At Little Critters Vet, we know how important it is to protect your pets from parasites. Our preventative care options are designed to keep fleas, ticks, and worms at bay—giving you peace of mind and your pet the protection they deserve.
Parasites might be small, but the problems they cause can be big. From itchy skin to serious illness, fleas, ticks, and worms are more than just annoying—they can be
dangerous. The good news? Prevention is simple and effective with the right care.
Fleas are one of the most common external parasites affecting domestic pets and can cause a wide range of health problems if left untreated. These small, fast-moving parasites feed on the blood of animals and can quickly multiply, leading to infestations in both pets and the home environment.
Fleas thrive in warm weather but they love our warm homes too, meaning fleas can be a problem all year round, not just in summer.
Beyond causing discomfort and skin irritation, fleas are capable of transmitting serious diseases, including Bartonella (commonly known as cat scratch disease), and can also carry tapeworms, which may be passed on to pets and even humans. In young or small animals, severe flea infestations can lead to anaemia due to blood loss.
Spotting flea dirt: Use a damp cotton ball on your pet’s skin—if black specks turn reddish, that’s flea dirt (flea faeces), and a sign that fleas are present.
It’s Important to remember that some flea products made for dogs are highly toxic to cats. Always check with us before using any treatment, especially in multi-pet households.
We recommend Nexgard or Simparica Trio. Our nurses are happy to discuss the options available for safest and most effective flea control for
your pet and home.
Use flea preventatives (spot-ons, tablets, collars, or sprays) consistently and as directed by your vet. These products are designed to kill adult fleas and often disrupt the life cycle, preventing eggs from hatching. Skipping doses allows fleas to return quickly.
Fleas and their eggs can survive in soft fabrics. Washing your pet’s bedding, blankets, and soft toys in hot water (above 60°C) helps kill fleas, larvae, and eggs. Do this weekly if you notice signs of a flea problem.
Flea eggs and larvae hide in carpets, upholstery, and floor crevices. Vacuum thoroughly and frequently, especially in areas your pet sleeps or lounges. Always empty the vacuum outside to avoid reintroducing fleas into your home.
Ticks can be tiny, but the Paralysis Tick is one of the most dangerous threats
to pets in Australia, especially in warmer months and along the eastern coast.
These ticks release a toxin that affects your pet’s nervous system and can cause paralysis or even death within 2–4 days of attachment.
Ticks can latch onto pets during bushwalks, beach trips, or even in your
backyard. They can also hitch a ride indoors on towels, clothing, or other pets.
If you notice any signs of tick paralysis, seek emergency veterinary care
immediately.
Always grasp the tick by the head or mouthparts where it is attached to your
pet’s skin.
To do this you can use fine-tipped tweezers, your fingernails, or a specially designed tick removal tool to remove the tick safely.
Do not apply alcohol, methylated spirits, turpentine, or similar substances to the tick before removal. These can cause the tick to release more toxins into your pet.
Pets are vulnerable to a range of health issues, including infection by intestinal worms: parasites
that live in the digestive tract of both animals and humans. If left untreated, these parasites can lead to significant discomfort and serious health complications.
Intestinal worms typically enter the body through contaminated food, water, soil, or contact
with infected animals.
Also known as parasitic helminths, intestinal worms are a common yet potentially dangerous condition in both dogs and cats.
Depending on the type and severity of the infection, they can cause anything from mild digestive upset to life-threatening illness such as:
— Poor weight gain or weight loss.
— Diarrhoea or vomiting.
— A bloated tummy.
— Anaemia (low red blood cells)
In severe cases, intestinal blockages or even death
Long, white, spaghetti like parasites commonly found in puppies and kittens and can grow up to 10–18 cm (4–7 inches) in length.
Small blood-sucking parasites that attach themselves to the lining of the intestines. They are 5–16 mm long, about the size of a grain of rice or smaller.
Flat, segmented worms that often show as rice-like segments near the anus and can grow to be quite long— ranging from 15 cm to 70 cm (6 to 28 inches) in adult pets.
Thin, whip-shaped parasite that lives and feed on the large intestine and colon, typically range from 4.5–7.5 cm (1.75–3 inches) in length.
A consistent parasite prevention plan is one of the easiest ways to protect your pet from discomfort, disease, and unexpected vet visits. Whether it’s fleas, ticks,
heartworm, or intestinal worms, prevention is always better (and cheaper!) than treatment.
At Little Critters Vets, we’re here to guide you through the best options for your pet based on their age, health, lifestyle, and where you live.
We’ve got everything you need to keep your pet safe from parasites—year-round!