basis - usually monthly. For longer term prevention, an injectable flea control solution is available through veterinary clinics or animal hospitals.

Worms are also common in pets - particularly dogs - and can easily be treated and prevented with advice from a vet. There are several types of worms that infest different parts of the animal. For example; roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm live in the intestine while heartworm infects the heart muscle. Fortunately, there are safe and effective treatments available from your veterinary clinic that will eradicate and control the presence of worms in your pets. A chewable tablet administered monthly will treat all worm-types but you should seek advice from an animal doctor about the correct dosage for your pet.

Preventative measures are the best way to control infection and disease caused by fleas and worms. By taking your pets to a vet on a regular basis from an early age, you will be providing the best chance for your pets to live a long and healthy life. Should you see evidence of scratching, itching, rash, irritation or discomfort in your pet, the best course of action is to visit a vet clinic and seek the advice of a veterinary surgeon.

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