Worms are internal parasites that can be a serious health risk to puppies if left untreated and may potentially infect and cause disease in humans.
Roundworms and tapeworms are the most common ones to infest dogs, although it isn't always easy to tell if your dog has worms as there may not be any noticeable symptoms.
People, particularly children, often catch worms as eggs can be picked up in contaminated soil. It is recommended that dogs are wormed at least every three to four months. Our vets or nursing staff will be able to advise you on appropriate worming products.
Most dogs suffer from flea infestation at some point in their lives and while there may be no symptoms at all, the most common symptom to look out for is scratching or chewing most commonly at the tail-base and lower back. Close inspection may reveal either small black insects or more likely the small, black flea faeces, which are passed through the insect after sucking blood from dogs. Flea faeces can be identified by brushing your dog's coat with a fine-toothed comb and placing the debris you collect on a piece of white paper. Flea faeces will dissolve in water to produce brown/red swirls on the paper.
The adult fleas you may see on your pet are only the tip of the iceberg - 95% of the problem exists as eggs, larvae and pupae in the home. Also, if your dog lives with a cat it's a good idea to treat it at the same time! Our vets or nursing staff will be able to advise you on an effective approach to flea control and treatment which should involve treating both your pet and your home for fleas.
