Flea, Tick, and Worm Treatment for Dogs at Gower Vets, Swansea
Dogs are naturally exposed to parasites such as fleas, ticks, and worms, which are common in many environments. With regular parasite prevention, including effective flea treatment for dogs, you can safeguard your pet’s health and protect your home from infestations.
Preventive care is essential for your dog’s well-being and your family’s health. Using proven flea treatments for dogs alongside other parasite protection helps avoid costly and troublesome infestations.
All year-round flea, tick and worming treatment is just one of the many benefits of joining our Pet Health for Life Plan.
Ticks in Dogs
Ticks are arachnids with eight legs, ranging from 1mm to 1cm in size, and swell as they feed on your dog’s blood. Found in grasslands, woodlands, and gardens across the UK, ticks are active throughout the year but are most common in spring and autumn.
Ticks climb onto your dog’s coat from tall grasses and attach themselves to the skin to feed. They can cause irritation and may transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease.
To protect your dog, choose a flea treatment that also repels or kills ticks. Options include spot-on treatments, oral tablets, and collars. Your vet can help you select the most effective product for your dog’s needs.
Ticks can also attach to humans, so treating your dog for fleas and ticks helps protect the whole family.
Book a flea and worm treatment appointment
Fleas in Dogs
Fleas are among the most common parasites in dogs, causing itching, discomfort, and potential skin problems. A single flea can trigger a full infestation, shedding eggs throughout your home and making early detection challenging.
Fleas are active year-round in the UK, and their life cycle can include up to six months in a dormant state, meaning infestations may persist for months without effective treatment.
Key facts about fleas:
- Fleas bite frequently, feeding every five minutes.
- Female fleas lay hundreds of eggs, spreading the infestation.
- Severe infestations can cause anaemia in puppies and immunocompromised dogs.
- Fleas can also bite humans.
Consistent flea treatment for dogs is the best way to avoid infestations. Vet-recommended treatments are highly effective at killing fleas and disrupting their life cycle. Options include spot-on treatments, oral tablets, and injections.
Book a flea and worm treatment appointment
Worms in Dogs: Lungworm, Roundworm & Tapeworm
The thought of worms in our canine friends can be very unpleasant and some of them can also be a risk to children and adults. However, understanding prevention options for worms in dogs is an integral part of responsible dog ownership.
Every dog is at risk for worms, no matter where they live or how much time they spend outside. There are three types of worms we worry about – roundworms, tapeworms and lungworms. Worms are usually transmitted through the faecal-oral method. That means that your pet may have come across microscopic parasitic eggs that are present in faecal material. Some worms, such as tapeworms, are transmitted via fleas. The parasite lives inside the flea, so when a dog accidentally eats fleas, they become infected. Some tapeworms can be transmitted when a dog eats raw meat.
For most dogs, it is recommended to take some type of worm prevention year-round. Your vet will let you know what the best product is, based on the worms found in your part of the United Kingdom, and your dog's lifestyle.
Lungworm Advice for Dog Owners
Lungworm is a potentially serious and sometimes fatal condition that affects dogs. At Gower Vets, we urge dog owners to be aware of the signs of lungworm and to take steps to prevent this infection.
Lungworm is caused by a parasitic worm that resides in the heart and lungs of dogs. The infection can be caught after the ingestion of slugs, snails, or frogs carrying the larvae of the lungworm, and is more common in dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors.
The early signs of lungworm in dogs can be subtle and may be overlooked or mistaken for other conditions. These signs can include coughing, breathing difficulties, reduced appetite, weight loss and lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog or suspect a lungworm infection, seek veterinary advice immediately.
Treatment of lungworm usually involves medications that are designed to kill the worms and reduce the inflammation and damage in the lungs. In some cases, dogs may need to be hospitalized for supportive care.
To help prevent lungworm infection, we recommend the following tips:
- Minimise your dog's exposure to snails, slugs and frogs.
- Clean your dog's water bowl regularly and avoid letting them drink from puddles or other outdoor water sources.
- Consider using a monthly preventative treatment that protects against lungworm.
- Regularly deworm your dog according to your vet's advice.
By following these tips and seeking prompt veterinary care if you suspect your dog has lungworm, you can help keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
Spread the Cost of Parasite Prevention With Pet Health for Life
Our Pet Health for Life Plan is a great way to spread the cost and save on your pet’s routine healthcare. You will receive all the essential treatments to keep your dog free from ticks, fleas and worms alongside routine checks which keeps your dog in the best possible health and helps them lead happier lives.
Lungworm FAQs
What are the signs of lungworm in dogs?
Lungworm in dogs is a parasitic infection that can cause a range of symptoms. The signs of lungworm can vary depending on the severity of the infection, the age and health of the dog, and other factors. Here are some of the common signs of lungworm in dogs:
- Coughing - this is one of the most common signs of lungworm infection in dogs. The cough may be persistent and can sometimes be accompanied by phlegm or blood.
- Breathing difficulties - lungworm can cause breathing difficulties, including shortness of breath and wheezing.
- Decreased appetite - dogs with lungworm may show a decreased appetite and a general lack of interest in food.
- Weight loss - if the lungworm infection is severe, the dog may begin to lose weight rapidly.
- Lethargy - dogs with lungworm may show a lack of energy and interest in exercise or play.
- Vomiting - in some cases, lungworm infection can cause dogs to vomit.
- Changes in behaviour - dogs with lungworm may exhibit changes in behaviour, such as restlessness, agitation, or depression.
If you suspect that your dog may have lungworm, it is important to take them to see your vet as soon as possible. Lungworm can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, but it can be successfully treated if caught early.
How do dogs get lungworm?
Dogs can get lungworm by ingesting snails, slugs or frogs infected with lungworm larvae. This can happen when dogs accidentally eat these creatures, drink contaminated water or eat grass that has come into contact with infected snails or slugs. Lungworm infection is more common in dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with snails and slugs, providing clean drinking water and regular deworming.
Can a dog recover from lungworm?
Yes, with appropriate treatment, dogs can recover from lungworm. Treatment usually involves medication to kill the worms and supportive care. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a successful recovery. Preventative measures, such as regular deworming and minimising exposure to snails and slugs, can also help to reduce the risk of lungworm infection.
What are the first signs of lungworm in dogs?
The first signs of lungworm in dogs can include coughing, difficulty breathing, reduced appetite, weight loss and lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms or suspect a lungworm infection, it is important to seek veterinary advice immediately for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
How quickly does lungworm take to develop?
The time it takes for lungworm to develop in a dog can vary depending on several factors, including the dog's age, immune system and the severity of the infection. In general, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for a dog to develop symptoms of lungworm after being infected with the parasite. However, some dogs may not show any symptoms at all, making it difficult to know if they have been infected. If you suspect that your dog may have been exposed to lungworm, it is important to speak to your vet and have your dog tested for the parasite to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment if necessary.
*Source: My Pet and I, March 2023
