ParasitesAs the weather warms up, we start to see more parasite problems for all sorts of pets. Here are some of the more common parasites we come across, as well as some information on the problems they cause and how to get rid of them. Fleas Fleas are relatively easy to spot, and if not, your pet will let you know! Look out for these clues: Your pet might constantly be scratching or chewing and become quite irritable. You might notice red, sore-looking bumps or blisters on your pet’s skin. If you look close enough, you might see ‘flea dirt’ – this is a flea waste product that looks like tiny little flecks of pepper. Sometimes, you can even see the fleas moving around themselves – tiny little brown or black wingless insects, with an incredible jump! Flea bites are not only uncomfortable and frustrating for your pets, but they can also lead to serious wound infections, anaemia, tapeworms, and dermatitis. Moving swiftly is the key to flea treatment! You will need to treat: Every pet in your household Pet bedding Carpet Furniture Any other soft furnishings a flea or its eggs might be hiding In clinic, we offer a wide range of products and tools to treat your pet for fleas, and we can offer some very helpful tips for dealing with an outbreak. Give us a call if you have any questions, or book online to organise an appointment. Only 5% of fleas are found on the host. Therefore 95% of fleas are living in the environment (bedding, carpet, floorboards etc). Remember to treat the environment as well as each animal in the household simultaneously Ticks Ticks can be found in every state of Australia. There are many different species of ticks, and some pose a significant threat to the wellbeing of our pets. The most common species that affect our pets are the paralysis tick, the bush tick, the cattle tick, and the brown dog tick. Paralysis ticks are particularly dangerous, as they deliver a neurotoxin into our pet’s bloodstream as they feed, leading to severe paralysis of the m